Books for Congo was created by Shannon O'Rourke Kasali in 2016 to promote a culture of reading in the Democratic Republic of Congo through supporting library creation, distributing books and building the capacity of local librarians and libraries. Your donations make this work possible! In 2023, with your support, we shipped a container of over 40,000 books to DRC to distribute to over 20 libraries and create new libraries. This year we added new libraries in North and South Kivu, and continued to support a library partner in Maniema province. We also supported local authors, reading competitions and book clubs.

Overall since 2016, we have distributed over 130,000 books, created over 20 libraries, provided 11 additional libraries with books to expand their collection, and trained over 30 librarians. Eastern DRC is known as a place that has suffered from over 20 years of war, and we partner with local organizations and institutions that are building a better future for children and youth in the country. Our organization works with the local community to put books into the hands of more children, youth and adults in Congo.

Learn more about our activities this year here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/booksforcongo