Libraries for Gush Etzion

Libraries as a storage area for books, and the mere ability to borrow and return books are a thing of the past. Today, libraries all over the world, and in Israel as well, have become small community centers, where all ages are served according to their needs. The latest technology and equipment help create pedagogical and learning centers, and provide the ability for youth and adults to have access to the latest research and databases of information at their fingertips.

The current security situation in Gush Etzion does not allow the residents to travel freely and have social outlets that should not be considered a luxury. The youth are not able to benefit from many activities that should be part of a normal childhood.

By assisting us to raise our libraries to current standards, we are providing an opportunity to entertain and educate our youth near their home, without exposing them to the dangers of traveling on the roads in order to benefit from libraries and activities that exist elsewhere.

Many of the elderly in Gush Etzion are widowed, alone and isolated. They do not have the funds or the strength to travel to activities in order to occupy themselves. The elderly can thrive by keeping their mind working, which  prevent the onset of dementia and other consequences of old age that make them a burden to their familes and society.

We plan to use the library as a meeting place for authors, poets and artists to discuss their works with the public for an evening gathering and thus keep the costs of cultural activities within reach of our entire population. Educational films will be shown on various topics. Separate rooms will be created to cater to preschoolers who will play while other areas can benefit from silence. The Internet can provide a free exchange of information, and the ability to complete school assignments, extracurricular interest projects, and more with the help of professional magazines, and an appropriate selection of books of reference materials.

Gush Etzion consists of 20 communities, and our goal is to provide 3 libraries in order to serve its residents in 3 locations. Over time, we will strive to have smaller libraries in additional communities, but our immediate goal is to build a proper infrastructure for 3 main libraries, in the Central, Eastern and Southern areas of Gush Etzion in order to reach all the population groups.

The regional social services department has reported that preventative measures such as providing social, cultural and educational frameworks is a wise investment that in the long run saves the higher costs of treatments and therapies for youth and adults. Particularly during these challenging times it is vital to provide such an outlet.

With the proper assistance, we will be able to serve our communities, and help overcome some of the isolation and difficulties that are a direct result from the security situation. With a small investment, we can provide the various tools to have the libraries in Gush Etzion serve its residents, as do libraries all over the world.

Per Library (3 in total):

Equipment: 

Basic Computer Station: 2 computers, software, Internet -  25,000 shekel

Multimedia Center- television,video, audio, tapes, projector - 18,000 shekel

Play area for preschoolers- comfortable chairs, rugs, tables, shelves - 8000 shekel

Book and magazine purchases- 10,000 shekel

 

Enrichment Activities

Story hour for young children - 7,000 shekel

Literature club: meetings of authors and poets - 10,000 shekel

Psychodrama: relating to stories and books - 8,000 shekel

 

Manpower and training

 1/3 position for librarian - 25,000 shekel per year

           Enrichment and training program for librarians - 7,000 shekel