biblioburros

[asakiyume]

I just learned from Little Springtime about the existence of bibioburros--like bookmobiles, only with burros instead of vans to carry books to isolated households on Colombia's Caribbean shore.

The program's founder, Luis Soriano, is a primary school teacher. His portable library started with just 70 books, but grew to several thousand volumes, thanks to donations. Soriano has two burros, Alfa and Beto, who carry the books. This Wikipedia article on bibiloburros tells of much excitement (for example, bandits tied up Soriano and stole the novel Brida, by Paulo Coelho, when they discovered Soriano had no money on him) and many ups and downs (Soriano had to have a leg amputated after an accident), but the program continues.


Luis Soriano and his biblioburros (Photo: Scott Dalton; Source: New York Times, article here)


(Also from the New York Times)

Comments

Life: Cooler than fiction

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

This has got to be one of the most awesome things I've ever heard of. Mr. Soriano, you rock!

[duccio.livejournal.com]

There is a wonderful guy.

Re: Life: Cooler than fiction

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

mnfaure!! So good to see you! ((hugs tight)) I hope little K is doing well!

And yes, Mr. Soriano totally, totally rocks.

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

Yes indeed.

[duccio.livejournal.com]

I think he needs to be added to your list of free copies of PenPal - once it goes into translations in 25 languages. Probably Spanish will be first, huh.

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

If I had a Spanish translation, it would be in the mail to him today.

[queenoftheskies.livejournal.com]

That is one of the coolest things I've ever heard about! What an awesome man!

Thank you for sharing.

[cucumberseed.livejournal.com]

That is pretty much the best thing I have seen all day.

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

My pleasure! I was so delighted when Little Springtime told me about them, I had to share.

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

And the day is yet young! Who knows what the afternoon may bring.

[browngirl.livejournal.com]

May Seshat bless him and preserve his remaining limbs!

[wakanomori.livejournal.com]

ファンタスティック！！ Really inspiring -- thank you both for sharing!

[xjenavivex.livejournal.com]

Thank you for sharing this.

[laetificat.livejournal.com]

That is AWESOME.

Re: Life: Cooler than fiction

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

*hugs back* I'm here-ish, and I almost got around to posting an entry today. Alas it must remain "almost" because I have to hie myself off to bed. Maybe tomorrow!

[pinkroo.livejournal.com]

I love stories like this--thank you!

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

Yes indeed!

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

She said she found out about it from a picture book--I'd like to see the picture book!

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

My pleasure--it was so cheering, I knew I had to spread the goodness.

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

Isn't it? Makes me want to run out and do great things.

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

Me toooo! You are very welcome.

[pdlloyd.livejournal.com]

What dedication to spreading knowledge. Three cheers for Luis Soriano for all he's done.

[dudeshoes.livejournal.com]

This is wonderful. I love that people still care are books and know how important it is to a child's future to share the love of books.

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

I will join you in a hearty three cheers!

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

Me too--I like the creativity and sensibleness of his approach!