Phnom Penh — November 2025

Cambodia’s literacy community is celebrating a momentous occasion as Mr. Sok Lak, co-founder of One Book One Community and founder of Scholar Book Center has been honored with the prestigious Library Legacy Award by the Cambodian Librarians Association (CLA). This recognition celebrates his visionary leadership and nearly a decade of groundbreaking achievements that have reshaped Cambodia’s reading culture, strengthened library development, and mobilized nationwide participation in literacy initiatives.

Leading Cambodia’s Most Recent Literacy Breakthroughs

Mr. Sok Lak’s most impactful ongoing achievement is his leadership of the One Book One Community (OBOC) campaign, launched in 2022 and still expanding today. Under his direction, OBOC has become one of Cambodia’s most influential reading movements, delivering powerful nationwide results:

• Reading Contest Program engaging thousands of students and community members.
• Mobile Library Program delivering books to remote and underserved communities.
• Library Development Program supporting the growth and sustainability of school and community libraries.
• Book Giveaway Program distributing thousands of books nationwide to promote home reading culture.
• Local Market Program integrating reading activities directly into community markets to reach families where they gather.

These achievements continue to elevate reading engagement and make literacy accessible to all. Within 3 years, OBOC bring over 30 thousand books to support over 200 libraries in communities to strengthen libraries and reading habit among young generation.

Decade-Long Leadership Mobilizing Youth and Building Literacy Movements

Since establishing Scholar Library in 2016, Mr. Sok Lak has not only created a vibrant learning hub but has also mobilized and led over one thousand youths in reading-related initiatives. Under his leadership, young volunteers have actively participated in major national literacy events, including:

• Cambodia Book Fair (2016–2018)
• IBBY Cambodia’s International Children’s Book Day (2017–2019)
• Cambodia Library Festival (2017–2018)
• National Reading Day (2017)
• Khmer Literature Festival (2017–2018)

His most notable recent accomplishment is serving as the initiator of Cambodia Book Day 2022, officially licensed by World Book Day, placing Cambodia on the international stage of global literary celebrations.

Advocating Libraries and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Beyond events and programs, Mr. Sok Lak is recognized as one of Cambodia’s leading advocates linking libraries to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Working in alignment with global efforts across 76 countries, he has been a key actor in raising awareness of how libraries contribute to education, equality, innovation, and sustainable community development.

Honored for Transformational Impact

During the CLA ceremony on November 14, 2025, Mr. Sok Lak received a gold medallion and an official certificate recognizing his exceptional dedication to literacy and library development. The association praised his long-standing service, innovative leadership, and the profound impact of his initiatives on communities nationwide.

A Legacy of reading Influence

The Library Legacy Award, one of the highest distinctions bestowed by the Cambodian Librarians Association, reaffirms Mr. Sok Lak’s extraordinary role in shaping Cambodia’s literacy landscape. From founding Scholar Library to leading festivals, global collaborations, and transformative reading campaigns, his work continues to inspire communities and foster a stronger, more vibrant culture of reading across the nation.