Share-A-Book (SAB) provides new and quality pre-loved books to Indigenous, refugee and marginalised communities in need of resources.
Children’s books are donated to ALNF by schools, corporations, publishing houses, booksellers and individuals. These books are then distributed to targeted regions across Australia such as Tennant Creek, Palm Island, Groote Eylandt, Kempsey, Wagga Wagga and many more.
Once books are received by the communities, ALNF Share-A-Book Libraries are established in local schools, pre-schools, community and language centres. Community members are invited to borrow the books (with no repercussions if the books are returned late or damaged). In fact, the books do not need to be returned to the library but can be kept at home indefinitely.
“We would like to thank all the students and schools in Sydney for sharing their favourite books with us. Our kids devour everything they can get their hands on!” Teacher, Elcho Island, Northern Territory.
We’ve found that in some cases we’ve needed to regularly replenish libraries of all their stock because the demand for books has been so high! There has also been greater community engagement in the reading process, applications from many more communities to receive Share-A-Book Libraries and increased community engagement in ALNF’s literacy programs where the Share-A-Book initiative is available.
And, importantly for long-term outcomes, by introducing access to print earlier in a child’s development, it is more likely that the child will be aware of, and engage in, print-based activities in the future.
If you would like to donate or have any questions about the Share-A-Book program, please email us at [email protected].
