Call for Volunteers: Guatemala 2020

Join us this spring as we travel to the Miguel Angel Asturias Academy in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Since 2010, we’ve helped the school realize and grow their dream of an open stacks, circulating school library. What started as cinder blocks in 2010 is now the vibrant center of the school!

We invite you to work alongside us this year from April 23 to May 3, 2020.

This year’s work at the Academy will include collection management activities (purchasing, cataloging, processing, and adding new items), library programming for students through the always popular Library Days, and training for parents and teachers. LWB works with Asturias to also provide edutourism activities for trip participants that will help nurture a comprehensive understanding of libraries, education, and culture in Guatemala. 

Housing and Food

While in Quetzaltenango (Xela), participants will stay and eat most of their meals at the COFA Catholic Retreat Centre. Dinners plus all meals on the last weekend will be eaten at local restaurants and will be the responsibility of volunteers. Vegetarian options are available but are limited.

Expectations

All trip volunteers are expected to:

• Attend online meetings (3-4) to discuss projects and receive training on the Asturias Library and local culture. These meetings are mandatory for all volunteers.
• Join and contribute to a working team before the trip.
• Plan activities and prepare materials before the trip.
• Participate in post-trip assessments (e.g. evaluation surveys and project reports).

Program Fees

The program fee is $1324 CAD* (= $1000 USD) for 11 days. This total covers lodging (except for two nights), all breakfasts and lunches in Xela, transportation (except shuttle to the airport on the last day), entrance to all activities within Guatemala, and a fundraising fee to support LWB’s Guatemalan programs. Trip participants are responsible for paying their own airfare to and from Guatemala, for lodging fees while in Antigua, shuttle trip to the airport on the last day, and dinners for 6 days.

There is a $500 CAD (= $378 US) non-refundable deposit due by all accepted applicants by February 28. The remainder of the fees ($824 CAD/$622 US) can be paid at the same time or by March 13.

In addition, all trip participants are expected to bring extra spending money for additional purchases such as souvenirs and snacks, dinners, and lodging in Antigua ($300-$350 CAD/ $225-$265 US is adequate).

Note, in previous years some participants have created crowdfunding campaigns to wholly or partially offset the costs of the trip. LWB uses its social media channels to assist in promoting those campaigns for participants.

Important Dates

• Guatemala Information Meeting (online) – February 2

Recording from session here

• Application Deadline – February 16 (extended) February 23
• Successful applicants selected and notified – February 23
• $500 CAD/$378 US non-refundable deposit due – February 28
• $824 CAD/$622 US remainder of program fees – March 13

How to apply: Submit a completed volunteer application by February 16, 2020.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Guatemala Service Trip 2020

Trip dates: April 23 - May 3, 2020

Join LWB on Sunday, February 2nd at 7:00pm EST to find out more about this year’s Guatemala trip.

Librarians Without Borders invites you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Guatemala spring trip 2020

Time: Feb 2, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting:

https://zoom.us/j/114767239

Meeting ID: 114 767 239
One tap mobile

+16699006833,,114767239# US (San Jose)

+16465588656,,114767239# US (New York)

Dial by your location

        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

Meeting ID: 114 767 239

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/aMjXezLFM

Our 2019 Guatemala Service Trip Team

Meet our team members and learn what they are most excited about for this year’s service trip!

Amélie Gariépy

Chief Librarian, Chelsea Library, Canada

I am most excited about this project for its combination of things that I love: libraries, traveling and discovering other cultures. Based on my volunteer and traveling experience, I know that we will gain as much as the students will do in the project.

Cate Carlyle

Trip Lead 2019, Curriculum Resource Centre Coordinator, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, Canada

I am looking forward to returning to Xela and presenting library and literacy programs to the wonderful Asturias students. I am also excited to get to know the rest of the LWB team, learning and spending time with them.

