Information
Where does traveling librarian work:
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traveling librarian
Ladakh, India
Established in 2006, the traveling librarian is a registered non-profit in the State of Maine.
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Current Projects
Summer 2011:
- Setting up a small library in the Pediatric Unit for Special Children at the Sonam Norbu Memorial Hospital
- Working with the Bon Community Center on literacy projects and their small research library
- Checking in on the Siddhartha High School Library (pre-school through class 10)
- Visiting Zenab, certified library information specialist, at her assigned school and follow-up with the Domkhar Dho Government School
- Photographing students to send to their sponsors
Please follow my bog for up-to-date progress and other information:
http://blog.travelinglibrarian.org/
Partner Needs
There are so many schools in Ladakh that would benefit from having a school library supported by books reflecting the J & K and National curriculum. In addition to books there is a need for computers and Internet access to provide the students with opportunities to understand the world beyond their village and gain a global perspective by interacting with classrooms around the world. In making this happen the traveling librarian organization has some basic operating needs.
- Support for maintaining office space and Internet access in Leh as well as serving as a home base for volunters
- local transportation costs for delivering resources
Financial Needs
Library Books: $1,500.00
- Purchased at Tekson's Bookstore in Delhi and shipped to Ladakh
Library Supplies: 500.00 USD
Computers:
- Siddhartha High School School - 6,000.00 USD
- Domkhar Dho Govt. School - 4,000 USD
Broadband access:
- Siddhartha High School initial installation
- Siddhartha 300.00 USD per year fees
- Domkhar 300.00 USD per year fees
Sponsorships:
- Scholarships for Ladakhi teachers to Indira Ghandi National Open University in the degree program for Library and Information Sciences (BLIS or MLIS). 160.00 USD each student
- Sponsor a student at the Siddhartha High School (see Siddhartha School Project Sponsorship)
Travel:
- Basic Travel Expenses for traveling librarian or associate 2,300.00 USD
Mission Statement
Mission: the traveling librarian focuses on assisting schools, in third world countries and rural locations, to establish their own libraries. The primary purpose is to promote reading and literacy in multiple languages to prepare students to compete in a global economy. In addition, the organization assists with information and communication technologies to link remote classrooms locally and globally. Establishing a system for fundraising, purchasing resources, organizing, and staff training provide the schools with a strong foundation for on-going success.