Supporting Libraries Across Haiti in 2010

Libraries Without Borders is helping the libraries of Haiti, which were gravely damaged by the earthquake. It is simultaneously conducting an observation mission in order to identify what needs to be done outside of the capital.

A new reader at a library supported by LWB in Port-au-Prince

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Most of the school, university and community libraries of Port-au-Prince are out of service. The National Library, the shelves of which collapsed, has still not reopened. BSF is intervening to permit it to respond to the needs of many students and young people in the months – and even years – to come.

Outside of the capital, libraries are confronted by a massive influx of people from the capital seeking refuge with their families. The pedagogical and cultural structures in place, however, were not designed to receive such a large numbers of users. LWB counts on supporting these libraries via book donations, librarian training sessions and contributions of material and expertise.
LIBRARIES SUPPORTED BY LWB IN 2010

- Public libraries
The CLAC network: computerization and book donation
Municipal Libraries
Haitian National Library
Library of the Haitian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

- School libraries
Public schools: 6 schools in Port-au-Prince
The Alexis Center
5 schools affiliated with the SOS Enfants Sans Frontières NGO (3 in Port-au-Prince and 2 in the North)
12 establishments of the Sainte Rose de Lima network

- Associative libraries
Library of the GAFE (Groupe d’action francophone pour l’environment associatif) based in Kenskoff
The 3 Dumas Library in Jacmel

- Prison libraries
Delmas centers for adolescent rehabilitation
PétionVille women’s prison
Croix des Bouquets modern prison

PARTNERS

Haitian National Library
Haitian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
National Book Agency
Ministry of Culture
SOS Enfants Sans Frontières
MINUSTAH
Fondation Louis D. / Institut de France
Fondation de France