International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)
The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) is a non-profit organization that serves as a global network of individuals dedicated to promoting children's books and fostering a strong connection between books and children worldwide. IBBY aims to encourage international understanding through high literary and artistic standards in children's literature. It strives to provide children everywhere with access to quality books, particularly in developing countries. Furthermore, IBBY supports and trains individuals involved in children and children's literature, stimulates research in the field, and upholds the rights of children according to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Assignment:
- Promote international understanding through children's books.
- Ensure children worldwide have access to books of high literary and artistic standards.
- Encourage the publication and distribution of quality children's books, especially in developing countries.
- Provide support and training to individuals engaged with children and children's literature.
- Stimulate research and scholarly works in the field of children's literature.
- Uphold the Rights of the Child as per the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
IBBY Organization:
- Founded in Zürich, Switzerland, in 1953.
- Composed of 80 National Sections around the world.
- Represents countries with well-established book publishing and literacy programs, as well as countries with pioneering professionals in children's book publishing and promotion.
- Membership includes authors, illustrators, publishers, editors, translators, journalists, critics, teachers, professors, students, librarians, booksellers, social workers, and parents.
- National Sections operate on national, regional, and international levels, with various organizational structures.
- IBBY's policies and programs are determined by the Executive Committee and President, elected biennially by the National Sections.
- The Secretariat in Basel, Switzerland, manages IBBY's daily affairs.
- Annual due from National Sections form the primary source of regular income for IBBY, with additional support from independent financing, public and private donations.
- IBBY holds an official status in UNESCO and UNICEF, contributing to policy-making and advocacy efforts for children's books.
- Collaborates with international organizations and children's book institutions worldwide, participating in international book fairs.
Awards and Activities:
- Hans Christian Andersen Award:
Prestigious biennial award honoring an author and an illustrator whose complete works have made a lasting contribution to children's literature.
- IBBY-Asahi Reading Promotion Award:
Biennial award recognizing a group or institution's enduring contribution to reading promotion programs.
- IBBY-iRead Outstanding Reading Promoter Award:
Award introduced in 2020, acknowledging outstanding individuals working to promote children's reading expansion and development.
- Honor List:
Biennial publication recommending outstanding works for children by notable writers, illustrators, and translators from IBBY's National Sections.
- International Children's Book Day:
Celebrated annually during the first week of April, promoting a love for reading and raising awareness of children's books.
- IBBY-Yamada Fund:
Supports reading promotion projects, library establishment, training for teachers, librarians, parents, and workshops for writers, illustrators, and editors of children's books.
- IBBY Children in Crisis Fund:
Established in 2005, provides assistance to children affected by natural disasters, civil disorder, or war, including the creation of libraries and therapeutic use of books.
- IBBY Collections:
Various collections of children's books, including the IBBY Collection of Books for Young People with Disabilities in Toronto, the Silent Books collection (wordless books) developed for refugees, and virtual collections such as Children's Books in Europe and Books for Africa/Books from Africa.
Contact Information:
- Address:
Nonnenweg 12, CH-4055 Basel, Switzerland
- Telephone:
+41 61 272 29 17
- Fax:
+41 61 272 27 57
- Email:
ibby@ibby.org
- Website:
IBBY, the International Board on Books for Young People, is a non-profit organization that connects individuals worldwide to promote the integration of children and books. With a mission to foster international understanding through high-quality children's literature, IBBY advocates for access to books of literary and artistic excellence for children everywhere. Through collaborations, awards, and projects, IBBY encourages the publication, distribution, and promotion of outstanding children's books while upholding the rights of children as per the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. With its global presence and dedication to fostering a love for reading, IBBY plays a crucial role in shaping the world of children's literature.