Macha Community Library was established in 2020 thanks to the vision of Macha Sport and Learning Project's after school staff who saw the popularity of the reading corner in their recreation center and identified the need for a proper building that would prove more conducive for learning and study.

 

Through a strengths-based development model and community organizing and development frameworks, community members have been recognized as holding valuable knowledge of their own community and culture. The Macha Community library was purposed to provide a space that would provide support in elevating the voices of community members and allow for self-sufficiency.

 

Once the staff shared their library vision, more than $25,000 was raised to cover all costs and complete the project. What began in 2014 as a single bookshelf has now evolved into a proper three room library designed to serve children, adolescents, and adults in the community.

 

Beyond the infrastructure, books were collected, furniture and shelves were built locally, and as of May 2020 Macha Community Library was open.

 

Beyond housing thousands of books available for lending, there is a side room designated for young learners and another room purposed for students needing a quiet space to study. Each space was designed for the purpose of serving the needs identified by the community and thanks to many donors, Project1151 was able to come alongside the vision and help financially support the construction.

 

Thanks to MSLP's committed staff - and voices within the community advocating for the space, the library has proved a popular place for hundreds of children, adolescents, and adults to spend time weekly. Our hope is to continue growing our resources and expanding learning services to meet the evolving needs in the community. All financial support directed towards the library in 2022 will go towards the construction of bookshelves and the salary of additional staff who will provide more hours of operation.