Dee Winn

Trip Lead 2019, Reference & Subject Librarian, Concordia University, Montréal, Canada

LWB has maintained a partnership with Asturias Academy for ten years. I am looking forward to continuing this relationship by working with enthusiastic volunteers to provide outstanding programming and collection management to the amazing students and staff at Asturias.

Elisa Cruz

MLS Student and Circulation manager, Keene Memorial Library, Fremont, Nebraska

I am in my last semester at San Jose State. I plan to graduate in December 2019. I am also a 2018-19 Spectrum Scholar through ALA, which has been very exciting and educational for me. I can’t wait for the trip and to meet everyone!

Cara Evanson

Research Librarian for Teaching & Learning Initiatives, Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina

I’m passionate about access to information, and am excited to be part of this initiative to address information resource inequity. I look forward to learning more about how the library plays a role in the lives and learning of the staff and students at Asturias Academy.

Julie Hatcher

Library Media Specialist, Sawtooth Middle School, Meridian, Idaho

I am super excited to get the chance to travel to another country and learn about their culture and to see the beautiful countryside. I can’t wait to meet the students and to bring them new books and share some fun library activities.

Kathy Plath

Retired School Librarian, Pueblo, Colorado

This trip to Guatemala combines so many of my interests. I love to learn about new cultures, library work, and working with children. I am most excited about working with a team of professionals to help a school library in Guatemala.

Monica Sanchez

MLIS Student and School Librarian at Crittenden Middle School, Mountain View, California

I am excited to practice and improve my Spanish and explore a Latin culture other than my own. I’ve only ever worked in secondary schools, so I’m also really looking forward to learning more about children’s programming.

Sarah Cruz

Cataloging Librarian at Savannah College of Art & Design, Atlanta, Georgia

In addition to working with the LWB team and staff of the Academy, I am really excited to meet the students! I look forward to learning more about their studies, interests, and the community to help continue to build their growing library. Plus, I can’t wait to try all the fruit!

Sue Keefer

Retired academic library director, Las Animas, Colorado

I’m thrilled to be going on this trip to Guatemala! I can’t wait to experience the culture, and am truly looking forward to working with children in the school library. I’m also anxious to meet my fellow librarian travelers!

Magali Sánchez

MLIS at the University of Arizona, iSpace Graduate Assistant

I’m most excited to work and talk with the kids, and learn what they’re interested in. Also, to eat some amazing Guatemalan food!

Call for Volunteers: Guatemala 2019 Service Trip + Application

This is the tenth consecutive spring that LWB is traveling to the Miguel Angel Asturias Academy in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Since 2010 over 150 librarians and library science students have spent more than 60 working days onsite to help our partner realize and grow their dream of an open stacks, circulating school library. What started as cinder blocks in 2010 is now the vibrant center of the school.

LWB uses this annual service trip to execute our remote work on the ground, to discuss emerging needs with our partner, and to reconnect with students and school staff. We invite you to work alongside us this year from April 26 to May 5, 2019.

This year’s work at the Academy will include collection management activities (purchasing, cataloguing, processing, and adding new items) and library programming for students. LWB works with Asturias to also provide edutourism activities for trip participants that will help nurture a comprehensive understanding of libraries, education, and culture in Guatemala.

Primary Projects

• Cataloging, processing, and adding new items to the library’s collection
• Library programming targeting K-12 students through multi-day library events

Housing and Food

While in Quetzaltenango (Xela), participants will stay and eat most of their meals at the COFA Catholic Retreat Centre. Dinners plus all meals on the last weekend will be eaten at local restaurants and will be the responsibility of volunteers. Vegetarian options will be available but are limited.

Expectations

All trip volunteers are expected to:

• Attend online meetings (3-4) to discuss projects and receive training on the Asturias Library and local culture. These meetings are mandatory for all volunteers.
• Join and contribute to a working team before the trip.
• Plan activities and prepare materials before the trip.
• Participate in post-trip assessments (e.g. evaluation surveys).

