Librarians analyze the importance of writing in community development
The Riecken Foundation believes that the single most effective way to promote the spirit of discovery is through the promotion and pleasure for reading and writing. Individuals who possess the spirit of discovery have the capacity of trying new things, starting new projects and participating in the social life of their communities. Reading leads to discovery and discovery leads to prosperity. Therefore, the daily effort of a community librarian cannot be understood without reading for pleasure. Through the librarian training program, the Foundation trains in techniques and methodologies to promote reading in children and adults through programming that makes reading fun and accessible.
One of the trainings took place July 18-22 in Guatemala. Within the framework of the National Meeting of Riecken Community Libraries, a workshop called “The Art of Writing” was an opportunity for librarians within the network to strengthen their skills in promoting reading for pleasure and creative writing. More than 30 representatives from Riecken’s libraries in Guatemala participated and learned about the importance of writing and the various strategies for writing a story. In addition, participants learned the basic tools of the trade for writing: space, time, narrator, genre, action, and the construction of scenes.
Volunteer community leaders agree on the benefits of creating the association of the network of community libraries in Guatemala.
It is also worth mentioning that at this National Meeting a formal step was taken toward organizing the association of the Network of Riecken Community Libraries as an organization that represents, promotes, enhances, advocates, and defends the rights and common interests of the community libraries, as well as to strengthen the associative and individual sustainability of community libraries in Guatemala.
The Riecken Foundation sponsors a network of 65 community libraries in Honduras and Guatemala. Riecken Community Libraries are organizations for the development of the community that break the traditional paradigm of the public library, since they are not only places of exploration, learning, discovery and fun, but also places that build democracy, develop leaders and promote social justice within their communities.