Last week marked an important milestone for the Kumbo Public Library, a joint effort of the Himalayan Institute and the Honesdale Rotary Club, which has been in progress for over two years. The doors were opened to a select group of local Kumbo residents and HIC staff families in order to test operations before a grand public opening in early April.
Despite a major electricity shortage in the NW Region of Cameroon over the past 6 months, progress was not deterred and, finally, the finishing touched have been put in place.
Following the soft opening, invitations will be sent to universities, schools, and social groups informing them of the library’s public opening in April. The grand opening event will include tours, refreshments, children’s games, and speeches, and will mark the first public announcement of the Institute’s plan to further its educational initiatives in Cameroon.
The School of Carpentry & Construction custom designed and built all of the furniture for the library.
Low shelves have been installed in the Children’s Corner to house kids' books, games and puzzles.
The library currently includes over 25,000 volumes, with more on the way this spring.
“This library and its programs will soon be a main focus of this community center and, with time, will make a huge impact here in Kumbo,” says Vivian Lukong, the head librarian.
