June 2011 The Fr. Richard Thomas library

Kids were jumping up and down with excitement, some hopping on one leg, all with huge smiles. What was the occasion? They were about to see inside our new little library for the first time. Many of these children had never even been to a library before, and now they had their own right here at the Lord’s Food Bank in Juarez, Mexico. They couldn’t wait to go inside – and even though it is only one room, and the shelves are not completely full, they were delighted.
 
Thanks to a large donation of children’s books in Spanish, our teachers were able to realize their dream of starting a children’s library on site near our Montessori school at the Food Bank. The workmen built a special room to house the bookshelves and the child-size tables and chairs, and painted the walls a bright, cheery yellow. The teachers decorated the room then organized and catalogued the books. One of the teachers painted a large sign with the rules. Since most of these kids have never been taught how to behave in a library, she kept it simple and basic: 1) speak in a soft voice, 2) sign-up, 3) put everything in its place, and 4) take care of the books.

The library will be open four days a week, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and our hope is that the children will learn how to use and take care of books and develop a love of reading. Just last week a retired teacher from the U.S., who had taught ESL (English as a Second Language) classes for many years, donated boxes and boxes of her materials that she would no longer be using. She even donated a projector so that we can give audio/visual presentations teaching children their vowels, sounds and numbers in a lively and fun way.

In deciding on a name, the teachers unanimously chose The Father Richard Thomas Library, in honor of this great priest who worked so hard in ensuring that the children of the poor get a better start in life.