Our Mission

To create, advance and leverage a replicable library-based model in Nepal for sustainable economic development that empowers communities, increases literacy and supports education.



Since 1991, READ’s proven, sustainable development model has been redefining “foreign aid” on a grassroots level in Nepal and a macro level globally. Today, thanks to READ Nepal, 35 self-supporting community centers with libraries at their hub are opening the minds and hearts of thousands of Nepali citizens. Four more libraries are scheduled for development in 2005.



READ responds to community proposals rather than soliciting requests for library projects. Selecting the projects with the greatest potential for success, READ provides seed funding to design, build, furnish and stock libraries, train librarians and launch income-generating projects to sustain future operations. Host communities are involved from the outset in all stages of planning and implementation. They also are responsible for contributing at least 20% of the overall costs.



From the onset READ was designed to not only build literacy through libraries, but to help Nepali villagers develop the means to help themselves. The critical element in the READ approach is micro-funding—the development of an income-generating project to sustain the library once it’s in operation. The nature of the project is determined by community need and geographical location. Rental of storefront shops—often housed in the first floor of the library—is a particularly popular revenue generator. Other examples are ambulance services, telecommunication centers, printing services and furniture factories.