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Little Libraries in Fortaleza and Sao Paulo

Fortaleza

Fortaleza is located on the coast in northeast Brazil, one of the poorest areas in the country, and is the capital of Ceará state. Its population is approximately 2 million people. The native language is Portuguese. The poverty rate in Fortaleza in recent years has been on the rise and is currently 42%.

Fortaleza has just one main library which is located in the business section of the city , approximately 25 kilometres from the community where Little Libraries are located. Without the Little Libraries, the children in the community would not have any access to reading material, other than the daily newspaper, which they probably could not afford to purchase.

The Integrated Centre of Studies and Programs for Sustainable Development (CIEDS, www.cieds.org.br) is the I.Can Foundation partner in Fortaleza. CIEDS is a resource where Little Libraries staff are provided guidance on operational efficiencies as well as being kept informed about opportunities to enhance and expand learning opportunities for the children.

Planalto do Pici – Espaco De Leitura

Established in 2002, this is the first Little Library in Fortaleza. It is located in a small area, a former airforce base, where 60,000 people live and the unemployment rate approaches 60%.

Typically, each day, approximately 50 children visit the Little Library as well as 20 adults and young people. The Little Library has become an integral part of the community. Margarita Alves, a private primary school, is located across from the Little Library and with which there has developed a comfortable and reciprocal relationship. Two of the teachers at the school, also teach in the Little Library.

Parque Universitae - Biblioteca Comunitaria Mary Mona Kelly

This Little Library opened in 2003 and has consistently built its presence within the community. There are approximately 250 visits by children weekly, who are between 4 yrs and 16 yrs old. University students and local citizens volunteer in the Little Library. Activities at the Little Library include reading, playing games as well as creative activities in music, art and dance. The Little Library works in partnership with a local government school by sharing space for extracurricular activities as well as other learning resources and opportunities.

Casa Da Dorina, Sao Paulo >>

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Brazil

Philippines

Canada

Brazil – Three in Fortaleza and one in Sao Paulo
Philippines – Three Little Libraries in Cagayan de Oro City
Canada – One in Lynn Lake , Manitoba