35,000 Books Arrive at Addis Ababa’s Abrehot Library, Expanding Access to Knowledge
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - In a powerful demonstration of global partnership and community-driven impact, a shipment of approximately 35,000 books has arrived at Abrehot Library, Ethiopia’s premier public library in the heart of Addis Ababa.
The shipment, coordinated by Books For Africa, one of the world’s largest nonprofit book distributors, represents a significant investment in education, literacy, and institutional capacity in Ethiopia. The collection includes a Law Library, a curated selection of Girls’ Empowerment books, and updated Medical Manuals aimed at strengthening both academic and professional learning.
The official handover ceremony was attended by Fitsum Arega, former Ambassador of Ethiopia to the United States, underscoring the national significance of the initiative and its role in strengthening educational ties between Ethiopia and the global community.
“This is more than a shipment of books, it’s a shipment of opportunity,” said Jote Taddese, board member and past president of Books For Africa. “Each book represents a chance for a student to learn, for a professional to grow, and for a community to thrive.”
A Community Effort Across Continents
The delivery was made possible through the collective efforts of donors, volunteers, diaspora communities, and local partners who responded to a call to action issued just months ago. Their support helped mobilize resources, curate relevant materials, and ensure the books reached their destination.
“This initiative reflects what is possible when communities across borders come together around a shared belief that access to knowledge can change lives,” Taddese added.
Supporting Education, Equity, and Empowerment
The books are expected to significantly enhance the offerings at Abrehot Library, which has quickly become a hub for students, researchers, and families seeking access to high-quality learning resources.
The inclusion of a Girls’ Empowerment collection is particularly meaningful, as it aims to inspire young women and support greater gender equity in education and leadership. Meanwhile, the medical and legal texts will serve as valuable references for students and practitioners in critical fields.
Looking Ahead
Books For Africa has shipped more than 64 million books to all 55 African countries since its founding in 1988. This latest delivery underscores the organization’s continued commitment to building knowledge infrastructure across the continent.
“This is just the beginning,” said Taddese. “We are exploring opportunities to deepen our impact in Ethiopia, including the potential establishment of a regional distribution hub in Addis Ababa to accelerate access to books across the country and beyond.”
