Biblioteca Movil
The Biblioteca Movil is the first lending library in Nicaragua providing books, information, and community center services to the people of San Juan del Sur and surrounding communities. Libraries in Nicaragua do not loan their books, and new books are rare. There is little or no access to books or information and there are very few books or materials in many schoolrooms.
The San Juan del Sur Biblioteca is an integral part of the community and serves as a mentor or collaborator to twenty six new lending library programs. This project, established in November 2001, boasts some 4,800 registered patrons, 12,500 books in Spanish and English and currently provides computer access and Internet.
The project began in May 2003. Bins of books are loaded onto the back of a truck and are brought by library staff and volunteers to schools in the remote communities surrounding San Juan del Sur. The mobile project currently operates three days a week, bringing over 8,000 books to 31 communities, and has provided over 4,900 library cards to children, their teachers, and other members of these communities.
Since January 2002, the Biblioteca has offered a series of English classes for children, adolescents, and adults. Three levels of English classes are now held three evenings each week.
Children’s programs include theater, story hour, science projects, crafts, study areas and information forums. The library provides literacy information for parents and educational resources for students and teachers.
Ongoing needs
As the demand for more books and the number of new patrons increase, and with the addition of the Library in a Box Program, the San Juan del Sur Biblioteca Móvil needs help. Contributions can help to purchase books, art supplies and computers as well as defray the costs associated with operating the program.
One of their biggest expenses is renting a truck twice a week to bring books to surrounding impoverished communities with the Proyecto Móvil. With enough donations, they can eventually buy a truck of our own, which will also allow them to operate the Proyecto Móvil five days a week, bringing books and activities to that many more children and families.
Amounts that can make a difference: A donation for as little as $25 to $50 will make a significant difference. It will be very helpful to buy books, art supplies and to transport books to other communities.
