Bangkok: From a personal "complex" to a systematic approach to managing donated books. The project's origins stem from the founders' past experience of recognizing the immense value of donated books but lacking an efficient management system at the time. Over time, these books became part of donations often bundled with other items, such as computers. Charun Malaikul, head of the "Reading Builds the Nation" project at the Mirror Foundation, whose life has been transformed by reading, revealed that he is committed to transforming these books into a powerful force for promoting reading. Currently, the Mirror Foundation receives 3,000-4,000 donated books daily, with volunteers helping to sort the books to ensure they are of good quality and age-appropriate.
According to Thai News Agency, the selected books will be distributed to underprivileged schools (currently over 38 schools have received them), public libraries, prisons, and various networks, prioritizing the recipients' needs to prevent the books from becoming a burden.
Because distributing books involves costs, such as transportation, the foundation sells some of the books to generate income for project management, resulting in the creation of a bookstore and learning space. The Mirror Bookstore, located at the 1981 Gallery and Library on the 3rd floor of a department store, is a collaboration creating a vintage-style sanctuary for thought. It houses tens of thousands of secondhand books for people to read or purchase at friendly prices. Mr. Charun envisions developing these spaces into a rare book library to make valuable books, which are sometimes inflated in the secondhand market, more accessible to the public.
Despite receiving numerous donations, children's books, especially picture books, are severely lacking. Only 15% of all donated books are received, primarily because children's books are often damaged from use. Mr. Charan is therefore campaigning for those interested to donate money directly to purchase new books for children, emphasizing that one shouldn't fear a book shortage, but rather fear children not reading. He believes that children's addiction to mobile phones is partly due to adults not providing them with quality reading resources. If we create a suitable environment with engaging books, children will be eager to enjoy reading.
However, the Mirror Foundation has proven that sharing is a vital social asset in Thailand. Whether it's books, clothing, or medical equipment, everything can help save lives and create opportunities for vulnerable groups. If you have books you no longer use, don't let them go to waste. Donating them to the foundation gives "books life" and allows them to continue serving new readers.
Those interested in supporting the cause can donate to the Mirror Foundation or visit 1981 Gallery and Library in the Ramkhamhaeng area to contribute to nation-building through reading.