Hekab Be Biblioteca de Akumal

Please Join Us at Lol Ha for A Special Valentines Day Celebration

2012-02-03T18:16:00.002-06:00

The children are going to make Valentine's cards for the guests and are planning to sing a song too! Come and have some fun with us!

Library Closed in Afternoon through January 31st

2012-01-24T10:23:00.000-06:00

We will keep our regular morning hours (except Weds when we are closed all day), which are 9:30-1 Mon, Tues, Thur & Fri, and 9-1 Sat.
We will post our new schedule soon!

Annual Blowout Book Sale at Hekab Be!

2012-01-07T15:30:00.004-06:00

What: English fiction paperbacks on sale for bargain prices. Come by and stock up on your vacation/beach reading, or just replenish your personal library.

When: Monday January 16 (Martin Luther King Day), 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Why: Because you love to read AND support the library!!

Other news:

-->The library will be closed Weds mornings in January. Our schedule can be found on our Library Directions & Hours Blog

-->Check out the new post on our Extraordinary Library Supporters Blog

Library Closed January 6 & 7

2012-01-04T11:23:00.000-06:00

If you are visiting this week please come on a different day.

Our regular hours (except for the 6th & 7th) are:

Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri: 9:30 am-5:30 pm (closed 1-2:30 for lunch)
Weds 12-5:30 (closed 1-2:30 for lunch),
Saturday 9:00 am-1 pm
Closed Sunday

Holiday Challenge Met!!!

2011-12-22T16:50:00.003-06:00

Please note the library will be closed December 24, 25, 31 & January 1.

We have received the most excellent Christmas present we could ever ask for...just 12 short days ago we sent out a request for people to help us meet a $2000 Holiday Challenge Grant before the year's end. Today, we didn't just have this goal met, it was exceeded!!! We raised $2165 plus the original $2000 challenge amount. So much hope, generosity and love comes with this hard earned money, we can't possibly say THANK YOU enough to all who have pitched in to help us meet this challenge.

WISHING EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU THE HAPPIEST OF HOLIDAYS!

MAY YOUR GENEROSITY BE REPAID MANY TIMES OVER DURING THE HOLIDAYS AND THROUGHOUT 2012!

photos of our wonderful Christmas Party can be seen on our facebook page by clicking HERE and HERE

We had a wonderful turnout for the Christmas Party, we heard some wonderful songs by the kids, had a surprise visit from the Palladium mascot "Balam" and some of their staff, Santa gave out about 100 gifts, the enormous, kid-made pinata was broken (you should have heard it pop!), and everyone had some delicious food! Many thanks to Turtle Bay Akumal, Palladium staff, Kevin aka "whitebeard" aka Santa, and all the families who contributed or participated in the festivities!

Holiday Challenge Grant

2011-12-13T10:15:00.004-06:00

Just in time for the Holiday giving season, HB has received a challenge grant. Every donation made before the end of the year will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $2000! We hope you will consider giving a little, as every bit counts. To participate in this challenge, simply click on the DONATE button on the right side of this page, or click HERE

We also want to say THANK YOU once again to all those who have supported HB during this past year. In whatever form you shared your generosity with us, we are extremely appreciative of your support, without you there wouldn't be a library! We are wishing you all the best during this Holiday season, and in the year to come.

The Hekab Be Christmas Party will be on Monday, December 19th at 3 p.m.

There will be singing by the kids, a pinata, food and of course, Santa!

Please join us if you are in town!

click HERE to see the kids' Holiday Wishlist

HB December Updates

2011-12-06T10:38:00.001-06:00

The Hekab Be Christmas Party will be on Monday, December 19th at 3 p.m.

There will be singing by the kids, a pinata, food and of course, Santa!

Please join us if you are in town!

click HERE to see the kids' Holiday Wishlist

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Below are a few photos from the library's 2nd Annual Race Against Cancer, which was held on November 13th, 2011.

It was a small, but enthusiastic turnout for our second race, early on a Sunday morning. A great and informative talk was given by the local Doctora Daniela Villagran from Farmacia de La Riviera here in Akumal: every 2 hours a woman dies of breast cancer in Mexico. Breast cancer and cervical cancer is being diagnosed among younger women in Mexico. She has some wonderful other facts and helped dispel some common myths about the causes of cancer.

