Since 1991, the READ model has evolved from the simple idea of a rural library to a thriving network of 57 Community Library and Resource Centers and more than 90 for-profit enterprises in Bhutan, India and Nepal.
We have established programs in early childhood development, women's empowerment and livelihood skills. Every day, rural villagers are visiting READ Centers and improving their reading skills, learning how to access the Internet or accessing critical health information. Every day communities are becoming empowered.
To see how far READ has come in the last 20 years - from our first library in Nepal, to our 57th READ Community Library and Resource Center, scroll through our interactive timeline below.
After 20 years, we are renewing our commitment to inspiring rural prosperity through education, community and enterprise. In the next five years, we aim to build 30 new centers, empower 16,000 women and girls, introduce alternative energy to all new centers, and create more high-profit generating enterprises.