Library at Cheshire Home reopened
Peace Corps volunteer Liza Rudd and residents of the home worked hard to reopen the library.
Peace Corps volunteer Liza Rudd and residents of the home worked hard to reopen the library.

CHESHIRE Home’s library has reopened its doors after almost 20 years, thanks to the efforts of Peace Corps volunteer Liza Rudd ad five residents of the home who cleaned, organized,

Cheshire Home is one for persons with disabilities.
Cheshire Home is one for persons with disabilities.

repaired, and color-coordinated the books.

Liza has been volunteering at the said facility in Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, which is a home for people with disabilities, since July of 2015. When the relevant committee expressed interest in re-opening the library, she thought that it would be a great community resource and an excellent project for the residents to be a part of. The library was transformed over a period of four months.

Last October 8th, Cheshire Home welcomed people from the village and neighboring communities to join in the opening of the library.

Liza, alongside fellow volunteer Allee Schlitz, gave out fun gifts like stickers and erasers to a group of excited students before reading popular children’s books such as Dora the Explorer and Frozen.

Afterwards, students were able to explore the library and take free books home from the “give-away” shelf.

“My favorite part of the event was when the students applauded the Cheshire Home residents’ hard work. The residents are so proud of themselves, but it’s the entire community that benefits when we promote the inclusion of people with disabilities,” said Liza.

Residents of the facility have great artistic capabilities.
Residents of the facility have great artistic capabilities.

Meanwhile, Allee recalled a moment with a young gentleman who was looking for a book on Home Economics. She said, “He wants to be a chef when he gets older. It was great to see the students excited about books and I’m glad the library is here to spark interest in reading and support kids like this who have big dreams.”

Three residents from Cheshire Home’s Independent Living Phase are currently being trained as Librarian Assistants – learning job skills and gaining confidence in themselves in the process.

They will be able to assist community members in locating books, as well as keep the library organized.

In addition, Liza said all three residents have excellent artistic capabilities and will continue to assist with the decoration of the library and the making of posters for future events.

The library will be open the first two Saturdays of every month from 09:00 h to 12:00h.

There are books for all ages with special sections including Autobiographies, Self- Help, and Arts and Crafts.
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer librarian is invited to call Cheshire Home for details.

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