Then the racers lined up and took off into the jungle! The winner finished the 12 km. race in about 38 minutes. A woman, Mirna Pacho, was the OVERALL winner, showing us just how strong women are!

Many thanks to all who participated and supported this event, especially our prize sponsors: Lol-Ha, Tequilaville & La Cueva del Pescador Restaurants, Mexico Maya Artesanias & Xel-Ha.

We hope to have a larger turnout again next year!

More photos of the race can be seen on our facebook page by clicking HERE

The racers line up at the starting line

Kids line up for their race around the town

The winners of the bike race, brother & sister!

Holiday Gift Wish List

2011-12-01T13:18:00.000-06:00

Click HERE to see what the HB kids are hoping Santa will bring this year!

Hekab Be is Seeking Futbol/Soccer Gear

2011-11-07T16:18:00.000-06:00

We have just learned that a group of girls who are Library regulars are trying to start the FIRST girls futbol/soccer team in Akumal! They have already been selling clothing to raise money to buy uniforms and equipment. If anyone can sponsor or donate equipment to them it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact us for more information. Thank you.

Cancer Race Rescheduled for Sunday, November 13th

2011-11-05T12:08:00.002-06:00

All the details below still hold except for the date of the race, come join us and help support this important cause!

November 13th: 2nd Annual Race Against Cancer!

2011-10-25T12:21:00.001-05:00

Weather permitting....
The library will be holding its second annual Race Against Cancer:

When: Sunday, November 13th at 7:30 a.m.

What: 12 km off road bike race
Technically racers will be on a road, but the conditions are off-road-like, so it is recommended that racers use mountain bikes rather than cruisers or road bikes.

Where: Starts in Akumal Pueblo at the basketball court, the race course goes on the road behind the town into the jungle.

Who: The race is open to all participants over the age of 15. Races in the town will be held for kids under the age of 15.

Fee: It's free!!

How: Just sign up at the library before hand or on the day of the race.

A brief informational talk on cancer prevention will be given by the local doctor, and an inspirational talk will be given by Leo Bermudez, the former library director and cancer survivor.

PRIZES include gift certificates to local restaurants: Lol-Ha, Tequilaville & La Cueva del Pescador!!

COME OUT AND CHEER EVEN IF YOU DON'T RACE, AND HELP SUPPORT THIS IMPORTANT CAUSE!

Collaborative Project: Kid-Made Books!

2011-10-21T11:17:00.000-05:00

Hekab Be kids show off the books they helped make!

Students from Coginchaug Regional High School in Connecticut, and their Spanish teacher, Nancy Alberico, pose with library staff and kids.

Library kids get pulled into the books they helped make.....

....and so do the Coginchaug students!!

Two years ago, by a twist of fate and a little confusion, a wonderful collaborative book making project began between the children of HB and Spanish students from Coginchaug Regional High School in Durham, Connecticut. Someone had dropped off books, made by some students in the U.S. or Canada, that were partially completed. HB’s former director, Leo, thought it would be a great idea to have the kids at HB finish the books and send them back to the students. When Nancy Alberico, the Spanish teacher at Coginchaug H.S., and a regular supporter of HB, came to the library with her students in April of 2009, Leo gave her the books. You can imagine Nancy’s surprise since she wasn’t the one who’d taken the books there originally!

But being both a good sport, and creative thinker, Nancy realized what a great idea this project was, so she went home and had students in three of her Spanish classes start making books which were delivered to HB later that same year. Two years later, the project continues, and each time, new students at Coginchaug H.S. and new kids at HB get the chance to participate in making their own books! Kids on both ends love making the books and love seeing the final products!

We would like to take this project one step further and be able to make copies of the completed books to leave at HB so that we can create a “kid made books” library for the children of Akumal. In order to do so, we would need some sponsors who would be willing to help us get color copies made of the books and purchase laminating sheets so we can laminate the books to help preserve them. If you would be interested in helping to sponsor this project, please email us: akumallibrary@gmail.com

Library Closed October 1-9

2011-09-26T16:46:00.000-05:00

We will resume regular hours on Oct 10th.
If you are planning to visit during this time to make a donation, please email us to make arrangements:
akumallibrary@gmail.com

Wishlist has been updated

2011-08-29T16:05:00.000-05:00

click HERE to see our most recent wishlist

Summer School at Hekab Be Photos of the Children at Work and Play!

