One Library at a Time: Creating Libraries in Panama for Community Learning
Working with One Library at a Time (OLAT) was an amazing experience! I heard about the organization through another Peace Corps volunteer named Enid, living in Volcán, Panama. She told me when OLAT volunteers would be coming to her site to help her set up a library for the school and I asked to join to learn a little more about what they do. When I arrived I saw two OLAT volunteers working alongside community member volunteers to label books and shelves, as well as write cards for the catalog. The volunteers quickly introduced themselves, welcomed me, and showed me what needed to be done. Later in the day student volunteers came in to help label. They enjoyed themselves and loved exploring the new books! The majority of the students had never been to a library before so the entire experience was new and eye-opening for them. I stayed for a few days to see the library project pan out and I was completely inspired to start a project in my site. I gathered ...