Program Fees

The program fee will be approximately $1300 CAD* (= ~$1000 USD) for 10 days and is subject to change. This total covers lodging (except for one night), all breakfasts and lunches in Xela, transportation (except shuttle to the airport on the last day), and entrance to all activities within Guatemala, as well as a fundraising fee to support LWB’s Guatemalan programs. Trip participants are responsible for paying their own airfare to and from Guatemala, for lodging fees while in Panajachel, shuttle trip to the airport on the last day, and for most dinners (6 days).

There is a $500 CAD non-refundable deposit due by all accepted applicants by February 22. The remainder of the fees ($800 CAD) can be paid at the same time or by March 8*.

In addition, all trip participants are expected to bring extra spending money for additional purchases such as souvenirs and snacks, dinners, and lodging in Panajachel ($250-$300 CAD is adequate).

Note, in previous years some participants have created crowdfunding campaigns to wholly or partially offset the costs of the trip. LWB uses its social media channels to assist in promoting those campaigns for participants.

Important Dates

• Guatemala Information Meeting (online) – January 20 (meeting recording)
• Application Deadline - February 11 (extended)
• Successful applicants selected and notified – February 15
• $500 CAD* non-refundable deposit due – February 22
• $800 CAD* remainder of program fees – March 8

*Note: The $1300 CAD may be revised to a new final figure if a significant change in exchange rate occurs. Should this happen, the information would be published by February 22.

How to apply: Submit a completed volunteer application by February 11, 2019. A pdf version of the application is available for you to review before you submit the online form. Questions? Email [email protected]

Stay tuned - Guatemala trip April 26-May 5

Buying Books Locally at Piedra Santa

Our 2018 Guatemala Service Trip Team

Meet our team members and learn what they are most excited about for this year’s service trip!

Collection Development:
Our collection development team will be taking an inventory of the collection and cataloguing, processing, and adding new items to the library at Asturias.

Kiri Wagstaff
Research scientist, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California
I am thrilled to get the chance to learn about libraries in another country and also to practice (and improve) my Spanish skills. This is an exceptional opportunity to learn a lot and also make a real impact!

Carol Hull
Inclusive Services Consultant, South Carolina State Library
I have never traveled outside the U.S. before, so I am very excited to experience another culture and be immersed in the Spanish language. I am particularly looking forward to seeing the libraries in Guatemala.

Judy Senecal
Librarian, Carleton University Library, Canada
I am most excited about meeting the students at the school in Xela and seeing their reaction to all the new books we’re bringing! I’m also looking forward to discovering a new country and meeting and working with the other volunteers.

Allinston Saulsberry
MLIS Student, Archives Intern at Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona
I am most excited about the mission of the Guatemala service trip. When asked, I’ve stated that being a “traveling librarian” would be my dream career. This trip will allow me to use the skills that I have acquired to service a library in another country. It doesn’t get more exciting than that.

Suzanne Fernando
Branch Head, Toronto Public Library, Canada
I went on the service trip in 2013 and it was an eye-opening experience. I’m really looking forward to getting to go again. I’m excited to see what’s changed in the last five years; to see the kids; to be immersed in the welcoming culture of the Guatemalan people. I’m also excited to visit the new site on Lake Atitlan. It’s neat to get to see a project you were a part of five years ago, again.

Joi Jackson
Librarian at Penn State University
Working with the kids! Also, I am excited to add to their collection. This will also be my first trip to Central America.

Programming Team:
Our programming team will be creating and running multi-day library programs for the students at Asturias.

Anabel Gutierrez
MLIS Student and Library Services Specialist at Cal State Fullerton: Pollak Library
I’m really excited about visiting another country that is part of Latin America. My goal is to eventually visit all Latin-American countries because I have a strong interest in this area of the world due to my undergraduate studies. I am most excited about working firsthand with the school children of Xela and making a positive impact on their lives.

