Support literacy and learning for 1,900 Maya youth

In September, we had the great opportunity to host Brandie and Elizabeth, two librarians from Librarians Without Borders who came to visit from Portland, Maine! We were so thrilled to learn from them, share ideas and experiences and show them our Saber Sín Límites Community Library!

Librarians Without Borders is another non-profit organization, with a mission to "build sustainable libraries and support their custodians and advocates—librarians." They have been long-time supporters of Limitless Horizons Ixil, and have sent visitors multiple times to support the work we’re implementing for our Chajulense library members.

Elizabeth and Brandie were immediately impressed by their first day at the library with our two librarians Marilú and David, and our two library interns Ana and Cecilia Jacinta. The visitors noted that it is a great space with a wide range of books, and that our librarians are doing a terrific job! "They don't even need our help, they are experts and great librarians!" even joked Brandie. But of course that isn’t true, and throughout the week, Brandie and Elizabeth met with the library staff to offer their wisdom, insights, and experience.

Everyone got together to discuss some of the challenges our library in Chajul faces, and Elizabeth and Brandie shared ideas for engaging activities and how to best support the library members and the development of literacy for Chajul’s youth. Our visitors also participated in activities with the library members including story hour, reading club, and art activities and saw first-hand how exciting and fun library activities are for our members!

We were so thrilled to have two professional librarians offer their guidance to our library in Chajul, and to have their support for the work already underway—which has only been possible thanks to your contributions. Our Saber Sin Límites Community Library would not be where it is today, with such successful programs and opportunities to host international visitors, without YOU. Our amazing library space, books and art materials, and strong library staff have been made possible by you and your fellow Limitless Horizons Ixil supporters. Thanks to your continued support, we will be able to even further develop our library with increased partnerships with organizations like Librarians Without Borders and additional resources to support literacy in Chajul!