Empower Athens' Displaced people through community

Dear Friend,

We hope this message finds you well, and greetings from Philadelphia! I am Herinah Asaah, a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, and a recent volunteer at We Need Books Multilingual Library and Community Center in March. 

For one week in mid-March, I and my classmates had the opportunity to travel to Athens as a part of a course, and work on the ground with We Need Books. During this week, the We Need Books staff opened their hearts and library to us, introducing us to the youth that they work with, acquainting us with their practices and operations, above all, allowing us the space to offer whatever support they desired from us. 

The first time we visited the We Need Books library, they were closed to the public, and we all really got to observe the empty space. The first thing that my eyes were drawn to were, naturally, all of the books. After a presentation from Ioanna about the history of the library, we were able to truly explore the space, and I wandered through the bookshelves. I saw some books that I recognized, and many that I did not. What’s more, I saw books of many different languages, further underscoring how central cultural inclusion is to the mission of the library. Around the library were also seats, and a children’s section for smaller kids who might visit. Then, we got to tour the newly renovated basement, and saw all of the games and things that might attract older kids, and provide even more space for community interaction and social connection. By the end of the tour, it was clear that every decision to place a chair, a table, a game, or something similar was made with great care and intention. 

Beyond the space itself, I am still in awe of how the library functions as an intergenerational and deeply multicultural community center. Coming from America, I had never quite been in a space as immersive and dynamic as We Need Books. While I have been in countless libraries, they are often sterile, quiet and not necessarily spaces that are specifically designated for building and sustaining community. We had the pleasure of meeting the kids that frequent the library during two of the days that we were there, and it was absolutely amazing. We exchanged loads of cultural knowledge (costs of things, university admissions processes, hair, food, recreation, etc.), bonded over shared jokes and Internet references, and reflected on themes like education. As many teenagers are, they were hilarious to speak to, and when we said our goodbyes to everyone at the library on the final day, I found myself trying not to get emotional. 

I am so grateful to Ioanna, Vassilis, Margarita and everyone at We Need Books for their kindness and patience with us as visitors in their space. I know that I will cherish the time we spent at the library for many years to come, and I hope that I can return soon! 

Best,

Herinah E. Asaah