Remembering…

In Eduardo Galeano’s *The Book of Embraces*, there is a passage that reads: “To remember: from the Latin *re-cordis*, to pass through the heart once more”. 

It is a very apt phrase that explains how our memory is not merely a repository of information, but the ability to relive past emotions, people, situations and lessons in the present.

Between 2017 and 2021, at Rural Libraries we were delighted to welcome Nathalia Quintero Castro, a Colombian friend who was writing her doctoral thesis on the journeys of the Network. Nathalia presented this thesis in 2022 under the title The Rural Libraries Network of Cajamarca in Peru: Andean Trajectories and Geographies, and dedicates it, amongst others, to “her ayllu in the city of Cajamarca, the Mires Mocker family, and her community ayllu comprising all the librarian families of the Rural Libraries Network”.

Nathalia’s thesis is a text brimming with experiences, convictions, encouragement and connections, with memories, feelings, journeys and loves. 

From time to time, I read, look at and listen to this thesis. And so, I revisit the words, thoughts and voices within my heart. Because the thesis exists not only on paper, but also as a living digital document.

Here is the link:

https://view.genial.ly/61b78c92838ab70d8b349be2/presentation-red-de-bibliotecas-rurales-de-cajamarca

Thank you, dear Nathalia, for this gift.

Rita Mocker