Biblioteca Comunitaria, Chiche, "Ventanas Abiertas al Futuro"

John and I arrived on market day in Chiche (population 28,000) and the found the library in the center of all the action, facing the main square. The library was built in 2005, with Riecken paying half the cost of construction, the municipality 40%, and the community 10%. The building is small compared to other libraries we have visited but an extension is planned into the empty lot next door. Inside the building we met Alba Estrada, Director, and Amaira Barrios Soto, Librarian.  As shown in the pictures, the library is colorful, housing many books, and a children's corner. The library also has computers for the community but has had no internet access for the past year, due to the high cost of connection.

The Library works in conjunction with local schools, providing information for students and teachers. Library space is reserved for bilingual materials (Spanish and Kiche) available to local educators. The materials include dictionaries, and books about grammar, idioms, and regional culture throughout Guatemala.

In speaking with Alba, we find that the library organizes an impressive number of activities and maintains partnerships with various local and international organizations. The library hosts an English Club three times a week (taught by a Peace Corps volunteer); book clubs; Ninas Tejedores (girls that are learning embroidery skills); Pixab'-Consejo' (a group of community elders that share stories and skills with 9-10 year olds); Estimulacion Temprano (a class for mothers with children 0-5 years old); and Arte Maya (lessons about local Maya culture, language, and art).

One program in particular, Privados de Libertad Preventivo-Rehabilitacion, is worthy of details. Originally the idea of Alba and supported by Riecken and the local community, this program has established a library in the local penitentiary for inmates. The prison library currently holds 800 books, 200 donated by Riecken and the rest by community members. 

    In addition to working with Riecken, Alba has done a fabulous job of creating relationships with other organizations such as Derechos Humanos; the Municipality, El Ministry de Salud (Health Ministry), El Centro Educativos, and the PNC (Policia Nacional). Proyecto Finlandia donates funds to the library in order to promote environmental awareness.

Many thanks to Alba and Amaira for being such wonderful hosts. (Photo: John, Alba Estrada, and Amaira Barrios Soto).