A Library Like Magic: The Gift of Books in Guatemala

Imagine unlocking the ability to read — decoding letters into words, words into stories — and finding nothing to read. It’s like being handed a precious gift, only to realize it’s wrapped in invisible paper, unreachable.

For many children in Guatemala, that’s not a metaphor.  This is their everyday reality. 

In the schools supported by the Global Learning Exchange Initiative (GLXi), where passionate teachers are working to spark a love of learning, books are a rarity. Yet, the hunger to read is real.

That’s why what happened this March was nothing short of extraordinary.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, GLXi staff delivered physical libraries, each with at least 85 books, to 52 dedicated teachers across Guatemala. 

These aren’t just stacks of books; they’re carefully curated collections for beginning, intermediate, and advanced readers. For children at different stages of literacy, it’s a world of possibility placed right into their hands.

For Erika Evita Elvira Lux Yac, a teacher at School Francisco Muñoz in Quetzaltenango, receiving her library was a moment she won’t soon forget.

“I felt immense joy, excitement, and deep gratitude,” she shared. “Especially toward God and the GLXi organization. This kind of support represents a beacon of hope.”

The libraries were given to teachers just starting their journey in the Open Books, Open Minds (OBOM) training. From day one, they could begin using engaging reading and writing strategies in their classrooms.

And for the students? The arrival of books felt like a celebration.

“When they saw the books, their faces lit up,” Mrs. Lux said. “Their eyes sparkled with excitement, and their laughter brightened the classroom.. Even though many are still in the process of learning to read, the colorful and engaging illustrations in the books sparked great motivation in them. They felt encouraged to continue learning, discover new stories, and immerse themselves in the world of reading. It was a magical moment — one of those that reaffirms why teaching is so worthwhile.”

Behind every book is intention. The OBOM team hand-selects reading materials that not only suit a wide range of reading levels but also enrich the curriculum across subjects.

“Most of the children we work with have never had access to a variety of books,” said GLXi Executive Director Jaime Vielman. “By providing diverse stories and texts, we’re giving teachers tools to expand learning in every direction.”

In Guatemala’s public schools, which are often under-resourced and overwhelmed, these libraries are more than just books on shelves. They are lifelines. They nurture imagination, strengthen language development, and build the foundation for critical thinking. And perhaps most importantly, they inspire a lifelong love of learning.

Guided by the Ministry of Education’s Leamos Juntos (“Let’s Read Together”) program, we’ve crafted a plan that brings stories to life and turns reading into a daily adventure. At the heart of this initiative is our cozy new “Reading Corner,” a welcoming library space where curiosity leads the way.

More than just a collection of books, this little library is becoming a hub of imagination, creativity, and critical thinking. Here, children don’t just read; they explore, dream, question, and discover. With every story they open, they take another step on the path of educational transformation. It’s not just about reading together — it’s about growing together.

Every book placed in a child’s hands is a step toward bridging the social and cultural divides that have limited opportunity for generations. With each story read, a new story begins for a student, a teacher, and a community.

And it all starts with the simple, powerful joy of turning a page.

You can help. Donate to GLXi here.

More Photos from Our Physical Library Deliveries!