2011-08-26T13:48:00.002-05:00

The summer school program was a great success this year! Thank you to everyone who helped sponsor a summer scholar!!

We also wanted to say a big thank you to Marti & Ileana at Yoga En Akumal who volunteered to have the children come over to her studio a few times a week to do and learn about yoga and physical fitness!

Here are some photos for you! Enjoy and Gracias!

Kids at Study:

Kids at Play:

Kids at Yoga!

Library Resumes Regular Schedule

2011-08-25T15:52:00.000-05:00

Summer is over, kids are back in school here and the library has resumed its regular schedule:

Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri: 9:30 am-5:30 pm (closed 1-2:30 for lunch)
Weds 12-5:30 (closed 1-2:30 for lunch),
Saturday 9:00 am-1 pm
Closed Sunday

Check out our summer wishlist!

2011-07-01T11:30:00.000-05:00

click HERE to see it

2011-06-30T10:28:00.000-05:00

Hekab Be T-Shirts Now Available! Click HERE to see our shop!

2011-06-09T17:01:00.001-05:00

Honoring our Angels!

2011-05-31T13:46:00.006-05:00

At the beginning of April we initiated a new program, called "Library Angels" in which we put out a request for supporters willing to make a monthly donation to Hekab Be. In the past 2 months, we've had 11 Angels join our cause, and here we'd like to honor these generous souls by sharing their names:

Donna Brunton
George Connell
Crystal Gravitt
Simona Groppi

Diane Linne
Doug Morgan
Liza Rodgers
Shelly Rodrigues
Katherine Spencer
Lori Wegener

Pat White
Anica Butters

Thanks to all of you, we can now count on 1/4 of the library's operating expenses being in the bank each month! We hope that your kindness, and regard for the importance of education for the children of Akumal, will spread and multiply!

Interested in becoming a library angel? 1st Click the pull down menu on the right sidebar of this page to chose which Option/$$Amt. you want to donate each month and then click the SUBSCRIBE button. The monthly donation amount is up to the sponsor.

For questions directly related to the Library Angels program, please email: hekabbe@aol.com

Updated hours of operation

2011-05-30T15:53:00.002-05:00

the library hours of operation are:

Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri: 9:30 am-5:30 pm (closed 1-2:30 for lunch)
Weds 12-5:30 (closed 1-2:30 for lunch),
Saturday 9:00 am-1 pm
Closed Sunday

Loco Gringo Silent Auction A Big Success!

2011-05-09T16:19:00.000-05:00

Loco Gringo forum members held the grand silent auction in support of the Library last Monday afternoon at the Moonrise Beach Bar at the Akumal Beach Resort, and what a resounding success it turned out to be! They had a fantastic turn out of Loco Gringo people and other resort guests.

First we want to pass along a great big thank you to all the wonderful folks who donated so many amazing items for us to put on the block that day and to the children of Hekab Be that worked so hard on art projects to contribute to the auction. Thanks also to the many LGs who helped us set-up the bidding tables, without your help we would have never got it done on time.

The next big shout out is to the management and staff of Akumal Beach Resort who were outstanding in their assistance and support. They provided, set-up and covered all the display tables as well as allowed signs to be posted around the resort announcing the event. They even made photo copies when asked for a few more bid sheets. Renato, Jorge and their crews went above and beyond for us.

So onto the good news…. we are very pleased to announce that after the sand settled and the proceeds were tallied after a frantic 3 hours of bidding we were able to present to Hekab be Biblioteca (the Library) the grand total of : $1200.00 USD.!!!

Once again, Loco Gringos not only stepped up, but they smacked one clear over the green monster!! We are humbled every time by these amazing folks that we have the great honor of calling friends.

Thank-you to you all for opening not only your wallets, but your hearts for the kiddos and families of the Akumal area.

