Cheshire Home has reopened the doors to its library after almost 20 years.
Peace Corps volunteer Elizabeth Rudd has been volunteering with Cheshire Home in Mahaica, East Coast Demerara; a home for people with disabilities.
A resident of the Cheshire Home enjoying his time in the newly opened library
When the committee expressed interest in re-opening the library, Rudd thought that it would be a great community resource, but also an excellent project for the residents to be a part of.
The library was transformed over a four-month period as Rudd and five residents of the home cleaned, organised, repaired, and colour-coordinated the books.
During the soft opening ceremony, Cheshire Home welcomed people from the village and neighbouring communities to join in the opening of the library.
Rudd, alongside fellow volunteer Allee Schlitz, gave out fun gifts such as stickers and erasers to a group of excited students before reading popular children’s books such as Dora the Explorer and Frozen.
Afterwards, students were able to explore the library, check out books and take free books home from the give-away shelf.
“My favourite part of the event was when the students applauded the Cheshire Home residents’ hard work. The residents are so proud of themselves, but it’s the entire community that benefits when we promote the inclusion of people with disabilities,” Rudd said in an invited comment to Guyana Times.
Schlitz, in a comment, recalled a moment with a young gentleman who was looking for a book on “Home Economics”. “He wants to be a chef when he gets older. It was great to see the students excited about books and I’m glad the library is here to spark interest in reading and support kids like this who have big dreams,” she stated.
Three residents of the home are currently being trained as Librarian Assistants – learning job skills and gaining confidence in themselves in the process. They will be able to assist community members in locating books as well as keep the library organised.
In addition, all three residents have excellent artistic capabilities and will continue to assist with the decoration of the library and the making of posters for future events.
The library will be open the first two Saturdays of every month from 09:00h to 12:00h. There are books for all ages with special sections including autobiographies, self-help, and arts and crafts.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer librarian, please call Cheshire Home for details on telephone number 259-3454 or contact Rudd on 670-8480.
