At Biblionef, we believe every child deserves access to stories that reflect their own culture and language. Our book sourcing process is designed to bring high-quality, African-centred narratives to life that resonate with South African children in their home languages.
How It Works:
- Partnering for Quality:
With support from generous donors and through our sustainability efforts, we work hand-in-hand with reputable publishers every year. Together, we commission the reprint or publication of captivating books that truly speak to our audience. - Audience Focus:
We target children aged 3–13, tailoring our book sourcing to material that is perfectly suited for this age group. This ensures that our stories are not only engaging but also age-appropriate. - Our Selection Criteria:
- African Content & Illustrations: We choose books that feature authentic South African settings, characters, and storylines, so every child can see themselves in the stories they read.
- Local Languages: Every book is available in one or more of South Africa’s official languages, celebrating the rich linguistic diversity of our nation.
- A Seamless Process:
Whether we propose a new title for publishing or receive a request from a publisher, our publishing partner ensures that every step is covered; from the writing, design, and editing to illustration and printing. Once produced, the books become part of our extensive stock, ready to be distributed to schools and community organisations that need them most. - Broad Community Support:
Beyond our publisher partnerships, we also welcome unused book donations from publishers, booksellers, and individuals, helping us maintain a diverse and robust collection.
With a comprehensive library of children’s book titles in 11 South African languages, Biblionef not only meets the needs of online orders but also serves as a ‘one-stop shop’ for NGOs and community groups, sustaining our mission to foster a lifelong love of reading.