Who We Are
OUR MISSION
The African Library Project changes lives book by book, working with African partners and North American volunteers to create, improve, and sustain libraries in African communities.
EXPAND opportunities by CREATING spaces that
NURTURE literacy.
OUR VISION
Our Book Drive Model
01.
Volunteers Lead Book Drives
Our volunteers, called Book Drive Organizers, lead the effort to collect gently used children’s books from their communities. Each registered book drive focuses on a shared goal:
1 Book Drive = 1 Unit = 500 books
This approach brings clarity and consistency to the book drive experience while helping ensure books are well-matched and ready to serve partner schools and community libraries.
5 Steps to a Successful Book Drive
-
Start by registering to become a Book Drive Organizer!
Once you sign up, you’ll receive Book Drive Guidelines and be connected with an ALP volunteer who will support you throughout the process.
As you plan:
Set a clear goal of 1 unit (500 books).
Learn about the partner school or community library your books will support.
Begin thinking about how you’ll collect books and raise funds for shipping.
Thoughtful planning helps ensure a smooth and successful drive from start to finish.
-
Collect gently used children’s books from your community — schools, libraries, bookstores, neighbors, friends, and family are all great places to start.
Helpful tips:
Focus on reaching your 500-book goal.
Follow the Book Drive Guidelines to sort books by reading level.
Share progress updates with supporters to keep momentum strong.
Every book opens the door to stories, learning, and possibility.
-
Once your collection is complete:
Pack books securely in sturdy boxes, keeping each box under 35 lbs. Small boxes (size:10x8x10) work especially well!
Stack the books to fill as much space as possible in the box.
Label each box clearly using the instructions provided by ALP.
Keep an accurate count of the books you’ve packed — every book matters.
Remember to tape the box well!
Careful packing ensures books arrive safely and ready for use.
-
Book Drive Organizers cover the cost of shipping books to ALP’s U.S. warehouse in New Orleans, typically using USPS Media Mail. An international shipping fee is also paid to help offset the cost of transporting books overseas.
Want to go further?
We’re beginning to build a new way for organizers to work together — and that’s where ALP Chapters come in.If you’re interested in:
Collaborating with others in your area
Hosting recurring book drives
Building a local community committed to literacy
Let us know! We’re actively looking for individuals who want to work together, share leadership, and grow ALP Chapters across the U.S. and beyond.
-
Reaching your 500-book goal is something to celebrate!
Share photos, stories, and reflections from your book drive with ALP here: https://form.jotform.com/251624991895068.
Let your community know where the books are headed and why it matters.
Inspire others to organize their own drives or join an ALP Chapter.
Together, we’re proving that a childhood without books shouldn’t exist.
02..
Organizers Pack, Ship And Cover Shipping Costs
After collecting books, Book Drive Organizers pack and ship them through the U.S. Postal Service to our warehouse partner, Missionary Expeditors, in New Orleans. To make this possible, volunteers often fundraise within their schools, workplaces, and communities, and we provide fundraising tips and resources in our Book Drive Guidelines. In addition to U.S. shipping, every Book Drive Organizer is also responsible for paying an international shipping fee to ALP, which helps offset the cost of sending books overseas in containers.
03.
We Match Book Drive Organizers With A Partner School Or Community In Africa
ALP partners with African-led organizations that work directly with the schools and communities applying to receive books. Our trusted partners are deeply rooted in their communities and ensure that each new library meets real local needs and supports long-term growth.
04.
Books Are Shipped Overseas in Containers
Once thousands of books from different drives are consolidated at our warehouse, they are loaded into shipping containers and transported by sea. Our African partners receive the containers, distribute the books, and oversee library creation.
05.
Local Partners Lead The Way
Our African partners — educators, librarians, and community leaders — take ownership of the libraries. They provide librarian-teacher training and ongoing support so that each library becomes a sustainable resource.
06.
Children Gain Lasting Access To Books
The impact is lasting: children and families who once had little or no access to books now have a safe space to read, learn, and grow.
Four + Million Donated Books
Since our founding, ALP has donated more than four million books to create and grow libraries across Africa. Each book represents the commitment of volunteers in the U.S. and Canada and the leadership of African partners who root those books in schools and communities as living libraries.
We focus on English-speaking countries where access to children’s books is most limited, working alongside African-led organizations, schools, and teachers who ensure that every library is established, sustained, and used to its fullest potential.
Together, we’re creating libraries that open doors for children to learn, dream, and discover their potential.
Partnering Organizations
We are proud to work alongside African-led organizations that are dedicated to promoting literacy and library development in their communities. These trusted partners provide librarian-teacher training and offer ongoing support to ensure each library becomes a lasting community resource. The African Library Project is currently active in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya (Migori and Bungoma), Lesotho, Malawi, South Africa (Limpopo), and Uganda.
Our Impact in 2024
ALP worked alongside partners in 7 African countries to create new libraries — connecting communities across Malawi, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Botswana, South Africa, and Lesotho with access to books.
269,698
A total of 269,698 books were donated in 2024, helping to create and grow libraries that last.
350
More than 350 Book Drive Organizers across North America mobilized this movement, from individuals to class groups, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCV), faith groups and community teams.
280
280 repeat organizers returned to lead book drives again, showing the deep commitment and lasting impact of ALP’s grassroots model.
ALP’s Story
It all started in 2004, when a family from Northern California visited the beautiful mountains of Lesotho, a country in southern Africa, landlocked by South Africa.
Tell Us Your Story
Give with confidence
The African Library Project is proud to be a four-star rated organization with Charity Navigator and a platinum rated organization with GuideStar.
View Latest Annual Financials