Hekab Be Biblioteca March 2009

Challenge Grant Met

Our most exciting news for February is we not only met, but actually surpassed our challenge grant goal!! We are awed and amazed at the generosity of the many kind-hearted people who made donations to help us meet this challenge, especially in such difficult financial times. THANK YOU for keeping us open!

Visitors participate in Hekab Be programming

February is one of the busiest months at Hekab Be, as we have many visitors coming who want to help out. It’s also a time of year when local children are coming in for help with school projects and to work on reading.

This year, we’ve had many visitors accompany us to the Akumal Primary School and Kindergarten, where we read stories with the children twice a week. Everyone who has gone to visit the schools considers it to be a valuable and eye-opening experience. We think it also helps people appreciate even more all that Hekab Be does for the educational needs of the community. On a recent visit to the schools, we also dispensed dental hygiene information and toothbrushes to six classes--a sincere thank you to those who contributed these items. They are greatly appreciated by Akumal families.

We also encourage visitors and especially families, to take advantage of our afternoon and Saturday morning programs. This is great opportunity for visiting children and teens to have contact and exchanges with the local kids and culture.

Other library activities in February

The library participated in CEA’s Green Festival held Thursday February 26^th. We highlighted our Fred Groves Memorial Book Collection on Sustainable and Alternative Energies. We enjoyed meeting the other participants and learning of their efforts to better our beautiful part of the world.

The bi-monthly clothing bazaar held on Saturday Feb. 28^th was a success. Local moms anticipate these events, as there is no affordable clothes/shoe shopping in Akumal. And not much in surrounding towns either. Thank you to all who pack up their used clothing to bring it here and help our community with your donations.

Upcoming activities & library services:

In March we will launch an art competition, open to children ages 6-18 years. This will be a competition for a logo design for the library. A panel of local judges will determine the winner on March 21^st. Prizes will be given to winners.

For Children:

• A daily after-school program and tutoring.

• Special Saturday classes – Mathematics (all ages), Arts & Crafts, Kite/Beach Hour.

• Reading programs with the Kindergarten and Primary Schools to help spark an early interest in reading among young children.

• Great playground equipment

For Adults:

• English classes

• Spanish classes and private tutoring

• Mayan classes

• Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings (Mon-Sat 8:30-10 PM)

• Clothing bazaars that help provide local families with affordable attire

• Extensive health and parenting information

For all:

• Books and Magazines in English, Spanish, Mayan, German, French, and Italian

• DVD and VHS rentals (mostly in English)

• Rainy day entertainment – board games and jigsaw puzzles

• Local resource information

Visit our blog for the most up-to-date information:

http://hekabbe.blogspot.com

If you have questions or want to volunteer, email us at: akumallibrary@gmail.com

Below are some recent photos from the Library:

valentine's cards made by the kids

Saturday kite hour

Spanish class at the library