Sharing a Book,
Shaping the Future.
Registered in 2020, Share A Book India Association (SABIA) is on a mission to ensure regular access to books for every child through school and free community libraries.
Our Impact
OVER 32,000 CHILDREN
are learning better through our library development and reading programs.
33 Districts,
16 States,
3 UTs
200+
SCHOOL LIBRARIES
15 Community Libraries Supported and Self-run
Through our various initiatives, we have shared more than 35,000 BOOKS with the help of over 1700 VOLUNTEERS & 150 SCHOOL TEACHERS from Kashmir to Kerala, and Gujarat to Assam.
(1)
Our Objectives
Making books accessible to everyone because knowledge should not be a privilege.
(2)
Reducing school dropouts by eradicating any fear of language
(3)
Strengthening reading skills - the foundation of a child’s education
(4)
Holistic development through activities that boost creativity, curiosity, and imagination.
(5)
Switching pathways from rote learning to knowledge creation.
(6)
Equip teachers to empower students into becoming thinkers, innovators,
and leaders of tomorrow.
Focus Areas
Library Development Program
At SABIA, we don’t simply donate books. To ensure that a library becomes sustainable and easy to run, we mindfully source colorful, age-appropriate, picture books which are then sorted as per reading level requirements and added to the library kit. The kit also contains an instruction module for the teachers and library leaders, along with a library register for record keeping, reading jewels (cool stickers to incentivize children’s efforts), and library committee badges. This is followed by a 3 months’ reading program carried out by our team members and volunteers where we conduct story read-alouds, book review writing, library elections, and other creative activities to share the joy of reading with the children and make the library a vibrant, welcoming space.
Library Leaders Program
Across India, school libraries (where existant) are mostly found in a non-functional state. There may be issues like book to child ratio being as low as just 1 book for every 5 students, poorly curated book collection (uninteresting, irrelevant books), no library hour allotted in the school schedule or no librarian/teacher appointed to provide the children with access to books. If any available, most school librarians are required to act more like book-keepers and treasurers, rather than nurtures of good reading habits.
Through this program we aim to train school educators, local leaders and senior students to become friends of their respective libraries and are trained in various library activities by our team. They act like role-models who read themselves, curate books throughtfully for their readers, encourage them to choose the books they wish to read, and are always willing to pick up a book and read it aloud to children.
Advocacy Initiative
The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, clearly states that every school should have a library for its students. Since then, various government policies like Padhe Bharat, Badhe Bharat (2014) have also been designed to make libraries a part of public schooling. However, the implementation has been weak across states and schools.
Through our advocacy work, we raise awareness about the government schemes amongst all stakeholders so that school leaders and students can demand effective implementation of the scheme in their schools. We bring the students and their parents to the forefront of our campaign through capacity building and community mobilization activities. We also sim to ensure that necessary steps are being undertaken by the Rajasthan state government officials to monitor the execution of this scheme.
Media Mentions
Testimonials
“The new girls in our class used to not talk at all; they were always quiet, but from the time Didi and Bhaiyya started coming, they have started interacting a lot and they don’t keep quiet even for a while now.”
“We received some books from Share A Book India (Association) and from the day we started using these books or whenever we enter the classrooms now, the kids look at us with curiosity realising that today they will get to learn something new and different to learn and read.”
“When i started, I could’ve never expected the fulfilling experience which I’ve gained here. It wouldn’t have been possible without the two-way learning between me and my students. They taught me to become kinder while dealing with myself and the world.”
Our Community Partners and Supporters
“Reading will get you to start thinking. And only when we start thinking do we truly exist. We need libraries that are accessible to everyone. We need a reading revolution for everyone.”
- Megha Rao, Poet & Artist (Teething, Our Bones In Your Throat, Music to Flame Lilies)
“I honestly wish there were more initiatives like this out there.. the more we have kids who read, the better this world is for us and everyone else.”
- Vikramaditya Motwane, Film Director (Udaan, Lootera and others)
“I really hope you achieve your goal and brighten these children’s lives with books. You guys are doing great work!”
- Sanket Mhatre, Voice Over Artiste (Deadpool, Man vs. Wild and others)
“Support this nobel cause, they’re bringing the joys of reading to the underprivileged by setting up libraries in low-income-group schools.”
- Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament
Want to make a difference?
Want to make a difference?
Are you looking for ways to contribute to the reading movement and join our diverse team of volunteers? At SABIA, you get the opportunity to take on important roles by holding regular story-telling sessions, setting up libraries, formalising library systems, and facilitating donations. There are also other methods which involve representing us as a campus ambassador, helping with operations, photography, and much more. All these endeavours make sure each child gets unlimited access to the joys of reading.
Have a different idea to contribute than the ones we shared? Fill the form and send us a short note on how you wish to join us!