MOJÁCAR COMMUNITY LIBRARY
MOJÁCAR OFFERS A COMMUNITY LIBRARY, WITH MORE THAN 15.000 BOOKS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE
For those of you that may not be aware, there is an English Language Library in Mojácar, which anyone can access. It is situated on the lower level of the Centro de Usos Multiples (often referred to as the Artisan Centre) where you can find 1000’s of books, with something that will appeal to every type of reader.
The Community Library has an interesting history and has been functioning for more years and in more locations than most people realize. It all started in 1981, when a group of foreigners in Mojácar got together with all their own paperbacks and started the Library in the home of Helen Larsen, with those involved making the shelves and volunteering to be on duty. After several years it moved to La Rambla, owned by Cyril & Maureen Street, remaining there until Bambi and Martin De Bruin offered their shop in Garrucha. The Library then operated there for six years, until the relocation was made to its current home in 2003 where the collection grew to over 15,000 books.
The library is manned by 37 volunteers, although only one from the original team of 1981 still volunteers and that is, Elaine Kenyon. A Committee of 14, chaired by Anne Marie Tandy, meets regularly to select books, so that there are on average 65 new books every couple of months. Donations of good quality books are accepted also.
New books for the Library are purchased with money raised from member donations. The requested amount is 12 Euros per year and covers everyone in the household, although any Spanish members are invited to join free of charge. It is important, too, to know that you do not have to live in Mojácar, or even Spain, to become a member.
Currently there are just under 200 households using the library with around 300 members, but the library does need more in order to raise funds through donations, which enables the purchase of more books.
None of this would be possible, however, without the free use of the premises and the Library Committee would like to express its gratitude to the Mojácar Ayuntamiento for its continued support in providing the sole use of the room, as well as meeting the costs of the heating and lighting.
With its team of helpful volunteers, the library is staffed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11am to 1pm, closing only on fiesta days. So, if you are not already a member, come along and have a look at the wide selection of books on offer. Also, if you are interested in becoming a volunteer yourself, please come and have a chat.
