FAQ

Why only new children's books?
There are a number of reasons, the most important being:

  • Books in the hands of children do not, in general, have a long life. A new book will certainly last longer. Moreover, in tropical countries books are even more vulnerable.
  • Our books end up in libraries of schools and children's homes and are lent more than once. We often have more requests per title. Have a try at finding 30 books together in perfect state.
  • Add to this the wonder and attraction of a new book. In the eyes of children and youngsters it acquires the value of a gift.
  • New books confirm the conviction of Biblionef that these children in particular compel respect and esteem.

Can you also use second-hand children's books?
No, Biblionef distributes exclusively new children's books.

What kind of children's books do you distribute?
Biblionef distributes new reading books for children. They are beautiful picture books, exciting books, fairytale books, adventure books, novels and literature for young people, but also children's encyclopaedias, books about nature and animals, about culture, and dictionaries.

Do you also distribute teaching methods?
No, Biblionef only distributes books for reading not for learning.

How many schools and institutions in Surinam receive books from Biblionef?
There are 250 schools that receive books from Biblionef: c. 175 primary schools and some 75 secondary schools. In addition 35 other institutions for children get books from Biblionef, such as orphanages, hospitals, libraries, children's homes and other institutions. In all, almost 300 organizations with 75,000 children.

How many children's books do you distribute?
All Biblionef organizations together distribute 500,000 children's books per year. Since 1989 a total of 5 million new children's books have been distributed.

Biblionef: its philosophy.
Millions of children and grown-ups are standing on the sidelines, out of reach of any kind of education. They have no access whatever to reading material and books, therefore no chances to read. The result is - despite many initiatives - that the knowledge of reading and writing is even deteriorating.

Without books the doors to knowledge, freedom and progress are closed to these youngsters. They miss the chance of ever being able to contribute in a positive way to the world of tomorrow. They will end up in a vicious circle instead of being able to develop their talents in meaningful activities and work for their community.

Reading in languages relevant to them helps to break that circle. Through reading children will be proud of themselves and their own culture. This provides self-confidence, the basis for a sound development and a sound society.

How does Biblionef manage to keep its costs low?

How does Biblionef get its money?

How do I know that the money is well spent?

What can I do for Biblionef?

What are the addresses of the other Biblionef organizations?