Jaco Library Becoming a Reality

In response to the overwhelming need for increased access to reading material in Jacó, an effort to start a public Jaco library has now gained significant momentum. Costa Ricans and ex-patriots are collaborating on the project, and Coldwell Banker Jaco is leading the way in seeing that the Jaco Library is a success.

Since September of 2009, CornerStones Education Foundation has been working to offer educational scholarships and to bring a multilingual library to Jacó. The Jaco library will seek to unite segments of the community by acting as a learning center for students and residents. It will also create a common bond between ex-patriots and Costa Ricans. This week, Coldwell Banker Vesta Group of Jacó secured and donated funds to obtain the initial collection of material that will be used to open the library. The initial collection consists of over 4,000 books in various languages. Coldwell Banker Jaco Costa Rica has been working with its client base to create the first Costa Rica English library in Jaco. In fact, the purchasing of the initial collection was a collaborative effort between Coldwell Banker and one of their clients.

The Jaco library will be extremely active in the community, and it will be a place for everyone, regardless of socio-economic status, to interact with other community members. Unlike some non-lending libraries in Latin America, it will be a fully functioning lending library with workshops, mentorship programs, book clubs and events all tailored to the Jacó community. Based on the cultural diversity found in Jacó, the Jaco Beach library will focus on building a collection featuring material in Spanish and English primarily; however, material in languages such as French and German will also be available. Currently, CornerStones and Coldwell Banker are working together to collect new and used books, magazines, audio books, CDs and DVDs that would be appropriate for the Jaco library. Office items such as desks, computers, and shelves are also needed. As Coldwell Banker and their clients have started to show that the library will be a reality, the community has been extremely supportive and has united for the common cause.

Studies have shown that literacy improves quality of life, and the library’s impact on the community of Jacó will be sure to improve the quality of life. Access to reading material is currently limited and expensive. However, this will change once the library is open; everyone will have access to reading material. And we know from The National Center for Education Statistics that students who have access to books, magazines, newspapers and encyclopedias at home have higher test scores on average.

As the library develops its collection, a heavy emphasis will be placed on the needs of the teachers and students at the local schools. With the initial collection firmly established, the library is poised for development and growth, but additional help and support are greatly appreciated. For further information on the development of the Jacó Library or to learn how you can be involved contact the Coldwell Banker office.