On September 5, 2008 LA BIBLIOTECA INTERACTIVA DE BAÑOS was opened to increase literacy and access to books in a town that has very few resources.. LA BIB offers a free access library to the public and sponsors programs related to art, literacy and education. LA BIB currently hosts approximately 40 children daily. Through the kind donations of both local and international sources, the library book collection now exceeds 2,000 volumes for both citizens of Baños and visitors to the city to enjoy!

AFTER SCHOOL ARTS & LITERACY PROJECT

LA BIB is the home of the After School Arts & Literacy Project for the children of working mothers in Baños. Many children in Banos are essentially "latchkey" kids and have no appropriate place to do their homework. Our cultural programs give the children an opportunity to learn and grow through the help of our international volunteers, who encourage the love of books and share their individual talents with the children.

RURAL LITERACY PROJECT Once each month we take the programs of LA BIB into the rural mountain villages surrounding Baños. Our international volunteers carry books, art supplies, puppets in backpacks into these remote areas where the children have no access to cultural experiences of this kind. These projects give rural children who cannot come to LA BIB the opportunity to participate in activities which stimulate the love of books and the concept of reading for fun.

Donations to purchase children's and adult books in Spanish, as well as bi-lingual Spanish/English children's books are sought to increase the collection (Please see our Wish List).

Cash donations are also needed for purchasing more bookcases, computers and children's learning software, art, library and educational supplies.

With the help of enthusiastic collaborators like you and library volunteers, LA BIBLIOTECA INTERACTIVA DE BANOS will continue to make a positive impact in the lives of the citizens of Baños and the surrounding area for many years to come.

Fundacion Arte del Mundo
Baños, Tungurahua, Ecuador      Email: artedelmundo21@gmail.com      Tel: Ecuador 593 3 274 2244 or 593 3 274 0083. U.S. 773-572-8810
Local support provided by Casa Hood, Ferreteria Don Pedro, Libreria Thelema, Ponche Suiza, Hickory Hamburger and La Posada del Arte