Libros para Pueblos

Yes. Direct contact between sponsor and library is encouraged. A member of our team will be happy to take you to visit your library or help you in any way possible.

The focus of the collection is reading for fun.The majority of the books are storybooks and child friendly non-fiction although we now include some reference books and are installing computers that can be used as reference sources.

All of the books are in Spanish. A few of them are bilingual English/Spanish or Indigenous language/Spanish.

Yes, every book added to the collection is reviewed for appropriate content. We strive to eliminate any with political, commercial or religious agendas. We also reserve the right to eliminate books that we feel are questionably violent, sexual, rascist or sexist.

Libros Para Pueblos is now and has always been run by dedicated volunteers who receive no monetary compensation for their efforts. Expenses are paid by the volunteer or visitor who incurs them.

Each library belongs to the community where it is located. The secret to our success is that the townspeople have complete ownership and can implement any programs and ideas they may have. Once the books are turned over to the village we act only in the capacity of advisor.

100% of our funding comes from private donations. We handle our own fundraising. We do not accept donations from any religious or political organizations. In order to maintain political and religious neutrality, we request that all donations be submitted through an individual.

Yes. Because we open new libraries every month we are always looking for new sponsors. Many of our libraries are already being sponsored but we are opening new locations on a regular basis. Families, book clubs, schools and individuals have a direct relationship with their library. Several have come to Oaxaca and spent time with the people in their selected village. Schoolchildren write letters and send photos back and forth. Let us tailor a relationship especially for you and your group.

No. Each location is a joint effort between us and the community. We respect the people we work with and recognize the village library must be their dream if it is to be successful. The responsibilities of the village include: choosing and preparing a space including installing the shelves and providing furniture when possible; providing a librarian and a system so the children have the opportunity to check out books and take them to their homes; and a 2000 peso (about $175 USD) contribution to the cost of the initial start up collection.

One time donations are always welcome and will be applied to our general operating fund. However, a five year committment is necessary in order to adopt a library. The library needs the security of freedom from worrying about funding in order to focus on the most important part of what we do...the children.