Hekab Be Children Learn About Picasso! Check out Extraordinary Library Supporters

2011-04-12T11:31:00.002-05:00

http://donorofthemonth.blogspot.com/

Announcing Hekeb Be’s “Library Angels” Program!

2011-04-01T09:02:00.009-06:00

We are very pleased to announce the beginning of our “Library Angels” program. This program has been created to encourage folks to become monthly sponsors of the library. The amount given each month is entirely up to the sponsor and can be automatically deducted from the sponsor’s account with the new subscription service offered by Paypal (see button on right side of this page & at the bottom of this post).

TO BECOME A LIBRARY ANGEL: 1st Click the pull down menu to chose which Option/$$Amt. you want to donate each month and then click the SUBSCRIBE button on this page. The monthly donation amount is up to the sponsor.

You can sign up for a Paypal account if you do not have one already, it is very easy and is free. In addition for those who use Bill Pay through their bank you can send an automatic donation that way, just email us at akumallibrary@gmail.com for the correct setup information.

Why Have Library Angels?
We are working hard to plan for the future of Hekab Be and this program is one of the steps we are taking to ensure that the library will be in Akumal, for all of the children who want to attend, for many years to come. Since the library is 100% donation driven, it is our goal to create regular monthly income to supplement our fundraisers. The money donated will be used for the library’s programs-- supplies and teachers salaries-- salaries comprise about 75% of our monthly expenses.

Each quarter we will send out library updates directly to all of the Library Angels so that they can be kept informed on the activities and goings on at the library that their donations support.

As a bonus, a long time library supporter has issued a challenge to inspire others to join this wonderful program:

For every Angel pledging to contribute monthly via Bill Pay or PayPal, I will provide a match, dollar for dollar; up to U.S. $2,000. That is, I will contribute up to U.S. $2,000 if "Library Angels" pledge up to that amount for at least a 12-month period. This challenge is good until December 31, 2011.
Debby Oakley

The library is hoping to reach a goal of $500 to $800 per month with Library Angels so that we can continue providing our programs to all the children who want to participate.

For questions directly related to the Library Angels program, please email: hekabbe@aol.com

HB Holds Its First Art Auction

2011-03-15T11:56:00.001-06:00

As a non-profit organization that exists solely through donations, fundraising is an important part of the library’s activities. On Friday, March 11th, HB board members, staff and volunteers put on a silent art auction at the Lol-Ha Snack Bar during happy hour. Featured items included 3 paintings by Oscar Romero, a Chicago-based artist who spends part of the year in Akumal, a painting by local artist Sergio Gamboa (proprietor of Boonil Naj in Akumal), and earrings by local jewelry maker Margarita Herrera Erosa (proprietor of Nak’az Nah in North Akumal). The auction included a number of handcrafted objects from Oaxaca including: hand-painted bookmarks & letter openers, hand woven bags, a hand painted wooden animal and some black pottery earrings. All together the art pieces showcased a nice variety of Mexican arts, both traditional and contemporary ones!

The auction was a great success, raising around $1000 US in bids and donations. About 25 people bid on items, and many others came over to learn what was going on, read some information about the objects on auction and make donations to the library. We were especially pleased to have some winning bidders from among local area residents who took home some special art pieces to adorn their residences here in Akumal! The auction also brought out a lot of volunteer helpers, both locals and visitors, who made it all possible. Special thanks to Laura and David Wolfe for letting us use the space in the Snack Bar to host the event!

We would like to thank the people who donated items for the auction: Oscar Romero, Debby & Bruce Oakley, Sergio Gamboa, Arq. Margarita Herrera Erosa, Gerardo Perea Herrera and Diane Buchanan.

We would also like to thank the volunteers before & during the auction: Debby & Bruce Oakley, Yilin Zhang, Charlene, Julie Brenton, Carol Current, Emilia May, Carlos Canul, Nancy Welch, Gary Schiender, Ellie Zucker and Diana Kiel Wornson.

Silent Auction Fundraiser on March 11th

2011-03-09T14:42:00.000-06:00

Another painting for this Friday's auction fundraiser, donated by the local painter, Sergio Gamboa, who has a gallery here in Akumal called Boonil Naj. It's located just past the arch on the left hand side-- stop in and see his work sometime!

