Our Programs

Providing educational infrastructure in developing countries is both challenging and rewarding. It takes planning, cultural competency, and logistical management to physically get the job done. For this reason, The Library Project strives to have local volunteers and staff lead each project. Each local team is proficient in the local customs and the language, and has a clear understanding of the logistical issues surrounding their location. Built into each project is a detailed Pre-Assessment of each location and a follow-up Assessment to make sure the orphanage or school is pleased with the end result.

The Library Project has developed three programs to help children gain the gift of education.

Elementary School Program — We provide bi-lingual libraries for elementary schools in China and Vietnam. We provide shelving, furniture, and floor mats depending on a school’s need. Although many local schools have some of these infrastructure items, they often lack the books to put on the shelves or have books so old that they are falling apart. The Library Project without a doubt improves the quality of education for every student in an elementary school in Asia through the gift of books.

Orphanage Program — We establish bi-lingual libraries for small orphanages in China and Vietnam. These libraries are filled with colorful English books and local language books that are either purchased in-country or acquired through local community based book-drives. The reading area is designed to be a safe and accessible place for children to feel comfortable and to nurture their educational curiosities. Colorful posters, games, furniture, and floor mats make the orphanage libraries an inviting and happy place for the children to learn and grow.

2008 Earthquake Program — On May 12, 2008 China experienced a 7.9 earthquake in Sichuan Province. 70,000 people died, and over five million people were left homeless because of this disaster. It is projected that thousands of elementary schools have been damaged in the Sichuan and Shaanxi Provinces. The Library Project will be providing books and libraries for elementary schools and orphanages as they are rebuilt or repaired through our 2008 Earthquake Program.

During these types of projects we involve the local community and the children as much as possible. We do this through local community based book-drives that raise awareness of the issues surrounding orphanages and under financed schools. The children are involved in many aspects of a library’s development and construction by helping to unpack the books, set up mats, and clean the new space. As a reward for the children’s assistance, a small party is arranged with educational games, balloons, and crafts.