How Does It All Work?

Creating a Library

From scratch. In community. First books ever.

Step 1

Application Process

We look for schools to apply who have strong leadership and the desire to collaborate. The school fills out an application showing their dedication and understanding of the project.
Step 1
Step 2

Library Committee

The school creates their own committee of teachers and parents who will organize, plan, and monitor the development of the library. They will also help fundraise in a symbolic way to participate as peers instead of solely recipients of aid.
Step 2
Step 3

Installing the Library

Together, students, teachers, parents, and Chispa Project work to decorate and organize the library space, labeling books, setting up bookshelves, creating an inventory, and painting lively murals to encourage reading.
Step 3
Step 4

Educational Workshops

Chispa Project provides three workshops.

  1. Teachers learn creative strategies for incorporating reading in their daily lessons.
  2. Parents visit the library and discuss how to support their children's reading habits.
  3. Students are oriented to check-out process and the proper care of books.
Step 4
Step 5

Library Inauguration

In a day-long rotation of book and story related activities for the students, the purpose of the inauguration is to promote literacy and the love of books in the community, and to commemorate the great achievement of the school and the library committee in completing the library.
Step 5
Step 6

Project Sustainability

Throughout the school year, Chispa Project checks in with the school to make sure that the library is running as the committee originally decided. We continue to provide technical support and evaluations as needed.
Step 6