True patriots

Over the last few days, we have celebrated yet another anniversary of our beloved country’s declaration of independence. A few weeks ago, shops and markets were selling all manner of symbols, badges and decorations, many of them even ‘personalised’, in keeping with the latest commercial trends. And no wonder; after all, it is about celebrating that we are Peruvian, that we love our homeland and want to show it in every possible way… That is why we must go beyond a one-off celebration in July, with a badge on our chest and a flag on the roof of our house. We need to demonstrate patriotism in every daily action, in every part of ourselves and in every centimetre of our territory.

In the communities of Cajamarca, the librarians and coordinators of the rural libraries build their homeland all year round: they tend the small plots of land, lend out books and encourage children and young people to read; who, in turn, read to the older members of their families. The community librarians respect and protect their little patch of land by planting trees – not as part of an environmental campaign, but out of instinct, because it comes naturally to them, and they know that we are all one, and that we humans are merely guests in this home.

The librarians and coordinators of the Network do not need to wear badges on their chests, but we all recognise them as true patriots.

The Path

I shall venture into the very heart

of the twilight

to find the light

as I call your name.

(…)

I shall once again truly be

made of stars,

of that wind that came

from within and without.

And at last I shall understand

which path

is the one that walks towards me,

my destiny.

Alfredo Mires Ortiz

in: Romance of the mountain

Would you like to read more?

It is still on sale at our head office.

Sharing the Network

16th Congress on Children’s and Young People’s Literature – Trujillo 2026

José María Arguedas Education Fair.

A few weeks ago, I had the honour of taking part in the 16th Congress on Children’s and Young People’s Literature held in Trujillo, representing our much-admired Rural Libraries Network of Cajamarca.

My first contribution was to share our Network’s experiences of reading. During my talk, I highlighted the most important aspects of the process of development, change and adaptation within this educational and cultural movement, paying tribute to its founders and to the community members who volunteer their time, encouraging others and using books as a tool. I could not fail to quote what Alfredo Mires said regarding books and reading: 

‘It is a matter of nurturing and taming, of appropriate trials and assimilations, of cherished cultivations that stand in stark contrast to those who may use books merely as a storehouse rather than as a marvellous tool through which reading can breathe life into the written word.’

My second contribution was at the round-table discussion entitled ‘All voices, all?’, alongside Carlos Pérez Urrutia and Cucha del Águila. It was a very enriching discussion, in which we shared our views on the issues and concerns that run through regional literature aimed at children and young people, as well as on the other forms of writing, storytelling and reading found in our region. We highlighted the work of the Rural Libraries Network in preserving ancestral knowledge for the production of books and their return to the communities, always under the guidance of Alfredo Mires, the driving force behind this initiative.

It has been wonderful to reaffirm once again the importance of the Network’s work with the communities of Cajamarca, its processes, its experience over these 55 years with books in the region, and the value of each of our principles.

Many thanks to the Casa de la Literatura for its ongoing recognition of the work of Alfredo Mires and the Cajamarca Rural Libraries Network.

Lola Paredes

Ben, determination and commitment

Mother,

I come to touch your forehead,

Crowned by the wind.

Excerpt from *Romance de la montaña*

Alfredo Mires Ortiz

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way” is a saying from our wise grandparents.

In that spirit of determination and embraced by the positive energy of the mountains, Ben Heery, nephew of our dear colleague Helen from the Sarah’s Rural Library Association, took part in the gruelling Lakeland 50 mountain race/ultramarathon. At just 18 years old, he ventured into the heart of the Los Lagos region and covered 80 km in a mere 10 hours, with the noble aim of raising funds for our libraries.

His act of volunteering, his courage and his commitment inspire us to keep moving forward, to be present in the communities where books, the written word and libraries are a source of hope.

Today, the Rural Libraries family is not only filled with pride, but also reaffirms its commitment to keep reading, strengthening our Andean culture and caring for Mother Earth, who always shelters us.

Our thanks to you, Ben, for everything you teach us.

In Masintranca, Chota

From 16th to 19th March, we had the great pleasure of welcoming our dear friends from England: Helen, Ben and Bella.

Together with them, and in the presence of our general coordinator, Javier Huamán Lara, we visited three areas where our rural libraries operate. In each place, we enjoyed pleasant encounters with readers, librarians and coordinators from various villages. These visits enabled us to strengthen enthusiasm for reading, both individually and collectively, by promoting the lending of books so that each community can continue to enjoy and make the most of our publications.

At our coordinator Sergio’s home, we also experienced a very special moment. We shared a reading session with local residents, which invited us to reflect on our social reality and the times we are living through. It was a space for dialogue and connection for which we all felt deeply grateful.

The following day we visited the “Cristo Rey” school in Masintranca, where a BRIE (Rural Library in an Educational Institution) has been operating for many years. There, we met with the entire teaching staff to discuss the importance of continuing to promote reading amongst the pupils. We were delighted to see the teachers’ commitment and enthusiasm for continuing to build on this work.

Over the course of these days, we shared experiences, lessons learnt and moments of friendship.

We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to Helen, Ben and Bella for accompanying us so warmly. Their presence, friendliness and enthusiasm have been a great source of encouragement for us to continue promoting reading in our communities.

Sergio Díaz Estela

Internal Coordinator

Cajamarca Rural Libraries Network

Reading Trip to Montegrande

The Year 2 ‘Solidaridad’ pupils enjoyed an experience they are unlikely to forget. As part of our reading project, they took part in a guided tour of the Huaca Montegrande Archaeological Site, where, led by Dr Quirino Olivera, they learnt about the legacy of the Marañón culture and the ancient origins of cocoa – a heritage that forms part of our identity.

The day featured a meaningful offering to the earth, a moment of gratitude and connection with nature; a reading session led by Social Sciences student teachers; and the official opening of the BRIE (Rural Library of School 16049 “Inmaculada Concepción”), a ceremony presided over by Ms Sara Moreno, representative of the Cajamarca Rural Libraries Network and a teacher at the EESPP “Víctor Andrés Belaúnde”.

We were also joined by the specialist from the Jaén UGEL, Ms Marleny Olivera, as well as primary and secondary school teachers from the target classes who have been driving this project forward.

Beyond the activities carried out, this experience reminded us of a profound lesson: reading is also an act of reciprocity. Just as our ancestors offered cocoa, maize and bean seeds to give thanks to the earth and ask for abundance, today our pupils symbolically offered their first reading, understanding that reading not only nourishes knowledge, but also the spirit, identity and a sense of belonging.

The Huaca Montegrande taught us that human beings grow when they recognise their connection to nature, culture, memory and community. It is this very connection that we seek to strengthen through our BRIE: a library that not only lends books, but also sows curiosity, dialogue, imagination and a love of reading.

Let us continue to build, together, a school where reading is an experience that transforms lives.

Congratulations to everyone who makes this wonderful project possible!

Marcos Sánchez Medina

Deputy Headteacher, IE 16049 “Inmaculada Concepción”

Montegrande, Jaén

 The dawn

will sing once more.

Alfredo Mires

in: La ensoñación del Ñaupa.