Finca La Maya to inaugurate library

PANAMA. Thanks to private donations, local business sponsors, and support from friends, the new community library at Finca La Maya (FLM), a Cultural Arts & Events Center near San Carlos, is ready to open.

The new library is located next to the classroom where free community programs take place: an English language class, “Art for Kids” class, and “Family Movie Night”.

The inauguration of the library and Dell Computer Lab will be on Saturday 14 February, 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Festivities will include a tour of the new facility, an auction of art, decorative items and jewelry, prizes, refreshments and live jazz performances. Library membership cards will be offered and donations of books will be accepted.

Everyone is welcome to join in the celebrations of this important milestone.

Construction for the library started last year, after founder Starr McCamant worked to involve local residents and businesses to help with grants, donations and sponsorship.

Chef Pascal Finet of Terrazzas del Mar restaurant in Vista Mar, and the Bay View Resort at El Palmar are local sponsors for Community Programs at FLM.

“Social and educational programs are in the best interest of everyone in our community; we are happy to contribute” said Hector Golcher of the Bay View.

American and Canadian expats have also provided their support with contributions of assisting in classes and donation of materials.

Along with private individuals, the American Society of Panama and Dell Panama are supporting FLM in its mission.

Dell Panama employees traveled to FLM for an entire day to help set up the library. They will continue to support by providing training on the basic use of the donated equipment. With the donation of ten laptop computers by Dell, a computer lab will begin in February.

Needs for FLM Community Programs are ongoing, however, from the purchase of shelving, tables and chairs to covering electricity bills.

For more information or to make a donation, visit their website www.fincalamaya.com or call 240-8281. Contributions can also be made through their sponsorship agreement with Exedra Books.

Books most needed for the library are listed and can be donated directly from the website: www.exedrabooks.com.