There is a crisis in Central America
Compared to other nations, Guatemala and Honduras show the lowest levels of development in Latin America. A majority of their citizens – particularly in remote and indigenous communities – live in poverty, unable to take care of the most basic needs. With the lowest literacy rates in the region, high unemployment, and an environment where violence and gang activity is on the rise, massive emigration to other countries, often illegally, is creating its own set of challenges.
Riecken Community Libraries help solve these problems, offering safe places where anyone can come to read, have access to information technology, and participate in dynamic programs relevant to the community. Our unique partnerships between local community, municipal government and the Riecken Foundation maximize all resources, including your contributions.
$75 Help create healthy communities!
Purchase a Nutrition and Early Childhood Development Kit for a library, including curriculum and materials.
$115 Pay for 100 villagers
to use a Riecken Community Library! Cover their unlimited visits and services for a full year (that’s just $1.15 per person for a year!)
$100 Purchases 10 printed children’s books
80% of Riecken library users are children and youth who are learning that reading is fun and enjoyable, and can help them learn about the world. They are in constant need of replacement – and in the case of new libraries, entire collections need to be purchased. Libraries are also in need of E-books ($5 ea) and printed guides for Girl Readers programs ($15 ea) are in badly needed as well.
$200 Trains a Librarian
Three-day librarian training sessions include topics such as: promoting reading for pleasure, learning about and teaching others to access technology, managing a community library, and other programs for library staff.
$1000 Provides Internet for a library for one year!
New technology equipment and digitalization of library services require strong Internet in each library. Local providers serve these rural and often remote communities best with cable or dish technology.
$3,000 Provides a new roof!
Many Riecken libraries in our network are more than 15 years old. To protect the technology equipment, books and library users, many roofs need urgent repairs and in many cases, replacement.
Of Riecken Library users surveyed:
All your donations matter! For online donations, we require a minimum donation of $10.00. If you would like to donate less than $10.00 please contact cathy@rieckenlibraries.org.