-->Click on pictures to see larger image<--

An article about Oscar Romero, the painter whose work will be featured in the auction, can be seen by clicking HERE!

Olmec Head - black and white art print

Please join us for a fun event on Friday, March 11th, during happy hour (5-7:30pm) at the Lol-Ha beach bar: OUR VERY FIRST ART AUCTION FUNDRAISER!

Waves at Dawn - painting

Available for bidding on will be these paintings by local visiting artist (Akumal/Chicago) Oscar Romero (seen here), as well as a variety of handicrafts from Oaxaca. Payment can be made in cash or using your existing Paypal account only.

Proceeds will, of course, benefit HB!

Aztec duel- drawing

HB Says Goodbye to a Cherished Friend!

2011-02-21T15:02:00.001-06:00

Click here to read more.

Ongoing & Upcoming Events at HB

2011-02-14T10:13:00.003-06:00

Salsa Lessons at the Library

If you’re passing by HB on a Thursday evening, don’t be surprised to hear the sounds of salsa music! No, there’s not an after-hours party going on, it’s our weekly salsa lessons, held every Thursday at 6 p.m., which we have added as part of our continuing effort to expand services for adults in the community. Expert salsa dancers Javier Garcia, who works at Villas Flamingo, and Fausto Pacheco, who works at Club Akumal Caribe, come to teach the class in exchange for a small donation from students. So far, there are about 8 students coming on a regular basis. If you’re in town and want to check it out, feel free to come on by-- Men especially are needed for dancing partners!

In coming months we also hope to start offering a zumba class. If you are a zumba instructor or have a zumba dvd that you’d be willing to share with us, that would help us be able to train a local instructor, so please let us know.

English Paperback Book Sale on President’s Day Weekend

On Saturday, February 19^th , from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., the library will be holding a book sale of extra copies of titles from our English paperback collection. It’s great beach reading to stock up on for yourself, your condo or your vacation home! Special bargain prices will be available during the sale, so stop by and gather up some extra reading materials.

Art Auction on March 11^th at Lol-Ha Beach Bar to Benefit HB

We will be holding a silent art auction fundraiser at the Beach Bar on Friday, March 11^th during happy hour. The auction will feature paintings donated by the Chicago- based painter Oscar Romero, a returning Akumal visitor whose work can be seen the Villas Maya reception building.

Check back on the blog later this month for further details and a sneak peek at the paintings that will be auctioned!

Looking for some help from US Rotary Club

2011-02-02T16:16:00.003-06:00

On the heels of our wonderful interaction with Jim from the Asheville-Biltmore, NC Rotary Club, we would like to build a connection with the local Rotary Club in Tulum. Our hope is that someone who is a Rotarian and also a library supporter would be willing to help us in this endeavor.

ROTARIANS: When you come to Akumal, could you help us approach the Tulum Rotary Club for a small donation? Their relatively new club meets Thursdays, 9 pm, so it would be a convenient after-dinner meeting in Tulum. Spanish not required. If you’re willing, please contact U.S. HB Board member Deborah Oakley: doakley@umich.edu

2011-01-21T17:33:00.007-06:00

University of Minnesota Students Lend a Hand at HB

The week of January 10^th, a group of students from the University of Minnesota spent a couple hours a day helping out at the library. Every year a group of students come to volunteer at Centro Ecologico Akumal (CEA), and through the library’s ongoing collaboration with CEA, the students found their way to HB last year where they helped us put up a tire swing.

The collaboration worked out so well, that this year CEA staff arranged for them to come back and help at HB. Students sorted, dusted and helped organize our overflowing shelves in the English annex, a labor-intensive task that was very overdue! They also helped dust and straighten the shelves of our Spanish language collection in our main building.

And so it wouldn’t be all work and no play, they helped make 2 piñatas for a small King’s Day celebration, which they decorated with the kids and the kids got to break it once it was dried and filled.

Thank you to all the students and their professor, as well as to CEA and their staff for this wonderful collaboration, we hope to continue it in 2012!

HB Receives Donation from Rotary Club Of Asheville-Biltmore, North Carolina!

