Traveling Library Partnership Provides Creative Learning Opportunities in Santiago
La Puerta Abierta (Open Door) Children's Library in Santiago Atitlan is visited by hundreds of students each week. Older students gather around large rectangular tables to work on their homework in the afternoons, toddlers visit the library in the mornings for Mommy and Me activities, and IHF ( http://internationalhf.org/) scholars use the learning center over the weekend to receive academic support from Candelaria, a Puerta Abierta Librarian and an IHF student mentor.
While many children and teens benefit from using the resources located at our center, two years ago we recognized a need to bring books and story hour to the rural schools and students in Santiago who were not be able to afford transportation costs to visit our library in the urban center. In 2007, we piloted La Biblioteca Movil, The Traveling Library Program. Candelaria, our Traveling Library Coordinator, went to three selected schools where she would share a story and an art activity with local school children. Simultaneously for the elementary school teachers she would demonstrate teaching techniques on how to incorporate reading into the school curriculum. In addition, Candelaria would leave a lending book bag for each class to explore throughout the week. She'd return the following week with a new story, art activity, and book bag to share.The Mobile Library achieved wonderful results. Candelaria said that when the students saw her entering into their class, they'd enthusiastically shout, "Here comes the story teacher!"
In just one day, Candelaria was able to share stories with three classes or approximately 100 students and provide them with a positive reading experience. Many children held a picture book in their hands for the first time. Teachers were especially thankful for the use of our lending book system and for having stories to incorporate into their day of teaching. Two years later, the Traveling Library now visits five schools in the surrounding communities of Santiago.
Each year, we receive new requests from schools who would like to participate in the Traveling Library Program.Please help us bring La Biblioteca Movil to more schools within our community. An annual donation of $550 can sponsor one local school to participate in our program. It covers the salary of the visiting librarian, her transportation costs, purchasing art supplies, and upkeep of our book kits. A $50 donation can cover the expenses of art supplies for one month for the traveling library, and a $25 donation can purchase one lending book bag filled with new books for children to explore.
With heart-felt gratitude,
The Teachers of La Puerta Abierta
