Library inauguration!

(To the left, Biblioteca "Quiero Aprender Contigo" (TOP), Inauguration crowd (MIDDLE), Director of Opportunity International receives gift (BOTTOM)

Yesterday, Biblioteca "Quiero Aprender Contigo" celebrated Valentine's Day** with an inauguration ceremony. Yes, the library is officially open! In October, I gave a training to a group of community members on the functions of a library. Now, there is a functioning Board of Directors (Nicaraguan style, so for the most part), volunteer librarians, a painting class that is going to start this Sunday, and an open library with about 150 beautiful books. (Check out www.aprendercontigo.org for information on how to donate books). Despite roasting under the hot Nicaraguan sun, the ceremony was fabulous and professional. In fact, it was the gringos who were late in coming. A poem by Ruben Dario (the famous poet of Nicaragua), folkloric dancing, an official presentation of a check from the local microfinance trust bank, refreshments at the end--what more could I want?

**Happy Valentine's Day, belatedly! Here Valentine's Day is known as "Dia de la Amistad y Amor," which translates to "Day of Friendship and Love." I'm particularly fond of that name for it because it doesn't seem to be just about romantic relationships, which can make people bitter/melancholy if they aren't in a romantic relationship (or if their boyfriend/girlfriend is far away in another country, I suppose...). Here the Nicaraguan tradition is to go out and dance. I didn't participate, but there might have to be a make-up day this Friday.

(To the left, the President of the Board of Directors, Eva Maria Davila, on the left, lets Helen Rorengold of the private library in Granada speak)