Last summer we had an email from Jim, who had visited the library several times and had made a personal donation. He belongs to an International Rotary Club in North Carolina which he described as “similar to Hekab Be, small in size but big in spirit!” He was looking for a worthy cause that his club could support, he asked if HB would be interested—we of course answered with a resounding “yes please!”

A number of months went by and we didn’t hear anything but we had a wonderful surprise at the end of December when he contacted to us to say they would be arriving in January with a donation large enough to help us cover over a month of operating expenses—We couldn’t have asked for a nicer way to start out the new year! Thank you Asheville-Biltmore Rotarians for getting us off to a GREAT start in 2011!!

Update on Leo

Leo started chemotherapy in early January and is back in Quintana Roo, overseeing her school in Tulum. Although she remains with the library in heart and soul, for the time being she needs to use her energies for healing, so we won’t be seeing her around the library much these days. We ask that everyone keeps this wonderful woman in their prayers!

University of Minnesota students up to their eyeballs in books they sorted in our English Annex!

U of Minn students and kids put the finishing touches on a pinata they made!

Kids line up to break the turtle pinata they made with the help of U of Minn students (on left) who joyfully look on.

Happy 2011!

2011-01-10T22:15:00.003-06:00

We want to wish all our library supporters and friends a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
We are so grateful for the loyal following of library lovers out there who keep us going year after year. We are always thankful to be able to provide the much needed services that Hekab Be offers the Akumal community and surrounding areas.

Once again, many many thanks to all of you who have helped HB stay afloat through another year, we could not do it without you!!

What does the library have in store for 2011? We'd really like to be able to offer some expanded computer services to Akumal's school children who are required to use computers, and often the internet, to do their assignments. In 2010 we were fortunate to receive the donation of a number of computers, now we just need some experts to come help us set them up! We'd like to put in a small internal network so that people can print from any of the computers. We also need some safeguards installed such as some good virus protection, to ensure one bad apple doesn't spread through the whole network. If you are such an expert and could spare us the time, we'd be thrilled to have you come work on helping us set up a computer lab. Expertise is the key, but we will also be in need of some cables and other hardware to set up the network.

Please contact us if you can help, or if you have any questions about the library: akumallibrary@gmail.com

Our hours are:
Mon & Fri: 9:30 am-5:30 pm (closed 1-2:30 for lunch)
Tuesday & Thursday 9:30- 4:30pm (closed 1-2:30 for lunch)
Weds 12-5:30 (closed 1-2:30 for lunch),
Saturday open 9:00 am-1 pm
Closed Sunday

Christmas Party Photos

2010-12-21T20:50:00.003-06:00

please note our holiday schedule:
We will be closed December 25 & 31 and January 1 & 6
Otherwise we will be open during our regular hours:
Mon, Weds & Fri: 9:30 am-5:30 pm (closed 1-2:30 for lunch)
Tuesday & Thursday we close at 4:30pm (closed 1-2:30 for lunch)
Saturday open 9:00 am-1 pm
Closed Sunday

Another wonderful Christmas Party was held on Sunday, December 19th at HB!

We are happy to report that Leo was able to attend the party and receive many loving hugs from all the children she has worked so hard to teach.
We had a huge turn out and gave out gifts to over 60 children, there were a lot of smiles happening! The party began with a short play performed by 3 of the library regulars-- wonderful girls who took the stage and entertained us with a tale of a mischievous witch. That was followed by an elaborate dance performance of 4 different dances by a wonderful group of senior dancers (all over age 60), most of whom came from Playa del Carmen just to be part of the festivities. Santa arrived part way through the dance show and smiled his way through many photos during the intermissions and then joyfully gave out presents to all the kids. Then came the pinata, followed by pasta salad, jello, cake and horchata for everyone! It was an all around success.

We'd like to say special thanks to all those who helped make it happen including:

The elderly folkloric dance group who performed for us
Kevin McKee aka whitebeard who played Santa for the 2nd year in a row
Turtle Bay Cafe for donating a beautiful, enormous and delicious Christmas cake
CEA for donating candy and toys to help fill our extra grande pinata
Lol-Ha for providing a lovely dinner for the dancers after their performance
Tequilaville Restaurant for helping with our toy drive

And of course, to all our loyal friends and supporters who donated in the previous months to help us keep running our programs and be able to provide special events
such as our annual Christmas party for the children and families of Akumal!

