Pascual, the memory of silence

Last October 16th, Rita, Nathalia and I left Cajamarca on our way to the town of Chuco, in the province of San Marcos.

On dirt roads we entered these colourful landscapes full of life. After taking several shortcuts and asking several locals, we finally arrived at the house of one of the oldest librarians of the Network, Mr. Pascual Sanchez Montoya. The first impression he gave us was a loving and calm countenance, his kind look; he also received us with a big hug, he was very happy to see us. 

He told us how the 70's were socially and politically turbulent times, especially for those living in the countryside. In 1969 the agrarian reform was decreed, which modified the relations between the countryside and the city. The rondas were also created in Bambamarca and Father Juan Metcalf was forming the first rural libraries. The social projection of Liberation Theology sought that the Catholic Church, at least in that faction, integrate more actively in the social life of peasants, and so the Rural Libraries project grew. 

In this context, Don Pascual, still a young catechist, became a librarian in the San Marcos area and it was also in those times that a great professional and respectful friendship was formed with Alfredo Mires, from whom he learned several foundational lessons for libraries or for life, he tells us: "we must not discriminate against anyone, neither for political or religious ideas" that everyone is welcome wherever there is a book to share. He also tells us: "I learned not to be a fanatic of anything, but just to be; you have to be passionate about social issues. There is no truce, no corruption or dealing with hypocrites" and that despite that "there is always love for everyone" that everyone has the right to straighten their paths.

He also tells us with great emotion about the love he always had for books. She says that in her childhood it was very difficult to have access to a book, that paper was very scarce and expensive and that her love for reading meant that, instead of buying clothes or candy with her allowance, she would take the opportunity to buy something to read. And he says, with a twinkle in his eye, that even the Bristol almanacs were a precious treasure.

Don Pascual has lost his hearing and part of his sight, he feels the difficulty of adapting to these limitations and that ultimately it has not been nor is it easy; he weaves memories of his life and readings as one, and although it hurts and saddens him many departures and detachment, he rejoices in reading, sees the world through it and embraces the hope and blessings to come.

Jorge Camacho