Oonya Kempadu was a Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence at Naugatuck Valley Community College this past year. While in Waterbury, she made an impact with the students at NVCC and Capital Community College and in the communities of both Colleges.  She is a novelist and social development researcher who has resided in Grenada for the last 15 years and is an advocate for child rights and education. Oonya recently sent this story back to her colleagues at NVCC about her work to establish the Mount Zion Library in St. Georges, Grenada. She noted aspecial thanks to Naugatuck Valley Community College for collecting and shipping two barrels of books to them this past spring. Big thanks to Elizabeth Frechette, NVCC librarian, for visiting and sharing library science skills and support.

“Grenada has the highest poverty rate amongst the English Caribbean countries. Children and youths make up the majority of that rate.” (UNDP: 2009 Human Development Report) “Grenada’s unemployment rate currently stands at 40 percent.” (The Commonwealth Media, web 2013) A past Minister of Education stated that the nation’s secondary school graduates are “unemployed and unemployable.” A high poverty rate and low functional literacy rate is affecting the future development of Grenada and seems to contribute to an increasing number of disenfranchised youth, a perceived lack of options and lack of motivation for self-development.

Mt. Zion Library is a collective, charitable initiative, founded by the Mt. Zion Full Gospel Revival Ministries Intl., Groundation Grenada, Oonya Kempadoo and Hands Across the Sea, in response to the closure of the National Public Library and absence of a communal space for literacy in St. George’s, Grenada. They report their progress to date:

• The General Library is open to the public with full bookshelves, thanks to the addition of two barrels of books donated from Naugatuck Valley Community College in Connecticut.
• The Children’s Library is also fully stocked with beautiful books and membership doubled over the summer.
• Mt. Zion Library is a supportive and youth-friendly space providing opportunities for volunteering and career mentoring.

Mt. Zion Library is a free community led library in St. George’s, Grenada where all are welcome to join as free members of our Children’s Library (ages 5-12 years) or our General Collection (ages 13 - adult).

You can support the library's on-going efforts in expanding reading, homework support and literacy programs to a greater number of Grenadian children, youth and adults with your generous donations online through http://mtzionlibrary.com/donations Funding donations to support operational costs and additional volunteers will allow the library to continue to serve its growing membership.

Donations will support building operating costs and employ trained staff to enhance library services and provide leadership for volunteers. Volunteering provides training and opportunities to learn about career options in teaching, library and information services and community literacy programs.

Make a pledge today to donate at: www.mtzionlibrary.com/donations

With your donation and/or participation, you will receive regular updates on our expanding membership and programs. For more information, check our website at: www.mtzionlibrary.com  or like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/mtzionlibraryhrc