Our mission
About five new books a year for every reader on Shelf, sent through Book Aid International to libraries where there were none.
Partnership agreement
Shelf & Book Aid International
Signed by both sides. Memorandum of understanding.
“Books are powerful. Books transform how people see themselves and the world around them. But millions of people live without books. We're here to change that.”
What your subscription does
$11.99
your month on Shelf
10%
about $1.20, set aside
£2
sends one brand-new book, by the charity's own figure
5
books a year, per reader, on a shelf that was empty
One reader's year on Shelf. Five books on a shelf that had none.
Where the books go
Since 1954, the charity has sent brand-new books, donated by publishers, to libraries where books are scarce: community libraries, and libraries in prisons, refugee camps, hospitals, schools and universities, most of them across Africa. The libraries choose the books they need.
We chose them because they reach adults as well as children, because the books are new and wanted, and because £2 for a book in someone's hands is the most concrete promise we could find.
Visit bookaid.org ↗Figures from bookaid.org, confirmed by the charity, September 2026.
Keeping it honest
It starts with billing.
Shelf is in beta and nobody is charged yet. From the first paid month, 10% of every subscription goes to Book Aid International, paid every quarter.
Counted here.
Once the first donation goes out, this page shows the running total, in pounds and in books, updated after every transfer.
Nothing comes back.
No affiliate cut, no sponsorship. Shelf donates. That's the whole arrangement.