Kate Procyshyn
Librarian, Boston Public Library
I am most excited to meet the other people on the trip, to travel to a foreign country while doing international library work, and to eat Guatemalan food.

Kate McMillen
MLIS student and Library Associate, Cambria Library, California
I am most excited about the service aspect of the trip and learning more about how libraries can support education around the world.

Ashley Spencer
Senior Library Assistant, Toronto Public Library, Canada
I’m excited to meet the children and staff and share some of my knowledge/ideas about programming and in turn learn from them. I’m also excited about learning about the Guatemalan culture, hearing the music and eating the food

Molly Roa
Senior Library Assistant, San Leandro Public Library; MLIS Candidate, SJSU
I’m most excited to learn from other library and education professionals from all across North and Central America.

Karen García (below) will also be part of the programming team.

Professional Development Team:
Our professional development team will be developing and running workshops for teachers supporting library integration into the school curriculum.

Debbie Chavez
Guatemala Program Lead
I’m excited to see the staff and children at the school again. They’re beautiful people and I love the warm welcome we always receive. I’m also excited to see the village where Don Jorge’s new school is located. I’m looking forward to visiting the community library in that village. I’ve read a lot about Riecken Community Libraries and corresponded with the director of those libraries in Guatemala, so I’m looking forward to seeing the library in action.

Karen García
MLIS Student and Technical Assistant at Palm Springs Public Library, Florida
I got excited to know that people care about my country and are willing to help create a better environment for Guatemalan children. I was thrilled to know that I could help too!

Guatemala Trip Information Meeting: January 7 *Recording* Online

Join Librarians Without Borders on Sunday, January 7 at 8 pm EST / 5 pm PST for an online information meeting about our upcoming service trip to Guatemala.

**Unable to attend the meeting? Access the video recording here (141 MB) or the audio only (27 MB) here. **

LWB will be in Guatemala from April 20-April 29, 2018 to work with our partner, Miguel Angel Asturias Academy. At the information meeting a presentation will be given introducing our partner and outlining trip goals and logistics. Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions. Anyone who is interested in applying for the trip is welcome to attend the meeting.

Learn more about the trip and access the trip application form. The deadline for applications is January 26, 2018.

A recording of the meeting will be posted afterward for those who cannot attend. For more information contact [email protected].

Access the web meeting using the links/information provided below:

Call for Volunteers: Guatemala 2018 Service Trip

This is the ninth consecutive spring that LWB is traveling to the Miguel Angel Asturias Academy in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Since 2010 over 130 librarians and library science students have spent more than 45 working days onsite to help our partner realize and grow their dream of an open stacks, circulating school library. What started as cinder blocks in 2010 is now the vibrant center of the school.

LWB uses this annual service trip to execute our remote work on the ground, to discuss emerging needs with our partner, and to re-connect with students and school staff. We invite you to work alongside us this year from April 20 to April 29, 2018.

This year’s work at the Academy will include collection management activities (taking an inventory of the collection and cataloguing, processing, and adding new items), library programming for students, and training for teachers. LWB works with Asturias to also provide edutourism activities for trip participants that will help nurture a comprehensive understanding of libraries, education, and culture in Guatemala. Typically, trip participants are also given the opportunity to help finalize the last weekend activity (for example, visit scenic Lake Atitlán or historic Antigua).

Primary Projects

• Cataloging, processing, and adding new items to the library’s collection
• Taking an inventory of the collection
• Library programming targeting primary school students through multi-day library events
• Professional development workshops for teachers supporting library integration into the curriculum

Housing and Food
While in Quetzaltenango (Xela), participants will stay and eat most of their meals at the COFA Catholic Retreat Centre. All dinners (9) plus all meals on the last weekend will be eaten at local restaurants and will be the responsibility of volunteers. Vegetarian options will be available but are limited.

