Message from the Executive Director

This past year marked my first as Executive Director of the African Library Project, with a focus on building on the meaningful impact this work has created in communities.

One of the most meaningful parts of this year was spending time in Lesotho, South Africa, and Botswana, with our partners, educators, and students. Being in these spaces offered a deeper understanding of what access to books truly means — not just as a resource, but as an opportunity. In classrooms and community libraries, I heard students bring stories to life, listened to how much ALP libraries matter, watched as teachers create new ways to engage learners, and saw communities take ownership of the libraries in ways that reflect their priorities and vision.

This year also marked an important moment of reflection and renewal for the organization. Through a thoughtful rebrand, we took the opportunity to bring greater clarity to how we communicate who we are today — a global community of volunteers, partners, and supporters working together to expand access to books and learning. The rebrand is more than a visual update; it’s a clearer expression of our values, our partnerships, and the longterm impact we are working toward.

At the same time, we’ve remained focused on strengthening the foundation that sustains this work. While book drives and international shipping fees help get books into communities, that’s only part of the picture. Running a healthy organization also means the steady, day-to-day work that makes every shipment possible — coordinating volunteers, supporting partners and training, planning logistics, and staying responsive as needs change.

Flexible, unrestricted funding allows us to respond in real time, strengthen our foundation, and invest in the systems that keep libraries strong long after the books arrive.

Simply put, unrestricted support allows us to do this work thoughtfully and sustainably.

The groundwork is beginning to show up in meaningful ways. This year also brought promising signs of where the African Library Project is headed. In Lesotho, we officially welcomed a new partner, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, and we’re excited about what’s possible through this engaged collaboration as we continue strengthening libraries and learning spaces together.

And during visits to partner schools in Botswana, students in the “I’m Smart” Book Club wrote and published their own book, Brighter in the Dark, becoming published authors at just 13 and 14 years old — a reminder of what can happen when young people have access to books, encouragement, and space to create. As we look ahead, our focus remains clear: continuing to build strong partnerships, supporting communities guided by shared goals, and ensuring that every ALP library remains vibrant and well used.

Thank you for being part of this work.

In partnership,

Brandi Warren
Executive Director