La Cruz Open Air Library Needs Your Help Jennifer Brinckmann - Amigos de La Cruz
July 14, 2012

A few years ago, an energetic and creative couple, Sergio Regelado and Angelica Ramirez, had a dream of a special place where children could meet to develop a love of knowledge through reading, communicating and participation in artistic projects.

In March, 2010, through their hard work and dedication, Sergio and Angelica's dream evolved into the Biblioteca al Aire Libre (Open Air Library).

From its humble beginnings in a donated van parked at the town plaza, the library is now open each weekday evening at 5:30 at the Ejido office on Calle Sierra and Langosta.

At any given time you may find 8 to 25 children aged 4 to 14 happily engaged in reading, drawing, and learning English from volunteer extraordinaire, Glenn Burch. A few adults have even been known to attend a class or two – no one has ever been turned away!

With minimal funds and generous donations, Angelica and Sergio have been able to obtain books and supplies for arts and crafts projects.

Earlier this year, this energetic couple hosted a small, but successful fundraiser at Enrique's Restaurant where the children proudly displayed their English language skills. Sergio and Angelica are currently working with Philo to hold another fundraiser on Friday, August 3. The event will offer all-you-can-eat ribs, live music and entertainment. Tickets will be available soon, so keep your calendars open and plan to attend this very worthwhile event.

Sergio and Angelica's ultimate dream is for La Cruz to have a real library with a "home" of its own. While the Ejido has been generous in allowing them to operate out of their building, the storeroom for their supplies has multiple leaks in the ceiling and appears to be at risk of eventually caving in, an event which could destroy everything.

Classes are held in front of the building (hence Open Air) and the Amigos de La Cruz has loaned a tent to use during the rainy weather. The Amigos de La Cruz, in their support of Sergio and Angelica, has also donated children's size tables and chairs.

Sergio is speaking with the Delagado, the Municipality, the Amigos and other leaders in the community in hopes of bringing us together to find a solution to their need for a building.

As visionaries, they also aspire to have a magazine for the people of La Cruz as well as a University for Adults that will utilize the talents and skills of residents to teach others who desire to learn a skill or trade.

In order to continue this wonderful program the library needs our support. With very little time and/or expense you can give these kids a lifetime of joy through education and knowledge.

Here's a few things that we can provide:

• Children's books in English and Spanish for ages 4 though 14
• Paper, notebooks, pencils, pens...
• Art supplies
• Volunteer English teachers
• Ideas and support for a permanent location
 
Please join us in helping Sergio and Angelica in their effort to make a difference. Items can be brought down in suitcases, or you can purchase them here. We will be glad to pick them up and make delivery – or better yet, visit the library yourself. Angelica and Sergio would love to have you stop by!

For more information, contact Amigos de La Cruz at lacruzamigos@gmail.com.

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