HESTER J HODGDON LIBRARIES FOR ALL PROGRAM

The Supporting entity of the SJDS Biblioteca is the Hester J. Hodgdon Libraries for All Program, a Colorado-based, tax-exempt, charitable foundation that was established in 2003 to support the San Juan del Sur Biblioteca and to promote lending libraries in Central America. In addition to its ongoing work in San Juan del Sur, the program has developed a variety of protocols and materials for new libraries, and its "library in a box" program has helped service groups, church groups, and individuals to establish more than 35 new lending libraries in Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica. The significance of these efforts lies in the fact that historically libraries in Central America do not loan their books and there is little or no access to books and information for any but the very wealthy. The SJDS Biblioteca is the first lending library in Nicaragua, providing books, information, technology, and community center services to the people of San Juan del Sur and its surrounding communities for the past 8 years. "Our objective was to start a lending library and mobile program for San Juan del Sur and the small outlying communities nearby to provide books, resources and community center services where none were available. Libraries in Nicaragua traditionally do not loan their books, and new books are rare. There is little or no access to books or information and there are very few books or materials in many schoolrooms. The SJDS Biblioteca has become an integral part of the community and now serves as a successful example to other lending library programs in Latin America." SJDS Biblioteca Publica The SJDS library in town is a warm inviting spot that serves multiple purposes for its community. There are over 12,000 books, primarily in Spanish. Patrons can borrow and return library materials, and children can browse through bins of attractive, brightly-colored books. Near the children's section, there are books for women, including recipes, health, self help and craft books. The walls of the library are lined with a wide selection of other books -- everything from current fiction and classics to poetry, religion, and computers. The library supports local schools by providing materials needed for the curriculum. Members of the San Juan community borrow an average of 800-1000 books a month. They also use the facility in many other ways. The library has a well-lit multipurpose room containing tables, chairs and whiteboards. Various types of classes are held here -- recent classes include English, public health and crafts. Children and young adults gather daily to create crafts, play games, do homework and study. The walls are lined with crafts completed by the library's young patrons. The SJDS Biblioteca represents a new direction for Nicaraguan libraries. There are few such facilities that lend books. Even the most affluent schools do not provide craft materials. Public buildings rarely have quiet, well-lit areas open to all for reading, writing and enjoying the pursuit of information.