I’ve been wanting to write this post for almost two months…
Back in February, when L was visiting, we, along with thirty or so other curious and interested (mostly) gringos, toured two of the libraries Libros Para Pueblos has established — one in Santiago Etla and another further up the valley in San Pablo Huitzo. Local officials and library staff welcomed us and school children read from story books, gave book reports, and performed skits. It was a non-touristy introduction to Oaxaca for L, and a moving, informative, and inspiring experience for both of us.
Libros Para Pueblos is a program of the Oaxaca Lending Library and is staffed by a dedicated group of volunteers, spearheaded by Janet Stanley, a one woman dynamo! Its mission is, “putting books into the hands of the children of Oaxaca” by establishing libraries in the villages of the state of Oaxaca, thereby encouraging a love of reading and promoting education.
As I explained in my previous post, Books… children… What’s not to like?!, the need in this state is enormous. Little by little, progress is being made and over the past ten years, Libros Para Pueblos has set-up, always with the support and participation of the local communities, over 40 libraries. It is a much-needed program and well worth supporting.
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