There are more than 230,000 public libraries in developing and transition economy countries. Known and trusted in their communities and staffed by skilled librarians, they are uniquely positioned to empower people to change their lives and build strong communities.
Established and supported by governments or communities, public libraries provide access to knowledge, technology and safe public spaces for people of all backgrounds. In the digital age, they are vital community institutions, which enable lifelong learning, digital inclusion, literacy and reading, workforce development, social cohesion, and civic participation.