Uruguayan Post to boost access to National Library

Uruguayan Post has signed a deal with Uruguay’s National Library to set up a distance book lending initiative for 10,000 teachers and students. The agreement signed last week aims to provide teachers and students outside Montevideo with better access to books within the National Library.

Initially, catalogues and two hundred titles would be available only for teachers, although the initiative could be extended to students.

Shipping and returns will be paid for by the National Library, and sent via schools, although orders will be taken from individuals through the National Library website, telephone or by letter.

Speaking to the press at last week’s signing ceremony, Carlos Liscano, director of the National Library, said the book lending program was the first time in the organisation’s almost 200-year history it will be handing out books.

He revealed his hopes that the initiative would reach teachers in villages furthest away from Uruguay’s capital city.

Liscano also spoke of the importance of the partnership with Uruguayan Post, noting its previous work in the education field in distributing computers through the one-laptop-per-child initiative, Plan Ceibal.

He said: “Now we are joining forces to achieve our educational and cultural aims, it is a moment of great joy, and we thank Uruguayan Post for their willingness and goodwill.”

José Luis Juárez, president of Uruguayan Post, said interagency agreements were easier when they shared common goals, and in this case he said both organisations were working towards expanded access and cultural inclusion, particularly since Uruguayan Post works under the remit of the Ministry of Social Development.

“Let us fulfill our mission, which is to provide universal access and inclusion in all senses: social, economic, cultural,” he said.

Uruguayan Post also agreed to closer working generally with the National Library, including supporting a new national creative writing competition.