Bibliotecha Th'uruchapitas
History of the Sister Library Project
In 1990, the workshop of Pedagogical Experiences founded the only children's library in Bolivia. The Library of Th'uruchapitas was founded by women from Cochabamba who have been connected with IBBY (International Board of Books for Young People) and other international reading associations for years. They began raising funds for the library by conducting reading and writing seminars. Many wrote and published their own books for the library.
Appalachian State University's Involvement
Dr. Linda Veltze, professor at Appalachian State University, was so impressed with the success of the program that she developed a plan to add to the library's collection. She also applied for and received "Sister Library" status through the White House.
Operation Backpack
"Operation Backpack" was started by Terry Sack and Al Greene, psychology professors from ASU. Because of shipping costs being so expensive, students in the psychology classes carry donated books to the library on their annual trips to study in Cochabamba.
ASU's Library Science Students Make the Journey
In May, 2005, a group of 12 student and faculty members from the library science program made their first trip to Cochabamba to deliver books to the library of Th'uruchapitas. Together with Operation Backpack, they were able to hand deliver over 1,000 Spanish language books during the trip.
Contact Us
This is designed and maintained by Tracy Chapman at tchapman@alexander.k12.nc.us and Anne Pratt at prattann@hickory.k12.nc.us. Feel free to contact either of us for more information about this wonderful opportunity to help boost literacy in Bolivia!
You can also contact Dr. Linda Veltze at veltzela@appstate.edu with Appalachian State University for any questions or comments.