Bringing Books to Guatemala

Report of a project in Guatemalan communities to supply small libraries.

Teachers in Corral de Piedra, Salitrón, and Chancó do their best to educate the youth of these communities, but they often lack the resources necessary for effective learning experiences. The Benson Institute recognized the deficiency and is currently taking steps to provide more educational materials.

Adjacent to the three community schools, Benson Institute workers have erected small buildings that will serve as libraries. Each library contains shelves to house the books and study tables to seat library visitors. The library buildings are simple, but their contents are precious.

The Institute is purchasing books for the new libraries from various publishers. The selection and ordering process is primarily the responsibility of Julie Johnston Williamsen, an employee of Brigham Young University’s Harold B. Lee Library and the daughter of Benson Institute director Dr. N. Paul Johnston. She and Dr. Johnston attended the Guadalajara Book Fair to become familiar with available Spanish books and to communicate with other librarians involved in similar projects.

Written for Central American children, reference books, such as atlases, encyclopedias, and dictionaries, constitute the base of the libraries. Some picture books form part of the collection as well. Before purchasing any book, Williamsen evaluates the quality of the writing, illustrating, and binding in conjunction with the author’s reputation. The process assures that the schools will operate with high-quality materials.

The Institute communicates with area teachers to evaluate the needs of students. A survey taken previous to the establishment of the libraries appraised how often the children read, how much they enjoy reading, and the frequency with which their parents and siblings read. Subsequent surveys will analyze the influence the libraries exert on reading habits in the communities.

Though the libraries are intended for school use, any community resident may borrow books from these libraries. Having books available will benefit residents throughout the area, increasing literacy and providing a better education for rural Guatemalans.