Friends of Batahola-Cultural Center-Library

Library

The library, built in 1997, houses a collection of over 5000 textbooks, reference works and national and international literature. It is one of the few libraries in the city where students can directly access and borrow books. The library receives an average of 1,200 visits per month. Most visitors are secondary school students, followed by primary students. These students do not have resources to buy their textbooks and depend on the library to achieve their academic goals. The library is staffed by 25 secondary and university students who have received a scholarship from the Center. They fulfill community service hours by working as part of the library team.

Through the library the Center seeks to help other communities by donating books, for example to school and community libraries around Managua. The library team also organizes activities to promote reading, creativity and imagination in the children of Batahola. Each Saturday the children come to hear storytelling, read favorite books, and participate in arts and crafts.

The library is a member of the Public Library System of Nicaragua and is a major promoter of the work of New Writers of Nicaragua. The library is in need of Spanish books, particularly reference books to assist secondary and university students with their studies. Please consider making a donation to purchase books for the library. For further information about donating directly to the library, please contact Jennifer Marshall, Center Coordinator.