Size does not matter. It does not matter when it comes to libraries, at least. Big or small, a library, whatever the size and location, opens a thousand doors to endless worlds to anyone who sets foot in one of them.
Size does not matter. It does not matter when it comes to the greatness of a community.
This is the story of 23 librarians who crossed the ocean to share, grow, and learn from each other in a remote place in the world. From November 11–15, Purchena hosted the 6th International Iberoamerican Internship for Library Staff — 6ª Pasantía Internacional Iberbibliotecas.
This small Andalusian village silently listened to these skilled storytellers speak of dreams where books are carried on wheels through the mountains, of opening borderless meadows to people with functional diversity, of being a refuge for migrants and peasant women, of embracing our grandparents with books, of reconstructing our own history and healing the rivers from the library. This village, nodding, listened to them talk about seeing gardens and orchards blossom in the streets. Of seeing new books and songs blossom.*
Luckily one paella (big, cause size does sometimes matter), quenched all 23 librarians, one interpreter, and some more.
At the same time, our little library was also enlarged by some of the books that we received as presents from all across Latin America. We hope Picassa is home to librarians for many years to come, and if you’re not a librarian yourself, don’t worry, we are also book lovers —and have a wonderful patio where reading sometimes feels like an unavoidable thing to do.
*adapted text from Natalia Sandoval, Biblioteca Comunitaria Oasis del Saber, Colombia.
This project was funded by Iberbibliotecas and CERLALC, powered by Purchena Public Library and Purchena Municipality in cooperation with Picassa.
