The San Pedro Town Public Library received a generous donation of books from a retired American couple on Wednesday July 3rd. The books were handed over by retirees Rudy and Sharon Lewis of northern Ambergris Caye. 15 boxes of children’s books ranging from Children’s World Book Encyclopedias, to reading books and even National Geographic Kids were amongst the many books donated.
According to Rudy Lewis, who has historic family connections to Belize since the 1800’s, he wanted to do something for the community. “We came to The San Pedro Town Library about a year and a half ago and saw they were in need of children books. While on a trip to Kentucky, I went to the public library there and I just happened to speak to the right person at the right time. I spoke to the Head of all the libraries in Little 
Kentucky and told her that the kids here were in need of books. She told us that they were going to have a sale in about two months and would let us go in a day early and we could pick all the books we wanted. We picked up on the offer. Most of the books are new and are in very good condition.”
The over 800 books bought at the Louisville Public Library were shipped to Belize in containers since last year. Rudy told The San Pedro Sun that he had originally approached a few primary school principals on the island to have the books given to them, but they [schools] never capitalized on the idea.
On hand to receive the books was Assistant Librarian Iracela Acosta who expressed her gratitude for the donation. She assured the couple that the books will be much appreciated by the children of San Pedro Town and most certainly will be put to good use. She was thankful to improve the library’s collection of children’s books.
