Libraries in Laos

Over the last half decade, NaNoWriMo has become a powerful catalyst for would-be writers all over the world. The can-do energy of the event has helped tens of thousands to set aside their reservations and dive headlong into writing.

In 2005, NaNoWriMo will be using that same can-do spirit to help a group of would-be readers: Namely, a group of elementary-school kids halfway around the world in Laos. In partnership with the children's literacy nonprofit Room to Read, NaNoWriMo will donate 50% of its net proceeds this year to go towards the establishment of children's libraries in rural villages there.

The funds we raise will pay for the purchase and transport of books in both the local language and English, renovations to the library space, additions of kid-friendly furniture and shelving, and the donation of other supplemental educational materials like maps and games.

Room to Read has already opened over 1000 libraries across Vietnam, Nepal, and Cambodia. In fact, in 2004, they built three libraries in Cambodia from money raised by NaNoWriMo. You can read a PDF report (with great photos!) from one of our Cambodian libraries here.

We'd like to beat last year's goal by raising $8000 in 2005 for the libraries, enough to establish libraries in four different villages. Every t-shirt and tote bag we sell, as well as every contribution made by Wrimos, will help get us closer to our goal of helping kids in poor communities lose themselves in the magic of reading.

To help us, come on by our Donation Station and Store. And for more information on the ways in which Room to Read is changing the world one library at a time, check out the Room to Read website.