About Us
BelieveNBooks is a youth-led, 100% volunteer-powered nonprofit that provides children in need with new and gently used books to expand their horizons, strengthen literacy, and enhance their understanding of the world. Since 2021, we have organized more than 100 book drives, distributed 250,000+ books, and served over 51,000 children across the United States and Africa. What began with one book drive benefiting the Guadalupe Center in Immokalee, Florida, has grown to 28 locations—16 in the United States and 12 across Africa. Through community book drives, targeted book purchases, PAGETURNER, and girls’ empowerment book distributions, we work through trusted partners to meet the literacy needs of the children and families they serve.
Founder & CEO – Natasha Agarwal
During the COVID-19 pandemic, reading was an outlet and important part of life for Natasha. Though she could not travel, she could visit anywhere in the world through a great book. It gave her exposure to new ways of life and a better worldview. The realization that many children do not have access to books in their daily lives made a significant impact on Natasha. Inspired to make a change in her community, she started BelieveNBooks as an 8th grader in 2021. She is currently a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. She loves hanging out with friends, traveling, and reading in her free time. Under Natasha’s leadership, BelieveNBooks has distributed 257,599 books and served 51,520 children. Her work has been recognized nationally through NBC Nightly News, the George H.W. Bush Points of Light Award, and The Philadelphia Citizen’s “Citizen of the Week” and Forbes.
Our Name
Books make us believe that anything is possible and we believe in the importance of making books accessible to as many kids as we can. We also wanted a little piece of our founder in the name, hence the N. When we put all that together and added a little pinch of magic, we came up with BelieveNBooks.
