John McGrath has become a prolific writer, amongst many other things, throughout his life. In his name, we are working to set up the John B. McGrath community library in El Progreso, Honduras, creating a vibrant space of learning and engagement led by and for young people.
Honduras has the highest rate of economic inequality in Latin America, and over 60% of the population live in poverty. El Progreso is Honduras' 5th largest city, it has a population of 120,600 and no library to speak of. Children and young people are disproportionately affected by the country's debilitating poverty, overwhelming violence and systemic inequality, and the lack of public spaces such as libraries only heightens this marginalization from educational opportunities.
The John B. McGrath Library will be a locally led space of learning and empowerment, targeted at young people but open to all ages. We plan to create a building decorated with murals, filled with bookshelves made from local wood, plants, computers, and a wide selection of fiction and nonfiction books. The library will be a space for young people to come and study, read, learn and grow, as well as a space where cultural events can be held. Youth leaders will be trained to manage the space.
In a country deeply affected by political and social crises, we believe in the power of libraries as spaces of learning, creativity and transformation - especially when youth are empowered to take ownership and responsibility over these spaces as leaders. The John B McGrath Library will provide thousands of Honduran youth and their families with a safe space to study, read, and learn, as well as free access to resources that will support their personal and educational trajectories.
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