The Public Library in Latacunga

I found the public library walking around Latacunga today. It's pretty sad — fairly typical of what have seen in smaller towns in Mexico.

It's basically a study hall with a small collection of books behind the desk of the librarian.

I'm not sure how you browse. Maybe you can't. I didn't see any kind of catalog either. Maybe you just have to ask the librarian if you are interested in a book. There were some internet computers that were not being used. In fact only two young girls were in the library doing some school work. I tried to engage the librarian in some conversation, but she spoke no English and my Spanish was really too poor to communicate. I did manage to learn that this is the only public library in Latacunga. It's hard not to have my old library development instincts kick in and want to help them out. This library needs a total makeover for public access and a much better book collection. Imagine if that could be done? It would be an interesting experiment. There are all those "makeover" shows on TV (houses, restaurants, etc.). Maybe the Gates Foundation could fund the international library makeover show. This library would be a good candidate for that.