A young "pastora" performs in the child's play

Folkloric dancers perform their interpretation of Quintana Roo

Carlos hangs the enormous pinata made by the library kids and staff

Santa receives a nice hug from an appreciative little girl!

More photos of the Christmas celebration can be seen on our facebook page by clicking HERE

Annual Christmas Party

2010-12-11T12:11:00.002-06:00

Hekab Be's Christmas Party will be held Sunday, December 19th at 3 p.m.
Please join us if you are in town!!

Click HERE to see our Christmas Wishlist

We have a great party planned, with Santa (of course) and this year a special addition, a Senior Citizen Ballet group will be performing at our party! Plus goodies...so come join the fun!

Questions? Email us: akumallibrary@gmail.com

We will be closed December 25, 31 and January 1. Otherwise we will be open during our regular hours:
Mon, Weds & Fri: 9:30 am-5:30 pm (closed 1-2:30 for lunch)
Tuesday & Thursday we close at 4:30pm (closed 1-2:30 for lunch)

Saturday open 9:00 am-1 pm
Closed Sunday

Fund raising goal reached!!!!

2010-12-03T09:31:00.004-06:00

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR AMAZING SUPPORTERS AND FRIENDS FOR ONCE AGAIN COMING THROUGH FOR THE LIBRARY!! As of last night, we actually surpassed our goal with a grand total of $3160!!

Lots of news to share today....

First the sad. Our beloved library director, Leo, has suffered a cancer relapse and has left for Mexico City to start treatment right away. Leo is a uterine cancer survivor, and her previous experience of winning the battle against cancer was a great inspiration to her to help change the world and make it a better place. Hekab Be has been the fortunate recipient of her good works and great energy for the past year and a half. We are all extremely heart-broken that the cancer has returned and we know she has a long, hard battle ahead.

Please join us in sending Leo much love, prayer and healing energy
to get through the tough times ahead.

Leo crosses the finish line in the Race Against Cancer, which she organized in October to help support other cancer survivors.

Leo has asked that we not falter in carrying on the good work of the library. Carlos, our assistant director, will continue to oversee all our programs and we have put together a wonderful program for the Annual Christmas Party.

Hekab Be's Christmas Party will be held Sunday, December 19th at 3 p.m.
Please join us if you are in town!!

Click HERE to see our Christmas Wishlist

Questions? Email us: akumallibrary@gmail.com

SOS-- Support our staff!!

2010-11-11T08:42:00.007-06:00

Hekab Be is in urgent need of donations to help us keep the library open through the end of the year. HB operates on a shoestring budget of ~$1500 US a month and runs all its programs with just 3 staff members! We are dedicated to supporting the career and educational growth of local Akumal residents, who have a unique opportunity to help others by working at HB.
Our goal is to raise $3000 to keep us open into January. A portion of these funds will also be used for the library's annual Christmas party.

PLEASE HELP US OUT BY DONATING WHATEVER YOU CAN! CLICK HERE TO DONATE, OR CLICK ON THE DONATE BUTTON ON THE RIGHT SIDEBAR.

Special thanks to LG folks who came to the Thanksgiving Day party and helped donate towards a nice big sum of $800 for the library fundraiser:
Xpuha Girl, Beachey, Vancouver Sundog, Soliel Sol, R11, jacalope and husband, jewlesinfinity,
ellteck, srodrigues, Wifey & Vanisland. Also to Non LG contributors: Fara, Glenda & Gayle.
We've probably missed a few names, so we apologize in advance if your name isn't here, we truly appreciate the help from each and every single donor!

We'd like you to meet our newest staff member, Nayla.

Nayla (on right) receives her certificate of participation for the summer school from library director, Leo

Nayla is a middle school student who has been volunteering at the library for the past year. In exchange for her time, Nayla received the school supplies she needed. When our prior library assistant resigned, we decided to give Nayla the opportunity to take a part time paid position, since we know she also needs money to help pay for school related expenses. We are thrilled to say that Nayla has arisen to the challenge, proving herself to be an extremely responsible teenager and we are even happier to find that she has positively bloomed in this role! Not only can we see her gaining self-confidence day by day, having her at the library means many more middle school students have started using our services again.

