Legacy Matters

Help Build a Library

I am a fan of Strengthen the Good, the hub of a network of bloggers "committed to raising awareness for small charities around the world" by highlighting a microcharity every few weeks where $1 can make a difference. Their mission "Using the power of weblogs for open-source charity. Don't just fight evil. Strengthen the Good".

I've also been a huge fan of libraries all my life. In 1833, the first tax-supported public library in the world opened its doors in Peterborough New Hampshire after a town meeting vote. A uniquely American invention, free public libraries soon spread in New England and took root in cities and towns where people were eager to educated and improve themselves. Andrew Carnegie can be credited with the spread of free public libraries across the English-speaking world. Beginning in 1888, he spent some $56 million to build libraries if the city or town agreed to tax themselves for the books and the maintenance. The town-scapes of New England bear witness to history - the churches of the 17th century, the town halls of the 18th century and the libraries of the 19th century.

I see libraries as public sanctuaries where anyone, if they want, can read and borrow what they want, what interests them, what strikes their fancy. Libraries are where we go to commune with other minds, across space and time. I use libraries all the time - for books, CDs, and books on tape. There is no way I could afford to buy all the books I'd like to read or look at or listen to.

Which is why I am especially pleased to promote the building of an English library for teenagers in Bratislava, Slovakia. Douglas Dart is teaching English which his students call "the language of freedom." The school has no books and very little money. Dart has a list of books he'd like for the library, but any English books will do. Here's more info.

Think of a book that's had a great impact on your life. It will probably have a similar impact on a teen-ager in Bratislava. What a wonderful way to share something that you loved and leave a small footprint half a world away.

It will cost about $5 to ship a pound's worth of books. Send a book or two to
Douglas Dart
C.S. Lewis Bilingual High School
Benadicka 38
Bratislava 85106
Slovak Republic

Posted by Jill Fallon at November 22, 2004 9:53 AM | Permalink