Our Philosophy
Nothing about them without them
Our Projects
Project 21: Learners Building Libraries
We work with under-resourced schools to create learner-led libraries from the ground up. Students choose the books, shape the space, and manage the collections.
Impact: 3 school libraries launched, 1,500+ books selected by students, 50+ learners trained as student librarians.
South Africa - USA Partnership
Share a Book. Spark a Movement.
Books Beyond Borders invites you to connect with South African youth through the power of story.
Recommend a book. Write a short review. Each review helps shape student-led book clubs and build culturally relevant school libraries. Your contribution will inspire student-led book clubs, support new school libraries, and amplify voices that matter.
Learners are curating their own lists — and you can walk alongside them.
Get Involved: Submit a book review and help grow our community shelf!
📚 One book. One review. A world of impact.
Be part of the story.
— Collaborative Book Clubs
We pair well-resourced and under-resourced schools to form powerful book clubs. Students read together, discuss meaningful texts, and build bridges through shared stories.
Model: Equity-based partnerships guided by “Nothing about them without them.”
— School to School Partnerships
We foster partnerships between schools across backgrounds — exchanging ideas, hosting joint literacy days, and co-creating learning experiences.
Highlight: Through Project XXI St Andrew’s College students co-founded a library with Andrew Moyake School of Excellence learners and Nombulelo High School learners.
— Literacy Mentorship & Internships
We mentor youth, interns, and aspiring librarians — from guiding first-year students to supporting those transitioning from cleaning staff to professional roles.
Impact Story: One mentee now teaches information literacy and has earned her diploma.
— School Library Toolkit: For Literacy, Learning & Leadership
We are developing a practical, easy-to-use Toolkit designed for schools to start and sustain their own libraries — even without a full-time librarian. The toolkit includes:
- Steps to set up a functional school library 📚
- Guidance on building a learner-led book club 🤝
- Information literacy lesson plans and activities 🧠
- Templates for student librarian roles, reading logs, and evaluation 📋
- Tips for involving the whole school community 🌱
Why it matters: Many schools in under-resourced communities have no librarians. This toolkit helps teachers, volunteers, and learners take the lead in creating reading spaces that are alive with curiosity and purpose.
Coming Soon: Free download and print copies available through our partner schools.
