Benjamin Zeledon School Library

In 2004, the Benjamin Zeledon Library was funded by donations from alumni and the Nicaraguan government school department (MED). The library is part of a school (by the same name) in the town of Catarina, however because of the new building, the library is now open to the community. When Catarina’s public library was closed due to construction, this library served the needs of the entire population.

The 1,200 books in the Bejamin Zeledon Library are mostly in poor conditions or outdated textbooks. Students who don’t have enough money to purchase their school textbooks have to use the ones in the library to complete homework and projects. Most of the time they have to share a single copy of a textbook.

Library needs:

Books

Internet access

Furniture

Video equipment

Demetrio Lopez, the impoverished community where this library is located, is in deep need of a better education. Many students work very hard to begin their professional carriers and change their living status. This library is for most the only place where they can go to for research. The community is made up of gardeners who sell their plants to the many tourists that come to the lookout of the Apoyo Lagoon. The Demetrio Lopez neighborhood isn’t a tourist area, but it is home to many of the people who work as guides for the tourists who visit the lookout. Sandra, the librarian, is right when she says, “we can se the results of kids coming and nourishing their knowledge” because many of these tour guides have used this library to perfect their English and learn more about Nicaragua’s culture and history. She adds, “this library is a part of them.”