LIBRARY - LEARNING CENTER
Access to current books for adults, students and children in Ethiopia, particularly in rural and small towns is virtually non-existent. The few facilities that exist are not accessible to the general population and are poorly stocked. We have established a model Learning Centre that serves up to 350 members per day providing books for children, high school and university students, adult s as well as access to current technology-based information and resources to the local communities in Assela, Ethiopia.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
What to expect
You'll find space to relax or discuss with friends in our outdoor sitting area, work in a quiet computer lab, or signup and attend the training programs offered within the building including, music, digital technology, STEM classes, etc.
WHAT OUR PAST PATRONS SAID
It is clear that the library is very successful. Every single patron talked about the quality of books compared to other libraries. Without making any improvements, the library would be an unbelievable success.
— Michael Mustian, Volunteer from North Carolina
The popularity and interest of the centre has been surprising—and what's been happening here has been more than what was expected. When the doors first opened, there was concern that they wouldn't get many users because the library is located at the edge of town, but after it opened--with no promotion or advertising—they were surprised to find 150 people a day utilizing the library.
— Daniel, Learning Centre staff
My favorite part about the new Learning Centre is the lack of restrictions and limitations. It's different than her school library, she said, and here people can select any book they want and can go wherever they want in the compound. She and a couple other students will find a spot where they can study together and they aren't told to be quiet because they aren't disturbing anyone.
Another thing that makes this library unique, is that people who are thirsty can easily get a drink from the water pipe in the compound. "This is a conducive environment for me to read, and when I read I will get good academic results.
— Meseret, Learning Centre member
The nineteen-year-old Grade 12 student heard about this library from his friends, and now he comes four days a week, two times a day: two hours in the morning and an hour-and-a-half in the evening. I wish it would be doubled,
said Mohammed.
It would be great if this Learning Centre has also an open TV room for people who are passing through this area, so that by the time they want to get refreshed they can come over and spend some time,
he said, adding that it would be great if homeless people spending time on the street could come and watch TV and learn life lessons rather than wasting their time
— Mohammed, Learning Centre member
Since he recently started coming to the library, he’s developed a new routine for his days: he studies his textbook in the morning, then comes to The Learning Centre and looks for additional references to help him understand what he read previously. Then he goes to school in the afternoon, and then stops back at The Learning Centre in the evening before going home.
As a Grade 10 student with hopes of becoming an engineer, Abdisa would like to see test prep books at this library. It helps students prepare themselves for exams and helps them measure how much they know, he said.
— Abdisa, Learning Centre member
Library Promises
- Every member of the library is welcome and each person is valued.
- Committed to updating our knowledge and library in order to deliver quality services.
- We listen carefully and quickly respond to needs, and always do our best to respond.
- We want to create a great environment so that you will discover, grow and inspire through learning.
Staff and Volunteers
- Work together as a team.
- Committed to updating our knowledge and library in order to deliver quality services.
LIBRARY IS OPEN
- Monday:8:00AM - 7:00PM
- Tuesday:8:00AM - 7:00PM
- Wednesday:8:00AM - 7:00PM
- Thursday: 8:00AM – 7:00PM
- Friday: 8:00AM - 7:00PM
- Saturday: 9:00AM - 6:00PM
- Sunday-Closed.
- Closed on all Official Ethiopian National Holidays.