What is Green Libros?
Green Libros is the first solidarity bookstore in Chile that aims to collect books to support educational initiatives, promote reading, and facilitate access to books in vulnerable sectors of the country. By collecting, recovering, and offering used books, it also helps protect the environment by putting back into circulation books that have already been read and preventing them from going to waste. This project, born from a passion for literature and social change, has grown into a dynamic social venture that is as committed to education as it is to environmental sustainability… Its spirit is both purposeful and engaging, capturing the hearts of readers and supporters throughout Chile and Latin America.
Main Benefit of the Initiative
- Every sale of a book contributes 10% of its value to support reading programs and supply texts to institutions with a social mission.
- Green Libros boasts partnerships with schools, universities, libraries, literary cafés, and recycling centers.
- It is a certified B Corporation since 2012, being the second in Chile and the fourth in South America.
- The initiative was born in 2009 from a pilot plan titled “A book can transform lives,” which collected more than 4,000 books in its early days.
- The team currently consists of nine full-time employees managing a warehouse and a bookstore located in Recoleta.
- It has built an inventory that began with 2,500 books stored in a humble garage, which gradually expanded as the project grew.
Social Impact of Recycling Books
The initiative does more than simply exchange books for money—it breathes new life into used books and fosters a triple impact: economic, social, and environmental. By donating books first read by others, the project prevents valuable resources from ending up as waste, promoting environmental change through effective recycling practices. It’s a win-win situation… recycling, social benefit, and economic empowerment blend together through a simple idea that a book can truly transform lives.
Educational Empowerment and Access to Books
Access to books is improved where they are considered a luxury item, ensuring that both children and adults in vulnerable areas have the opportunity to read and learn. Green Libros actively supports reading programs by donating a percentage of each book sale and providing direct resources to schools, universities, and libraries. This consistently aims to level the educational playing field, making learning more inclusive and accessible for everyone, especially in under-resourced communities across Chile and throughout Latin America.
Local Collaborations and Community Engagement
The project thrives on collaborations with diverse institutions. Partnerships include schools, universities, libraries, literary cafés, and even recycling points that contribute book donations. Such alliances speak volumes about the commitment to community and local engagement, enhancing the educational and cultural fabric of the region. The collaboration also instills hope in communities where access to books is limited, creating spaces of dialogue and learning. It is a grassroots project that continually evolves with support from the community, often inspiring nearby areas with its dynamic approach and inclusive outreach.
The Project Impact
- SDG 4: Quality Education – The initiative supports educational programs and enhances access to books.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – By providing access to books in vulnerable communities, it helps bridge the educational divide.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Recovering and reusing books promotes environmental sustainability.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – The process of putting books back into circulation limits waste and contributes to climate action.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The strong network of collaborations across multiple sectors reinforces the initiative’s positive societal impact.
The Journey and Future Prospects
In 2009, three friends came together with a vision to create an initiative that collected all types of books to classify, sell, and provide resources to reading-promoting foundations. That first pilot project, known as “A book can transform lives,” proved the concept’s worth by receiving more than 4,000 books, which led to building a modest storage space in a garage and later setting up an online sales system. Today, Green Libros maintains a modern warehouse and a physical bookstore in Recoleta. It is known as a project with a strong bcorp score of 99.5, a testament to its high standards in social, economic, and environmental performance. The story of Green Libros is one of growth and adaptation, where its foundational ideas have continually expanded, supporting numerous reading initiatives and becoming a beacon for similar ventures across Chile and Latin America. The future holds promise as the project remains dedicated to saving used books, inspiring communities, and fueling positive change through reading and collaborative efforts… a journey that continues to captivate and empower everyone involved.
