By Elena Laswick | Development and Communications Specialist
This year, the Limitless Knowledge Community Library has seen tremendous growth, welcoming nearly 100 more users compared to this time last year, with 328 total library users between January and June. Chajul's only community library’s popularity continues to rise, particularly among children under 8, the age when most students in Chajul begin their formal education. Early engagement with literacy and learning in our library is crucial in Chajul, where students typically do not touch a book until they start school and have no academic support outside of their four-hour school day.
However, the Limitless Horizons Ixil Community Library also provides vital homework help and after-school activities for middle and high school aged children like 15-year-old Antonia. A library user for the past four years, Antonia was initially drawn to the library by the engaging activities it offered. Now, she visits daily with her friends to complete her homework, often staying longer to enjoy a new book. Antonia shares, “My favorite thing about the Limitless Knowledge Community Library is the atmosphere. The support I receive here helps me finish my homework and find information for school research projects.”
Antonia’s journey reflects the library’s role in transforming lives by providing a welcoming space, essential learning tools, and the encouragement that students need to thrive academically. In a town where only 21% of children graduate from middle school and less than 4% complete high school, the library is especially vital for Maya Ixil girls in Chajul like Antonia. Living in a community where half of those over 15 are illiterate and books are rare in households, Antonia’s access to the library has been a key factor in her educational journey.
As we look ahead to the second half of a groundbreaking year for yearly users, we’re excited to continue expanding our reach and impact, ensuring that every child in Chajul has the opportunity to access knowledge and build a brighter future.
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