The Peaceful Reading Resource Center is Open

Last weekend did not feel like much of a rest. The up side is that we have been very productive. We finally received the keys to our new library space, and within two hours, we assembled a large volunteer workforce to transform a former listening lab into an English resource center. We had ten students and five foreign teachers dusting, mopping, hauling desks and books from one floor to another. It felt good to make some headway on our largest secondary project this year.

For those of you who keep up with our blog, you know that we have been laboring to expand and improve our library for about 8 months now. We were able to add over two hundred new books, magazines and reference materials the center. These materials were procured through a grant from the Regional English Language Office in Beijing, donations from Ed and Fran Adams family, Audrey Reyes, Drew Heatherington and Alison Dunn. We are also expecting a package any day from the Darien Book Aid any day now. The college was also good enough to give us a very large space and all the furnishings we needed. We would also like to thank the many people who gave their moral support.

This week the new spaced opened and the first hesitant students came in. They liked that we have some new seating arrangements. In this larger space, we have different two “living room” style areas and a big table with chairs around it. We also have six large bookshelves. They are very unsure about the new digs, but are starting to realize that we want them to stay and chat, rather than grab a book and leave.

Overall, we are very happy with the result. Sometime before National Day we plan to have an official school opening. Thanks again to all of you who helped. We will post pictures soon.

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