Books for All Initiative (Osa Oyegun & Anthony Chow)
Project Goal: $26,250
Current Progress: $15,000 (57.00%)
Donate NowBooks For All – Nigeria
"Together, we are building a future where every child in Nigeria has access to books, every community has a thriving library, and every family has the opportunity to build a culture of reading."
Books for All Initiative is a non-profit with aims to implement the Global Book Ecosystem Model across Nigeria. Founded by Osa Oyegun of Taurus Education Consulting, its mission is to foster a reading culture in public schools, create Community Reading Hubs, and to re-establish literacy as a cultural norm.
The initiative will launch with 12 library and community literacy sites across Nigeria and an initial shipment of 100,000 books, creating sustainable reading ecosystems that strengthen libraries, support educators, engage families, and expand equitable access to books for children and communities.
Rather than simply distributing books, Books For All is designed to build long-term literacy by connecting libraries, schools, families, community organizations, and volunteers into a coordinated network dedicated to helping every child become a lifelong reader.
The Global Book Ecosystem Model
The Global Book Ecosystem Model recognizes that literacy is not created by books alone—it is created through an interconnected community that continually surrounds children with opportunities to read. The model builds sustainable reading cultures where books, libraries, families, schools, educators, technology, and community partners work together to support children's literacy from an early age.
The Five Pillars of the Global Book Ecosystem
1. Books
Every child deserves access to high-quality books.
The model works toward providing:
- 25 books per child each year
- A personal home library of approximately 100 books by the end of third grade
- Continuous access through public libraries, school libraries, Little Free Libraries, and community book-sharing locations
Research and practical experience consistently demonstrate that children who own books are more likely to read for pleasure, strengthen their literacy skills, remain engaged in school, and achieve greater educational success.
2. Libraries
Libraries are the foundation of thriving reading communities.
Books For All strengthens public, school, and community libraries as trusted centers for learning by expanding collections, supporting literacy programming, increasing community engagement, and improving equitable access to information and educational resources.
3. Learning
Strong libraries require strong people.
Through the San José State University School of Information's Open Access Certificate Program, librarians, educators, literacy advocates, and community leaders have access to free online professional development that strengthens leadership, literacy programming, digital competencies, and community engagement.
By investing in people alongside books, communities develop the local expertise needed to sustain literacy efforts for generations.
4. Technology
Technology expands access to learning.
Digital learning resources, artificial intelligence, online training, virtual collaboration, and emerging technologies help connect communities with educational opportunities while strengthening library services and lifelong learning.
Technology complements—not replaces—books by expanding opportunities for learning, communication, and innovation.
5. Partnerships
Communities create readers.
The Global Book Ecosystem succeeds because organizations work together.
National libraries, schools, educators, families, governments, nonprofits, universities, volunteers, and international organizations each contribute unique strengths that create sustainable reading ecosystems and lasting community impact.
Why It Works
The Global Book Ecosystem Model addresses literacy as a complete ecosystem rather than a single intervention.
Instead of focusing only on distributing books, the model simultaneously:
- Builds children's home libraries.
- Strengthens public and school libraries.
- Develops librarians, educators, and literacy leaders.
- Expands digital learning opportunities.
- Creates strong local and international partnerships.
- Encourages family and community engagement in reading.
- Establishes sustainable literacy infrastructure that communities can continue to grow long after the initial shipment of books has been distributed.
Building on successful Global Book Ecosystem initiatives in the United States, Kenya, and Ukraine, Books For All demonstrates how national leadership, strong local partnerships, and community engagement can create lasting improvements in literacy and educational opportunity throughout Nigeria.
The model's implementation in Kenya through Soma Safari was featured in the Spring 2026 SJSU Magazine, highlighting how collaborative partnerships can strengthen libraries, expand access to books, and build sustainable reading ecosystems that transform communities.
Our Guiding Principle
"Do it for the children."
This simple phrase guides every decision made by our partners, librarians, educators, volunteers, donors, and community leaders.
Whether selecting communities, organizing book shipments, developing literacy programs, creating new technologies, or building partnerships, we ask one simple question:
"Will this help children become lifelong readers?"
If the answer is yes, we know we are moving in the right direction.
Every donated book represents more than a gift—it is an investment in a child's future, a family's future, and the future of Nigeria.
We believe that:
Books alone do not create readers. Ecosystems create readers.
By building strong partnerships and sustainable reading ecosystems, Books For All seeks to ensure that every child has the opportunity to discover the joy of reading and the lifelong opportunities that literacy creates.
Learn More
Global Book Ecosystem Model
https://www.newmedialearning.org/general-8-2
Soma Safari – Spring 2026 SJSU Magazine
Read how the Global Book Ecosystem Model is transforming literacy through community partnerships in Kenya and serving as a model for expansion to Nigeria and beyond.
https://sjsu.foleon.com/sjsu-magazine/spring-2026-sjsu-magazine/soma-safari-ischool
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