Strong Libraries. Stronger Communities.
By leveraging local resources to build, operate and sustain Riecken libraries, the powerful Riecken Community Library Model greatly increases the impact that donor contributions provide.
This in turn enables the libraries’ to develop into practical tools that encourage literacy, boost information access, cause communities to participate in their own development and empower youths to become leaders for sustainable change.
“Being in the [library] youth club, I have better grades in school and more self-confidence. I have received many benefits and I know there are more to come – like the theater workshop or the current events workshop. But I think the biggest benefit has been becoming a better person. In the club, I discovered my dreams and I have overcome my fears. I feel proud to be a part of the growth of my community.”
– Geraldine Suazo, Rancho Grande Library
An independent impact study* shows that Riecken Community Libraries deliver these key benefits to the communities they serve:
- They provide access to information to the poorest part of the population. 61% live on less than $100 per month, 26% live in homes with dirt floors, and 28% have fewer than six books at home.
- They contribute to improving schooling performance, with 79% of its users being students.
- They stand out among the three main sources of information in rural communities.
- They provide a safe, healthy, and trustworthy environment.
- They are valued by communities, enjoying trust and credibility.
- They constitute a volunteer movement with a high level of knowledge built around the operation of libraries.
- They contribute to strengthening civil society, promoting diverse initiatives and social activities.
Some Statistics
at a Glance
| Number of Libraries | 63 |
| Library Visits in 2022 | 228,285 |
| Internet Users | 66,029 |
| Value Volunteer Hours | $205,973 |
