The Reading Room Program

The Reading Room Program is another aspect of the holistic approach Room to Read takes to tackle analphabetism throughout the developing world. 

Library construction projects are stand-alone library buildings, which Room to Read and the local community construct. Our challenge grants require villages to co-invest with us on all of our projects in order to ensure the sustainability of these projects.

A child-friendly learning environment is created, complete with as many as 300 to 1000 age-appropriate local language and English children's books, furniture, games, puzzles, and posters. In these libraries, students find books that expand their world, teach them new ideas, and equip them with critical life skills. Furthermore, as part of our Reading Room Program, Room to Read provides training on proper library implementation with three years of operating support, which includes the provision of additional children's books and further training for staff. 

Special care is taken to construct these buildings as exemplary facilities for both the school and the community in order to further promote the value of education in the hearts and minds of the entire community. We use local architectural styles in order to promote local pride and empowerment. 

Sponsors of library construction projects receive an Application Report, which describes the community in need, reasons for support, and details of the Challenge Grant that the community must meet to ensure sustainability of the program; a Progress Report with updates on construction; and a Completion Report with a summary of the project and photos of the completed library, including a photo of the dedication plaque that is placed on the building.

This project is supported by the Maecenata Foundation, Munich/Berlin.