Expectations
All trip volunteers are expected to:

• Attend online meetings (3-4) to discuss projects and receive training on the Asturias Library and local culture. These meetings are mandatory for all volunteers.
• Join and contribute to a working team before the trip.
• Plan activities and prepare materials before the trip.
• Participate in post-trip assessments (e.g. evaluation surveys).

Program Fees
The program fee is $1200 CAD* (= ~$933 USD) for 10 days. This total covers lodging in Xela (7 nights), all breakfasts and lunches in Xela, transportation, and entrance to all activities within Guatemala, as well as a fundraising fee to support LWB’s Guatemalan programs. Trip participants are responsible for paying their own airfare to and from Guatemala, for lodging fees on the first and last day (April 20 and 29), shuttle ride to the airport on the last day, and for all dinners (9 days).

There is a $500 CAD non-refundable deposit due by all accepted applicants by February 9. The remainder of the fees ($700 CAD) can be paid at the same time or by February 23*.

In addition, all trip participants are expected to bring extra spending money for additional purchases such as souvenirs and snacks, dinners, airport shuttle, and lodging on the weekends ($250-$300 CAD is adequate).

Note, in previous years some participants have created crowdfunding campaigns to wholly or partially offset the costs of the trip. LWB uses our social media channels to promote those campaigns for participants.

Important Dates

• Guatemala Information Meeting (online) – January 7
• Application Deadline - January 26
• Successful applicants selected and notified – February 6
• $500 CAD* non-refundable deposit due – February 16
• $700 CAD* remainder of program fees – March 2

*Note: The $1200 CAD may be revised to a new final figure if a significant change in exchange rate occurs. Should this happen, the information would be published by February 16.

How to apply: Download the Volunteer Application Questions & Instructions, review, and submit your completed volunteer application using our online form. For questions, please contact us at [email protected].

El partido de fútbol

by Sarivette Ortiz

El partido de fútbol con los estudiantes de la escuela Miguel Ángel Asturias y LWB es en evento que todos esperan: los alumnos con mucha ilusión y LWB con miedo. Antes del gran día hubo oportunidad de practicar un poco en el patio del colegio, los estudiantes ya observaban a quien querían en sus equipos. Llegó el tan esperado-temido día. Estudiantes, profesores y bibliotecarios estaban listos para dar la batalla. A diferencia de otras batallas pronto encontramos que no había un equipo rival, no había un equipo a quien vencer, eran dos equipos dispuestos a darlo todo por compartir y pasar 45 minutos de un partido donde reinaron las risas y los aplausos solo por intentarlo.

Los mismos estudiantes seleccionaban sus compañeros de equipo, incluidos bibliotecarios con poca o ninguna habilidad. A pocos minutos de comenzar el partido un estudiante estrelló todo su talento con el balón en la cara de un bibliotecario: un minuto de silencio seguido por risas y abrazos. Los estudiantes mostraban todo su talento, los bibliotecarios mostraban toda la buena intención de aprender sobre el juego. Los jugadores en defensa se confundían con los delanteros e incluso con los porteros. Pronto te das cuenta que al jugar con el equipo de Miguel Ángel Asturias no hay un equipo rival, todo lo contrario, eran 22 personas en la cancha buscando marcar un gol con un grupo de amigos. Cada portero era un amigo lo que hacía difícil saber dónde realmente debías empujar el balón para marcar.

Los profesores encargados se aseguraban que todos los interesados pudieran jugar. Niños, niñas y bibliotecarios, todos tenían la misma oportunidad de minutos en la cancha porque en este partido de fútbol no se mira la diferencia de edad o de sexo, solo importa compartir.

Luego un estudiante pateó su talento con el balón hasta el hombro de otro bibliotecario: más risas y abrazos. Concluimos que el fútbol es como la vida, un golpe de balón puede detenerte momentáneamente pero no puede quitarte el deseo de seguir jugando. Así regresamos a casa, todos cansados pero con la satisfacción de haber hecho un gran partido, donde no marcamos goles pero si ganamos un grupo de nuevos amigos.