Buying Books for the Library

January 21, 2008 by Kim from Seattle, WA

Since I was heading to Luang Prabang, Karen connected me to Sengkham's library project so I could do some volunteering or help buy some books. Sengkham and I went to the Phousi Market, along with Chris and Allyson some fellow travelers who also wanted to buy help out the library. We spent about $150 on 65 books; ranging from Laos-English conversation books, textbooks which would have sent me right to sleep-no pictures!, and some storybooks. Along with Uncle Phil's donation via Big Brother Mouse we had 70 books to deliver to Sengkham's library. Watching the book buying process is quite an experience. Sengkham gets a list of needed textbooks from the local librarian. Not all students can afford textbooks so this enables them to check them out and have access to the books outside of class. Imagine not having access to textbooks? Anyway, he takes the list and then prices out everything...we had to put some books back so we definitely need to get more folks to donate to the cause! i also wanted to make sure there were some 'fun' books for kids to read, so books and reading weren't just a part of studying and school but offered an opportunity for them to explore and engage their creativity and imagination. So yay for Sengkham and his expanding library!