The LESE foundation was established in May 2025 by Leser sørker bok and Foreningen !les. The organisation's aim is to promote reading and make literature accessible to everyone, with a particular focus on children and young people. The foundation offers various resources and measures, including Bokstart and projects to increase the desire to read. One of the well-known initiatives is the LESEkioskene, which are 130 protected telephone kiosks where people can exchange books.
In addition to book exchange, the foundation publishes the 100 list, a resource for mediators and teachers who want to facilitate reading. The LESE foundation also organizes literary awards such as the Boksluker Prize and the Youth Critics Prize, which recognize and promote literary works. Through its work, the foundation addresses challenges related to reading skills, and seeks to create a cultural democracy where everyone has access to books adapted to different reading abilities.