Very soon we will be launching a new website. We are very excited
about this and many more positive iniatatives which will
move forward the work of the Riecken Foundation in both Guatemala and
Honduras. One such iniative, which you will notice on the new website,
is the use of the name Riecken Communities Libraries.
Going forward the Foundation will be “doing business
as Riecken Community Libraries.” We anticipate the co-branding will aid
in global recognition of the work that we do.
In addition, we have added two new board members, Liz Davila and Joan
Fuetsch both of the San Francisco Bay area. For information on all of the current board members please refer to the “Board Members” page of the new website.
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| Liz and Bill Cartwright listening to a story hour. |
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| Joan at the Xolsacmaljá opening. |
In Honduras Paco Alcaide has been named Country Director leaving William Cartright to devote his time and energy to fundraising in his role as President and CEO of the Foundation. For more information on Bill, Paco and Guatemala Country Director, Paul Guggenheim please have a look at “Leadership” on the new website.
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| Paco and staff in Honduras. |
We are also launching new fundraising conversations globally, in an effort to expand our work in Central America where we partner with rural communities to provide them access to information.
We are very grateful to the website building skills of Marketing Works
of Oakland, California without whom our new website would not look as
good as it does.
Going forward this blog will be available in both English and Spanish and
will highlight particular libraries in our network and current projects.
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| San Carlos Sija, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala |
For now we invite you to peruse the new website and let us know what you
think. We also invite you to join us in our work by clicking on the
“Donate” button. All of our libraries have needs and dreams and there is
waiting list of communities wanting a Riecken library of their own.
Alba dreams of a second level in her tiny library in Chiché, El Quiché,
Guatemala so that she can open her doors to everyone who is waiting
outside for a chance to visit the library. Alba is currently expanding
an early childhood development program with the support of the Reno
(Nevada, USA) Rotary Club.
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| Alba Estrada wants another level for her library. |
Elena, 4, has no idea how different her life is going to be because of
having access to the library in Xolsacmaljá, Totonicapán Guatemala since
she was two. Elena, who is bi-lingual speaking both Spanish and Quiché,
dreams of even more books and more story hours.
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| More books and more story hours, por favor. |
The library in San Juan Planes, Copán, Honduras uses horses to deliver
books to seven, very rural communities. This library needs the funds
to have their internet connection restored. It was cancelled due to a
price increase.
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| Mobile libraries in Honduras |
In the newest library in our network in Copán Ruinas, Honduras more
computers are needed to meet the demands of the community.
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| Every computer is being utilized by at least one person in Copán Ruinas |
Every dollar that you are able to donate will go to fill the dreams
of Alba and Elena and their counterparts in all of the Riecken
Community Libraries.
Muchisimas gracias!
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| Women and girls getting a new chance in a Riecken Community Library. |
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| Hombres too! |