Books and Libraries
The library project began in 1999 in the village of Dankunku, located approximately 160 miles from the capitol city of Banjul. With books and funds from donors, GambiaHELP transformed an abandoned storage room inside the school into a library large enough for 10 students and 1 volunteer. The Dankunku Library has been expanded three times since then. Currently, the students have daily access to books and study time.
GambiaHELP has now built over 50 libraries and sent over 100,000 books to communities throughout The Gambia. In addition to libraries, we have also trained librarians to care for the books and teach children how to find and use them.
Most of our books come from Seattle area volunteers and resources, however, in 2004 GambiaHELP began receiving books from throughout the United States. For example students at La Pietra Girls School in Honolulu sent over 33 boxes of books and schools throughout the Midwest have sent shipments.
A challenge in creating and maintaining libraries in The Gambia is termites which are ever present. Book shelves must be made of metal, plastic, or local “red wood” which is resistant to the insects.
Though most books go to schools, we have also supplied community centers, medical centers, the YMCA Computer Center, and the Gambia Chamber of Commerce.
We also provide school supplies – especially pens and pencils – and assemble backpacks filled with school essentials for needy students. These are treasured items for students.
We are delighted to have received so many book donations from schools and individuals. We are always looking for more. Please see our Book Donation Guidelines for more information.
Please contact GambiaHELP for additional information on giving opportunities. info@gambiahelp.org 206-523-6924.
GambiaHELP is recognized by the IRS as a 501 (c)(3) charitable/educational organization, so your contributions are tax-deductible.