The non-profit organisation Belize Bookworms has been promoting reading among island children by installing ‘Little Free Libraries’ in different areas of San Pedro Town. These mini public libraries are filled with books for children and are meant to operate under a book exchange system. When a book is taken, organisers recommend leaving another book, so that the libraries have an abundance of assorted content for others to read.
The Little Free Libraries are currently located in the Escalante, San Mateo and Boca del Rio areas, and the people behind Belize Bookworms have been actively encouraging children to read. They advise that if anyone wants to truly keep a book, to remember to exchange it with another book. This not only promotes the value of sharing and kindness, but it also ensures that the libraries are always stocked.
The organisation recently received a shipment with over 1,400 new books, ensuring a promising future for the little libraries throughout this year. Thanks to generous donations, school supplies have been added to the contents. According to organisers, in December 2020, they hosted a book drive asking for a $10 donation pledge, which raised US$1,000. With these funds and the amount of books the organisation has, the little libraries can be maintained for the following six months of 2021.
Belize Bookworms have also donated books to the San Pedro Town Public Library. They encourage islanders to visit the local public library, where reading can be taken to a different level. The organisation looks forward to continue contributing to the growth of a reading community and is always accepting new and used books from donors.
Anyone willing and able to donate locally can drop off books at Melody’s Art Gallery in downtown San Pedro just after the Belize Bank Building. Those donating from abroad (United States of America) can do so by visiting or sending their packages to:
Belize Bookworms
3340B Greens RD,
Suite #450
Houston, TX 77032.
The initiative can also be supported via monetary donations at Paypal.me/belizebookworms.com.
The Little Free Library mission started in 2009 in Wisconsin, USA. Today, Little Free Libraries is an officially incorporated non-profit in the USA, with over 75,000 tiny libraries in 88 countries worldwide, including Belize.
