Current Projects

The San Lorenzo Public Library, June 2004 - Present

On August 28, 2004 Developing Communities, Inc. inaugurated the new San Lorenzo Public Library and Computer Center in San Lorenzo, Boaco, Nicaragua. San Lorenzo is a small rural community situated in central Nicaragua, approximately two hours east of Managua. It is one of the poorer municipalities in Nicaragua, and makes most of its income from farming and the production of dairy products. San Lorenzo has approximately 25,000 people and is made up of two larger towns (San Lorenzo, and Tecolostote) and approximately 23 smaller rural villages. Unlike many larger towns in Nicaragua, San Lorenzo is often overlooked by projects that the government, other organizations, and private companies pursue because it is not located near the most popular tourist areas such as Granada, Leon, Masaya, and Managua.  

The San Lorenzo Public Library is a public facility with a library, a computer center, and a classroom for vocational classes. The library is run by a group of seven volunteers from the community and has been open to the public for over four years. Until recently, the library was run out of a small home with inadequate conditions to be a public facility. In the summer of 2004, Developing Communities, Inc. and members of the community of San Lorenzo helped to build a new building for the library right in the center of town. The mayor’s office donated the land which is located directly across from the town’s primary school and community volunteers helped plan the construction of the library.

Unlike other libraries in Nicaragua, the San Lorenzo Public Library is run as a financially sustainable business. The income the community earns from the computer center pays for the salary of the librarian, the electricity, and other overhead costs. The objective of this project is to provide San Lorenzo with a center run by community members where people of all ages can come to learn and explore.

The Public Library offers products and services to all members of the community, including the town of San Lorenzo itself and the surrounding rural communities. This public facility directly addresses the community's greatest needs by providing access to education and information to people of all ages at a reasonable cost, right in San Lorenzo itself. The library offers access to basic information through its books and encyclopedias and also computer classes for those who would like to learn. In the future, the library plans to offer vocational training classes such as sewing, woodworking, environmental sustainability, and metal working. The skills and knowledge that people obtain from the classes will help them find and create employment opportunities in the future. The services offered through the computer center will also increase efficiency among local businesses, encourage interest in learning more about modern technology, and other services like digital photography allowing people to capture important life moments and cultural events.

This project is an excellent example of how a small group of concerned and dedicated community members can make a great impact on the lives of the people in their community. It shows how a community can run a financially sustainable business that benefits the community as a whole. A project of this magnitude teaches important business skills, improves self-esteem, encourages self-sustainability, and highlights the importance of education and practical skills.

If you would like to support this project, donations of Spanish books and financial contributions are always welcome.

For more information about how you can help, please visit our donate now page.

Please check back soon to learn more information about our future projects and how you can help.