Masatepe Community Library

A long time ago…

Masatepe was founded so many years ago that no one knows the exact date. It has been thriving for more than 250 years beginning with the native tribe living in straw houses. In 1996, with a rural and urban population of around 30,000, it was elevated to the status of ‘city’. Masatepe thrives on its local economy which consists of carpentry shops which are known for their furniture. It also depends on a number of small local businesses which cater to the residents of Masatepe and not to tourists or the wealthy. A visit to Masatepe and you will likely see the paintings of local artists and try the famous mondongo soup, which is made from cow stomach.

Step by step…

The community library began in April 1983 as a small project. It was a project that depended on the generosity of many. Little by little books and furniture were donated to the library by members of the community and by the Mexican government to bring it where it is today. Books for Life has also helped by adding to the collection of books. It is by no means a project that is complete; the library is in need of many resources and is still relying on the generosity of others. The city government provides money to pay for electricity but does not have money budgeted to buy books or pay the librarians.

A step you can take with them…

Masatepe is a city where most children and young people attend school, yet many do not embrace the power of reading. The community library focuses on promoting what reading offers and makes available literature and resources for all ages. The library is located in the central park square; a busy place where kids play on the slides, you can get your shoes shined, buy a soda from the small food stand, or catch a microbus to Managua or a nearby town. Amidst all this activity is the library, easily accessible with librarians that are eager to help. Young children are reading books, high school students are doing their homework, and adults are expanding their knowledge. The idea of embracing the power of reading is catching on, and in order to keep up with the demands of users the library is looking for more donations. The needs of the library are:

Books

Computers and internet

Furniture – shelves, tables, chairs

Craft supplies for children’s activities

Salaries for librarians

Lives enriched…

Marlon is a young man that can be found reading a book at almost all times: riding the bus, walking, eating, and sleeping. His parents, at times, have to tell him to stop reading. His family believes that the beginning of wisdom and knowledge comes from literature. Marlon has been visiting the community library since 5^th grade and is currently in his 3^rd year of high school. He encourages his friends and classmates to visit the library as well. For Marlon and his family, which includes 6 brothers and sisters, the library is a place where the truth of life is revealed through books; a place where they are expanding their knowledge and educating themselves to be people that are making a difference in the world around them. It prepares them to take care of their environment and use it wisely and also enables them to teach others with the knowledge they are gaining through the community library. To continue doing so, they need more resources and a wider variety of books to choose from.