Lindbergh Librarians Collecting Books to Build Library in Africa

Lindbergh schools librarians are going global in their efforts to increase literacy among school-age children, committing to build a library in Swaziland, Africa, as part of a partnership with nonprofit organization The African Library Project. The African Library Project establishes primary libraries in Africa to increase literacy on a continent that has the highest rate of illiteracy in the world.

“When you see such a need, it is an easy decision to get involved,” said Amy Sears, librarian at Sperreng Middle School and book drive organizer. “It is evident what a huge impact donating books could have on the lives of these people. Literacy means more than just a better life; it can mean the difference between life and death.” 

Between now and March, Lindbergh librarians hope to collect 2,000 used or new books for grade levels K-8.  Community members and Lindbergh families are encouraged to drop off book donations to any school library in the district. From there, the books will travel to Swaziland, Africa, to their new library home.  Swaziland schools provide the space, furniture, and staffing for the library.

In addition to collecting books, the libraries need to raise about $1,000 to cover a portion of the shipping costs. Fundraisers are being planned at the schools, and donations are also accepted at the libraries.

For more information, please visit www.lindberghschools.ws/Sperreng, and click the “African Library Project” link under the “News and Events” tab.

Not having books in schools is just one of the national crises Swaziland faces. Nearly 70 percent of the population lives on less than $1 a day and almost 40 percent of adults have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, the highest rate in the world.