Prying the Doors Open: One Little Library and Its Influence on Life in the Peruvian Amazon

Abstract

Since 1999, a small library has remained a steadfast bastion of education and enrichment for families in the Peruvian Amazon. Over the years it has changed hands, fluctuated in size and services, and endured the challenges of survival in the jungle. Functioning as everything from literacy center to tribal oral history headquarters, it has always focused on providing the people with deeper education and experiences than there has ever been access to. I will share about the trials and realities of this unique center from first-hand experience and contributions of past and current directors and patrons.