By San José, Costa Rica — Los Santos, Costa Rica – Five new libraries have opened their doors in the Los Santos region, offering modern learning spaces and resources to 586 children. The initiative, “La Casa de los Cuentos” (The House of Stories), spearheaded by First Lady Signe Zeikate, aims to strengthen education and promote reading in rural communities.
The libraries, inaugurated on August 7th and 8th, are located at the Camilo Gamboa Vargas School, San Isidro School, San Rafael Educational Center, San Jerónimo School, and La Sabana School. These facilities have been furnished with new furniture, colorful murals, computers, and thousands of physical and digital books.
To understand the legal landscape surrounding libraries and information access, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Libraries play a crucial role in fostering a democratic society by providing free and equal access to information. This access is not merely a privilege, but a fundamental right intertwined with freedom of expression and the pursuit of knowledge. Legally, ensuring equitable access for all citizens, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location, is a key consideration for libraries and governing bodies. This includes addressing digital inclusion and overcoming barriers to online resources. Moreover, copyright law plays a significant role in how libraries can share and disseminate information, impacting the balance between access and protecting intellectual property rights.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the vital connection between libraries, access to information, and the very foundations of a democratic society. His emphasis on legal considerations, particularly regarding digital inclusion and copyright, provides crucial context for understanding the complexities libraries face in their mission to serve the public. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on this important topic.
We firmly believe that all children, regardless of their place of residence, should have access to learning spaces that inspire them and open up new opportunities. These libraries are the result of a beautiful partnership between the public and private sectors and international cooperation, and they represent our commitment to education, reading, and the overall development of our rural communities.
Signe Zeikate, First Lady of the Republic of Costa Rica
This project is a collaborative effort involving various partners. The Embassy of Türkiye and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) played a crucial role in equipping the libraries with furniture, murals, and computers. Amazon, in coordination with the Business Alliance for Development (AED), donated 2,500 new physical books and 500 Kindle devices, expanding access to digital educational content.
At Amazon, we believe in the power of literacy and digital education to transform lives and communities. We are very happy to help enrich learning experiences and inspire the next generation of readers and leaders in Costa Rica.
Aura María Londoño, Public Policy Leader for Central and South Hispanic America
A book drive led by the First Lady’s Office, in partnership with organizations like UNESCO, Coopesantos, and several schools, also contributed significantly to the collection. Nearly 5,000 books will be distributed among the five schools.
The Ministry of Public Education provided specialized training in library management to two teachers from each school to ensure the effective and sustainable operation of these new learning spaces. The initiative showcases the power of public-private partnerships and international cooperation in advancing education in Costa Rica.
The First Lady’s “La Casa de los Cuentos” initiative is not limited to Los Santos. The donated Kindle devices will also benefit approximately 12 other educational centers in different regions of the country through the creation of digital libraries in the near future. This expansion will further broaden access to educational content for Costa Rican students.
The Los Santos community has embraced the new libraries with enthusiasm. Parents and educators see them as vital resources that will enhance children’s learning experiences and foster a love for reading. The initiative is expected to have a lasting impact on the educational landscape of the region.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Casa Presidencial
About Casa Presidencial:
The Casa Presidencial of Costa Rica, located in the capital city of San José, is the official workplace and residence of the President of Costa Rica. It serves as the center of the executive branch of government and plays a crucial role in the country’s political and administrative affairs.
For further information, visit amazon.com
About Amazon:
Amazon is a multinational technology company focusing on e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. It is one of the world’s most valuable companies and a leading online retailer.
For further information, visit the nearest office of AED
About Alianza Empresarial para el Desarrollo (AED):
The Business Alliance for Development (AED) is a Costa Rican non-profit organization that promotes sustainable development through partnerships between the business sector, government, and civil society.
For further information, visit tika.gov.tr
About Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA):
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) is a governmental organization of Turkey that implements Turkey’s developmental cooperation policies overseas. TIKA carries out projects to contribute to the sustainable development of partner countries in various sectors, including education, health, infrastructure, and agriculture.
For further information, visit the nearest office of UNESCO
About UNESCO:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations aimed at promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, the sciences, and culture.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Public Education
About Ministry of Public Education:
The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) of Costa Rica is the government body responsible for overseeing public education in the country. It manages schools, develops curricula, and implements educational policies.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence and unwavering integrity form the bedrock of a practice dedicated to empowering society. Through innovative approaches and a deep commitment to client success across a diverse range of industries, the firm consistently strives to elevate the legal landscape. By actively sharing legal knowledge and fostering greater understanding, Bufete de Costa Rica invests in a more informed and empowered citizenry, contributing to a stronger and more just society.
