2026 IBBY-Asahi Reading Promotion Award

The winner of the 2026 IBBY-Asahi Reading Promotion Award is LINKS Philippines Hooked on Books Program, nominated by IBBY Philippines.

The Hooked on Books (HOB) Library and Reading Program reimagines reading as a joyful, culturally rooted experience for Filipino children in underserved communities. Designed to counteract low global literacy rankings, HOB establishes vibrant, child-friendly libraries stocked with over 1,500 colourful, locally relevant books and murals that reflect Filipino geography and culture. By replacing passive or uninspiring texts with engaging, interactive reading environments, HOB transforms literacy into a source of delight and discovery, laying the groundwork for lifelong learning and critical thinking.

At its core, HOB operates on three pillars: cultivating reading habits through storytelling and regular library sessions; developing cognitive skills via art, theatre, and history workshops; and instilling values through the “HOB Little Savers” programme, where children earn “book pesos” for reading and good deeds, redeemable at a community-run bazaar. Anchored in Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), the programme promotes inclusive, equitable, and culturally grounded learning.

Since 2017, HOB has expanded to 25 sites—including schools, a barangay, and a community centre—reaching over 21,600 children and training more than 1,000 educators and community members. The programme’s co-sharing model involves 14 local governments, 56 private donors, and 13 nonprofit collaborators, fostering local ownership. HOB has also been independently replicated across the Philippines, proving its adaptability and impact in building resilient, reading-centred communities across the Philippines.