Frances Goren Library photos & news

[annabelleleigh]

In 2007 (during the Writers' Guild strike as I'll always remember) many of you here and at other Law & Order: Criminal Intent fan sites were asked by CI creator Rene Balcer to contribute to a very meaningful charity -- Room to Read. The objective: Help him build a library in Cambodia to serve poor kids without any access to books of their own. To help give them the gift of literacy.

The library building, Mr. Balcer promised, would bear a plaque dedicating it to Frances Goren -- character Bobby Goren's "late" librarian mother.

Thanks in part to you, the dedication has been completed and the plaque and beautiful library building now stand.

Mr. Balcer has asked me to share with you new photos of the Library and its very happy users. He wants to remind you that when we all come together with small financial sacrifices, made at the right time for the right reason, we can truly help change the world.



The completed Frances Goren Library building in Phnom Del.



The dedication plaque, to Frances Goren "by Robert Goren and his friends."

More photos and information to come in a subsequent post.

AL

[outerbankschick]

Awesome! Thanks for posting this. As a kid, books were my constant companion (they still are) and I have a hard time conceiving of a world without them. I am glad that these children were given this opportunity through the gifts of so many.

[Patcat]

Al: Thanks for posting this. Is the library still accepting financial donations, and if so, where could they be sent?

Patcat

[DonnaJo]

Thank you dear Annabelle. It's beautiful. Simply beautiful.

Reading that plaque brought tears to my eyes. The wording used is lovely. I wasn't able to give much, but it seems together we LOCI fans made a little difference in the lives of a community. I'm grateful to be a part of this worthwhile cause.

If you read this, thank you so much Mr. Balcer, for making this happen! For allowing us to be a part of it. You are the man.

[annabelleleigh]

Jul 27, 2009 11:43:13 GMT -5 Patcat said:

Al: Thanks for posting this. Is the library still accepting financial donations, and if so, where could they be sent?

Patcat

The Frances Goren Library project is completed, PC, but you still might want to check out

roomtoread.org

This San Francisco-based international charity is a source of exceptional opportunities to contribute to literacy. It's highly rated by sites like CharityNavigator.org for its low operational overhead and high number of completed projects. Rene Balcer and his wife have been patrons for many years.

Room-to-Read also has an especially compelling (IMO) scholarship program for young girls who, in some cultures, don't have any support for their education. I know that Sam Waterson has been a active fundraiser for it. Alana de la Garza contributed generously to The FG Library. (In short, Mr. Balcer is a tireless cheerleader and recruiter for this, his favorite charity!)

Anyway you can help Room-to-Read would be appreciated. You can adopt your own program at

www.roomtoread.org/involvement/adopt.html

AL

[susan1212]

Thank you, AL and Mr. Balcer for sharing these wonderful photos. "I am a little ver klempt".

[Patcat]

Thanks, AL.

Patcat

[annabelleleigh]

Here are some additional photos taken at the Frances Goren Library in Phnom Del Village, Cambodia.

AL
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The spacious, colorful reading room serves over 1,000 primary students.



Students can choose from about 800 books, most in their local language.



Room-to-Read pays a stipend for a librarian/facilitator, seen here playing a geography game with students. The local community -- though mostly agrarian and poor -- contributed 15% of the project's total cost.



Besides books the Frances Goren Library project also provided art materials, games and maps.

[DonnaJo]

Beautiful photos. Thank you AL & RB!

[ragincajun]

wow Thanks, I am so glad it got completed, It gives me the chills.

[tjara]

Simply Amazing!