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
• 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
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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

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].

Library Day: Magical Realism with Grade 7-8

By Lisa Elchuk and Anne Rojas

We created a magical realism genre-based program with a social/emotional literacy focus. 

The program was delivered to students in Grades 7-10, over three sessions. The delivery of the programming for the students was first created in English, then translated to Spanish.

We read aloud the first chapter of A Monster Calls, by Patrick Ness, together with the students and engaged with them by asking for volunteer readers. The students were hesitant to read at first; students in the older grades ended up being more likely to offer to read with us. As the reading progressed, students grew more confident and we had more reading volunteers.
They were all actively engaged in the story, turning pages synchronously with us. There were gasps from some students, in each of the grades, at the end of the chapter. 

After answering a few social and emotional learning reflective questions, the students and LWB volunteers worked together to untangle a human knot. The idea behind this was to model positive, collaborative relationships between the students and adults.  A few students were embarrassed and hesitant at first but all rose to the occasion; each group ended up very proud of their problem-solving prowess, even though some human knot untangling failed!

The final activity was a prompt for the students to describe a person place or activity where they feel safe and happy.  Answers ranged from playing soccer with friends, being with friends and loved ones or listening to music in their rooms. We asked the students to write their answers on leaves which we then affixed to the paper tree LWB volunteers had used in prior programs for the Asturias students.

We created a booklist for the Asturias Library, with other magical realism titles including A Monster Calls, The Graveyard Book in graphic novel format, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children and Carry On. We reviewed the Asturias catalog prior to creating the booklist to utilize their offerings and then added additional titles to supplement their collection.
Overall the program was incredibly successful and we feel gave the students a different perspective on traditional library programming.

Library Day 2 - Masks & Mayan Folklore

by Melissa Mejia and Camlin Vinayagamoorthy

Library Day 2 was a great success! We led the program for Grades 4-6 which entailed a dramatized oral storytelling performance based on David Wisniewski’s The Rain Player, a Mayan folktale about the power of unity within a community. The story explores the relationship between humans, nature, and wildlife all depending on one another to end the heavy drought that has threatened their existence. In our adapted version we also added the role of the library in providing the humans access to information on how and where to find the wisdom of the animals in the rainforest. In the library he discovers that he needs the strength of the Jaguar, the silent speed of the Quetzal, and the resourcefulness of the Cenote to defeat the wickedness of the Rain God. It was a silent dramatization with a behind the scenes narrator so that students only experienced the visual performance of the volunteers who were each wearing a unique mask that differentiated their characters to the audience. There were also sound effects and music which the students enjoyed. 

Following the performance students were invited to create their own mask inspired by Mayan folklore, however some decided to personalize their mask in a unique way such as adding pharaoh inspired beards, blushed cheeks, and emoji inspired expressions. If time permitted certain groups were also given the opportunity to participate in a hands on scavenger hunt that would reinforce their knowledge of the library collections.

Our goal with this program was to connect literacy as a vital part of the community through Mayan folklore that depicts a positive relationship between humans, wildlife, and the library. Students learned about the preservation of the Mayan culture through the storytelling performance and the mask workshop while also learning about the preservation of the library materials through a scavenger hunt that teaches them how to properly navigate the library. What we learned throughout the performances was that students were thrilled to see a different form of storytelling unfold right before their eyes.  The efforts from the students in creating their own personalized masks showed us that ultimately they each had their own story, and by creating and wearing that unique mask they gained the confidence in sharing their own story.