ALNF’s Share-A-Book program is a powerful initiative that provides new and pre-loved, quality and culturally appropriate books to communities, big and small, across the nation.

For many reasons, too many communities and children do not have access to good quality, engaging books.

That's why we strive to foster a love of reading and language by providing all children with books and reading materials that fascinate, inspire and delight.

The books gifted in this program excel at enhancing children’s literacy whilst sensitively exploring an incredible breadth of perspectives, voices and cultural experiences.

Children’s books are donated to ALNF by schools, corporations, publishing houses, booksellers and individuals. These books are then distributed to First Nations, refugee and marginalised communities across Australia such as Palm Island, Warmun, Tennant Creek, Kempsey, 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.

Focused on removing the hurdles of a traditional library, children and families are invited to borrow and keep books, or use them in ways that best suit their needs. Stock is then continually replenished by ALNF, ensuring the introduction of quality books into a child’s world.

There are many known benefits of making books and print-based resources readily accessible to children and parents, facilitating stronger literacy engagement and understanding.

By introducing children to the printed word early in their development, they’re more likely to engage with written communication and learning, and more readily pick up and develop valuable life skills.

Importantly, by increasing access to stories that reflect the diversity of the students and families that ALNF supports, we ensure that children from First Nations, refugee and marginalised communities see themselves, their worlds and experiences in the characters and feel seen.

Greater access to books also inspires greater community engagement in the reading process, leading to applications from many more communities to receive Share-A-Book Libraries and increased community engagement in ALNF’s other literacy programs where the Share-A-Book initiative is available.

We gladly accept:

• New and pre-loved books in excellent condition for children aged 0 to young adult.
• Fiction and non-fiction included.

We do not accept:

• Encyclopaedias, manuals, library books with tags or barcodes, textbooks, or magazines.
• Books with any religious themes (including Christmas).
• Games, children's toys and partially completed activity or colouring-in books.