By Amanda LaRiviere and Pavithra Rajesh
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico ⏤ Toward the south of San Juan, Puerto Rico, lies a collection of over 32,000 books, housed in the San Juan Community Library. Run by volunteers and one permanent executive director, it is one of Puerto Rico’s only lending libraries and the only public library in the Caribbean that offers a 24/7 digital branch. As a non-profit organization, the library depends on donations, memberships and program revenue to remain open. It’s a special place for Puerto Ricans — drawing 4,277 people in 2021.
The library connects to an open-air sale section behind white metal gates that radiates with a natural glow. Connie Estades said the sale section contains about 4,000 books and is a valuable asset to the library. It generates an estimated $1,200 every year, despite the books costing only $1 to $2 each. The library’s volunteers ensure that only books in adequate condition are available for sale or for loan. “People will just leave them at the gate. We call them orphans,” said Estades, noting that around 80% of the books in the library were donated.
Alvin Gonzales is a longtime volunteer at the library. He travels from a few towns over, spending an hour to reach the library and then an hour to get back home. But he remains committed since he loves what the library has to offer, and he knows many patrons feel the same. “People that come here love it,” said Gonazles. “They come from the other side of the island, 50, 60 miles away, just because you can touch the books. Gonzales also admires the accessibility of the library: “Where else can you get a book for a buck or two?”
Estades held a signed copy of “Radiant Child” by Puerto Rican author Javaka Steptoe, saying that about eight copies of this award-winning children’s book were recently donated to the library. Unlike other libraries on the island, this one frequently receives new books. “You go to the libraries here, and I’m sorry to say this, but they usually have 100 to 200 books for kids on the shelf – if they have books,” said Estades. But the library’s efforts go beyond promoting their extensive book collection. With different volunteers taking shifts at the library each week, they bring with them different tastes in literature. “What happens is we find that certain patrons will align with one of the volunteers and what that volunteer likes to recommend that they’ve read,” said Estades. “Patrons will pick a day to come in to be with that volunteer. I think that’s very, very special.”
Among the library’s collection of physical books, valued at $321,946, is the Puerto Rican collection. Identified by orange labels on their spines, the books in this collection span a variety of topics in both Spanish and English. “It has the whole genre of drama, history, politics, flora, fauna, history, theater, poetry of Puerto Rico, the drama of Puerto Rico—it’s quite extensive,” said Estades, standing near fully stocked shelves.
Julia Vazquez, another volunteer at the library, has always loved reading. She used to live in New York with her kids, where she grew accustomed to an abundance of public libraries. When she came to Puerto Rico, finding San Juan Community Library was a relief. “For me, it was a hiding spot,” said Vazquez. “I’m sure I’m not the only one who sees it that way.” After 12 years of being a patron, she decided to become a volunteer to give back to the institution. As someone who benefited from an early exposure to literature, she strives to ensure the same for others. “Having the necessary resources available makes a big difference,” said Vazquez, noting that she feels hopeful when she sees children and adults browsing through the collections. “We are supplying that demand, and that makes me very happy. It helps us continue moving forward.”
Similar to other volunteers, Estades is motivated by the gratitude expressed by patrons about the importance the library holds within the community. “We’ve been told over and over by people, including our volunteers, that this library has been a lifesaver for them,” said Estades. “It’s not just the experience that you have when you hold a book in your hand and you find a solution to a problem you have, you make connections.”