Children gather outside the burned Reading Room for storytime with Besa
As mentioned in our last newsletter, the Reading Room at the Lubuto Model Library's roof and interior burned down on April 11th. We are bringing back the library services so sorely missed by children as soon as possible. Library staff are already running some programs in nurturing spaces they created outside, such as storytime, and we plan to resume even more in the near future.
Although the fire was certainly a setback, we already have a plan and the resources to Build Back Better, thanks to USAID's American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) grant that was already in place to replace the book collection, renovate existing buildings and construct new ones. In fact, at the time of the fire a complete collection was already en route to Lusaka by sea.
We invite you to attend the Lubuto team's Beyond the buildings and books ... webinar on July 14th at 12pm EDT to learn more details about the April fire and our recovery. You can click on the button below to register:
Third wave of COVID-19 hits Zambia
The coronavirus situation in Zambia remains serious. Vaccinations are not readily available and a third wave has hit the country, which only adds to the uncertainty of when Lubuto Libraries can safely reopen. Unfortunately, the current wave reached the Lubuto team leaving multiple people ill. We are focused on taking all measures necessary to ensure the staff and community's health and safety.
How you can help
We are humbled and grateful for the outpouring of kind messages and donations from supporters following the Model Library fire--many asking how they can help. With construction costs, a new book collection and new technology supported by ASHA, our greatest need is help sustaining our operations, especially the salaries of our staff. That might mean becoming a sustaining subscriber yourself, if possible, and encouraging others to do so. Even a small monthly donation can make a big difference to a very small but hardworking organization like Lubuto. It might also mean participation in a workplace giving program, or Facebook fundraisers, or maybe helping us expand our donor base through your personal networks, or helping organize a fundraising event.
To learn more about the different ways you can help out, please click on the button below:
