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Libraries Without Borders is the U.S. affiliate of Bibliothèques sans frontières a non-governmental organization foundered in Paris, France in 2007. The U.S. branch was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in New Orleans, LA. Its purpose is to fund the development of libraries, schools and universities, the training of librarians, and the computerization of information centers and library systems. It has programs in 20 countries, including initiatives in Haiti, Cameroon and France.

History and Objectives
Libraries Without Borders (USA)was founded as the the branch of Bibliothèques sans frontières in 2008 as a 501 (c)(3) registered non profit organization. The U.S. branch supports the intitiates of its French parent organization.

Mission
The mission of LWB is to address the structural causes of economic and human under-development through the promotion of better and innovative educative practices, providing access to life-long learning and training, helping disseminate information and knowledge, reducing the digital divide and promoting cultural heritage.

Humanitarian Intervention
Librarians Without Borders advocates that access to books and culture are of vital importance to humanitarian efforts, especially in disaster areas. Patrick Weil, Founder of LWB, has stated that "access to books allow victims of disasters to reconnect with humanity" and "because they cultivate the human spirit and provide distractions to help disaster victims cope with trauma" LWB has identified seven areas of intervention that guide its programs: 1)Education, 2) Information and culture, 3)Capacity building, 4) Conservation of cultural heritage, 5)Cultural entrepreneurship, 6) Reducing the digital divide, and 7)Professional support.

Locations of Intervention
Libraries Without Borders is international in scope and coverage, however many projects have been concentrated in Africa. LWB has supported projects in the following locations:

Sub-Saharan Africa

 * Burundi
 * Cameroon
 * Central African Republic
 * Chad
 * Congo
 * Madagascar
 * Mali
 * Niger
 * Rwanda
 * Senegal
 * Tanzania
 * Togo

North Africa

 * Morocco
 * Tunisia

Caribbean

 * Haiti

Asia

 * India

Europe - The Caucasus

 * Azerbaijan
 * France
 * Georgia

Examples of Humanitarian Work
Haiti: Emergency Mission to Preserve Haitian History In the aftermath of the January 12, 2010 earthquake that devastated the island nation, LWB implemented short and long term plans to protect and preserve the cultural heritage of Port-au-Prince.