Why Literacy?

The world is currently facing a global illiteracy pandemic.

It affects 776 million adults - that's approximately 1/7th of the planet!
- UNESCO Institute for Statistics

In the U.S. 21% of adults, that's approximately 40 million people are functionally illiterate
- UNESCO Institute for Statistics

In Sub-Saharan Africa, 42 million children are not enrolled in school.
- WhiteHouse.gov

Asia is home to 73 percent of the world's illiterate population.
- UNESCO Institute for Statistics

In Latin America, most children attend school an average of 5.4 years.
- U.S. Agency for International Development

Fighting Back

At Better World Books, our mission is to harness the power of capitalism to bring literacy and opportunity to people around the world.

When you agree to host a Better World Books Drop Box, you're making an impact in the lives of others.