To support us please visit:
www.gofundme.com/librarybtb
or
https://paypal.me/loisbtbpubliclibrary This is the first library in Battambang that actually lends out books. The aim is to get the local Khmer community, in particular the youth, to get free access to books. It all started as a crazy idea in July 2016, to get it moving from just an idea to an actual library a location was needed. An old
French colonial building in the heart of Battambang was found and rented. A crowdfunding page set up to get funding for the project. As the donations started to trickle in it was possible to pay the monthly rent, and start the big task of renovations. The building was dirty and rundown. It took almost 6 months to get the library space painted, fixed up and to get book shelves built. Without all the volunteers that have helped throughout this year with everything from cleaning, painting, building, sorting books, giving advice etc. this project would not have been where it is today. Now, 1 year later we have more than 3000 books in the library, 1500 in Khmer language and around 1500 books in English, French and other languages. Library cards have been printed and the library is open. The Library cafe is currently what keeps the library going. With the income earned there we are able to pay the rent and utilities. As the building where the library is have such a great space,We want to use the space for other cultural events. We have monthly poetry and open mic nights, we work together with a local art gallery and now have art from local artists showcasing. We also have the space to hold workshops, movie screenings etc. On the ground floor of the Library Ry's Kitchen food & lounge is situated. A restaurant serving both western and Khmer food. On the second floor the Library cafe will soon re-open for coffee, tea and other soft drinks that can be enjoyed while in the library reading or studying. Its going forward and we work hard on keeping it evolving.
