The birth of a new and well-stocked lending library is broadening horizons for lakeside area book worms and laying the groundwork for a multi-faceted community education center.
Conveniently located on the outskirts of Jocotepec, immediately west of the turn-off to Libramiento bypass, the budding El Chante Library is already the pride and joy of a tight-knit group of ambitious expatriates who have so far put 5,000 titles on the shelves.
“This is just a modest beginning,” says library manager Marilyn Hazen, pointing to a dozen long racks filled with books. “We have 75,000 more books sitting in storage up at the border.”
Sorting out red tape with Mexican customs and arranging transportation to Jocotepec are the remaining obstacles to completing a collection that will eventually rank as Jalisco’s second largest library, she explains. And that doesn’t count the hundreds of DVDs that are being acquired to compile a film library
The huge stash of English reading materials has been picked up from many sources, ranging from garage sales to book store giveaways. Most Spanish titles are obtained here in Mexico.The library is tentatively slated for a formal opening sometime next month. It will operate on a membership basis, under a fee scale starting at 500 pesos per year. Perks will include a bookmobile pickup and delivery system for residents of Ajijic, Chapala and other lakeshore towns, with an option for users to reserve titles from an online catalog.
The project is run by Act4Life, a private company dedicated to fostering a variety of educational pursuits. It is the first stepping stone in developing what is envisioned as an innovative and comprehensive learning center. Long range plans also include launching language classes, a state-of-the-art computer training program, and even opening a café with breakfast and lunch service for visitors to encourage social interaction.
The library occupies the ground floor of a two-story private home, with comfortable furnishings available for reading and lounging in quiet comfort. A large nook is set up as a study area currently, used by seven youngsters who are enrolled in the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) home study program.
Hazen says that Act4Life is not affiliated with any religious sect.
“We are a group of families and friends, about 30 people, who want to live in Mexico and work together for the good of the community.”
Corporate president Julian Rocha is a native of San Luis Potosi who settled in Texas and now wants to repay his good fortunes in life by contributing to a better quality of life in his homeland.
Persons interested in learning more about El Chante Library are welcome to visit Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Hazen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (387) 763-1084.