The World is
Just a Book Away
Our Goal, Vision & Commitment
Our Libraries & Programs
Volunteer, Participate, or Donate
What is WIJABA?
The World is Just a Book Away (WIJABA) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Santa Monica, CA that seeks to build leaders for the future by empowering children to change their own lives and communities through books, libraries, and educational programs.
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
The 14th Dalai Lama
"I believe that reading books can help us make this life meaningful...My greetings to all the children and students who will benefit from this project. I hope you will not only find the books you want, but will also discover and take interest in others you would otherwise not have known about."
Dr. Jane Goodall
Founder—The Jane Goodall Institute
& UN Messenger of Peace
"WIJABA libraries are very obviously making a huge difference to hundreds of children. Just watching the way the children pick up the books and read them, and the expression in their eyes and their excitement, makes everything worthwhile."
Liam Neeson
Actor & WIJABA Supporter
"I believe that books are a passport to life; they’ll also be your best friend for life. When one hears that millions of children are missing out on an education and access to books around the world, one realizes that WIJABA is not some luxury, part-time project, but a vital necessity for our world’s future; it’s the children."
“I love going to library at my school.
The library is very nice, comfortable and beautiful. I love fairytale books! I go to our library with my friends twice a week.”
Aditya Saputrra, Grade 3
The World is Just a Book Away Environmental Education Program in Partnership with
Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots
WIJABA has teamed with Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots to create a unique environmental education program that reaches tens of thousands of Indonesian school children.
The World is Just a Book Away
Edited by James J. Owens
& Illustrated by Ryane Acalin
The World is Just a Book Away is an anthology edited by USC professor James J. Owens that captures the stories of how books and reading inspired some of the world s most prominent people. Recognizing the life-changing nature of reading, Owens set out in 2002 to create this deeply moving book.
WIJABA Podcast
James Owens, founder and CEO of the international children’s literacy nonprofit The World is Just a Book Away, speaks with celebrities, politicians, authors, and other global influencers about the impact of books and reading in their lives.
Health & Hygiene Program
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, WIJABA developed and distributed educational videos about health and hygiene to 60,000+ children in Indonesia.
