Malibu Teen Raises Money to Build Library in Nation That Has Just Two

After visiting the small, landlocked Asian Kingdom of Bhutan at age 11, Claire Thomsen, was inspired to help this nation that most Americans probably couldn't find on a map. In partnership with an international organization, she is raising money to build what would be just the third library in the country.

"I went there on a trip in 2009 and I absolutely fell in love with the country," said Thomsen, now 13. "The people are so kind."

Her mother Allison described Bhutan as "this little Buddhist kingdom next to Nepal." She added, "It is a very controlled environment. It is a $200 visa charge per day, per person, to get in and stay in."

Bhutan was one of the stops for the Thomsens in 2009 when the family took a one-year trip to visit 27 countries.

"[Bhutan] was the most authentic place on our travels," Allison said. "It's a fascinating country."

But Bhutan is also a nation with problems. According to a 2007 report from the United Nations Development Programme, nearly a quarter of the population lives in poverty and more than half the people are illiterate. 

After returning to the United States, Claire began the fundraising campaign to build a library for the people of Bhutan.

"I thought the best way to provide for them would be a community center, a library, where they could learn a little more about the world," she said.

Claire partnered with READ Global, an organization that builds libraries in India, Nepal and Bhutan. READ "believes that empowering rural communities is critical to alleviating global poverty … where individuals, families and entire communities have access to the knowledge, resources and opportunities necessary to build more prosperous futures," according to the organization's website.

Once Claire raises $50,000, READ will select a community in Bhutan for the library. The residents will build, staff and maintain the facility. READ will provide books, computers and magazines. Also, the organization will teach the people how to maintain a successful library and community center.

The organization recently helped build Bhutan's second library, and the first located outside the capital city. The organization is responsible for creating 55 libraries in total.

"We’re happy to be working with them," Allison said. "They really create a team environment and are very approachable."

Claire has raised $18,000 so far by mailing letters to friends and family. Allison said her daughter sent 200 letters to the family's holiday card list and she reached out to many other Malibu families.

"But now she needs to get more creative," Allison said. "The collection is winding down, so she needs to hold fundraisers."

All the money raised is mailed directly to READ, which does the accounting and sends out the tax ID notices. Claire is in charge of getting the word out and collecting the money.

She has built a website, which includes pictures and information about READ and Bhutan. Also, Claire has reached out to Malibu businesses. Janet Laird, the owner of  has agreed to donate a percentage of the company's earnings to the campaign.

"The Thomsens are friends of friends, and we spent time together," Laird wrote in an email to Malibu Patch. "When I heard what Claire was doing, I thought it was an interesting story. Working with a Malibu resident's charity is part of my business model of 'Malibu Local Cares,' and giving to others." 

Claire will enter the ninth grade at  in the fall. This is a time when she is naturally a little scared and yet very excited. But she is looking forward to creating more awareness for Bhutan and the future library.

"Once I go to high school, I want to start a club to get everyone to know about it,” she said.

Since it is her favorite place, Claire looks forward to returning to Bhutan someday, stating, “The next time I go, I hope it is because the library is built.”