By Paco Alcaide | Regional Director
Riecken Community Libraries are proving that libraries are essential for a democratic society. The libraries are institutions where citizens are encouraged to make informed decisions and achieve their full potential. They deliver knowledge, promote critical thinking and stimulate self-education and lifelong learning. In poor communities, libraries also fulfill the role of providing a sustainable framework, with the library’s operations run by volunteers in the community. Through community leadership, important principles of development and self-government are formed.
Riecken Community Libraries distinguish themselves from similar development initiatives by the deep roots it plants in the communities where the libraries operate. Our libraries are vibrant centers supported by innovative programming, especially for children and youth. At the heart of this innovation are our librarians.
Riecken Libraries have talented librarians offering dynamic programming to engage young children, teens and adults. And you may see a common theme coming up in our newsletters – our libraries are not just about books and access to technology. They serve as community centers, a meeting ground for exciting programming, community leaders, families and more.
The community libraries also focus on the promotion of health through early childhood reading and nutrition education. This program involves pregnant women, parents and their children under six years old. In a fun and entertaining way, reading skills are combined with lessons on nutrition, such as cooking with fruits and vegetables, nutrition in general, and how to talk about nutrition with their young children.
Our library services are available to anyone who needs them. The community libraries promote a culture of transparency based on the transmission of values and strengthening of organizational skills. Youth also benefit from the libraries by gaining citizenship and leadership skills through local volunteerism.
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