Nayla helps out with younger kids during the summer program

Many library visitors have already had the opportunity to meet our multi-lingual and multi-talented, assistant director, Carlos.

Carlos has fun helping with tug o' war at the Children's Day celebration

We were fortunate to find Carlos last Fall when he started out at the library just helping to clean the grounds. Soon we discovered that not only does Carlos speak Mayan and Spanish, he is also fluent in English, although he is a bit shy about using it. Carlos is a self-made man. Despite just having a secondary school education, he has continued to seek opportunities to learn and grow, and his attraction to Hekab Be was a natural extension of this. Carlos has continued to grow and learn in the past year he has been working at the library, but is quite humble about how much more there is for him to learn-- he sets a wonderful example for all the children who work with him at the library. In addition to working with the kids in our after school program, Carlos reads stories at the local schools every Wednesday, teaches Mayan & Spanish classes at the library, and has his hand on the pulse of just about everything else there too. We are so happy Carlos found his way to the library, he is a great asset for HB and the community he serves!

Carlos listens intently, along with the kids, to a presentation during the summer program

If you can help, please click HERE to donate, or click on the donate button on the right sidebar!

2010-11-10T15:54:00.004-06:00

Change in library schedule

Now that we've switched our clocks back, the library will be closing earlier so staff and kids are not returning home in the dark.
Our hours are:

9:30 am-5:30 pm (closed 1-2:30 for lunch)

Tuesday & Thursday we close at 4:30pm
Wednesday open from 12-1 and again from 2:30-5:30 (staff read at Akumal school before that)
Saturday open 9:o0 am-1 pm
Closed Sunday

AA Meetings held Mon-Sat at 8:30 pm-- they often only open a few minutes before the meeting, so please wait if you arrive early!

Race Against Cancer

2010-10-30T17:08:00.004-05:00

The starting line...

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, and inspired by our library director, Leo, who is a cancer survivor, HB decided to host the first annual Race Against Cancer, the first race of its kind here in Akumal. Funds raised from the race will be donated to Grupo Desafio, a Cancun organization that provides support to cancer patients. Participants were given flyers with information on how to perform a breast self-exam, to help raise consciousness about the importance of prevention and early detection.
The race was a big success, and we can't wait to do it again next year! We had about 40 adults, including Akumal locals, visiting vacationers (one took 2nd place in the men's race), Cancun residents, library staff & friends. The adult race was from Akumal Pueblo to Buena Vida and back, 4km roundtrip. Winners in the 1st 3 places for men and women got prizes, which included gift certificates to Turtle Bay Cafe & Ixchel Boutique of Akumal, Restaurant Tinto in Cancun, and passes to Selvatica and Aktun Chen. MANY THANKS TO PRIZE DONORS!! About 20 kids participated in the 2 kids' races which were run in Akumal Pueblo on the main street of the town. Winners of those races will be taken to Selvatica for a fun day out!

Kersten of Aventuras Akumal, winner of the women's race

Kids race, ages 6-8

Kids race, ages 9-12

And they're off!!!

More photos can be found on our facebook page, just click HERE!

A Second Chance: HB Sponsors Race Against Cancer

2010-10-20T21:33:00.001-05:00

We would like to invite you to participate in an event that Hekab Be Library is doing this 30th of October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

A Second Chance: Race Against Cancer

Our objective in putting on this race is to help raise community awareness among Akumal Pueblo residents about this disease and to raise funds to help support women who have breast cancer. The race will take place in Akumal and men and women will compete separately. Participants will be asked to pay a small fee to participate in the race to help raise funds and in return they will receive a certificate of participation, a t-shirt and some information on how to prevent breast cancer by conducting monthly self-exams.

For the winners we would like to provide prizes, if possible for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each group (men and women) as a further incentive to pariticpate. We are writing to ask if your business would be willing to contribute a donation towards the prizes, either in cash or in kind (such as a gift certificate to your business). We hope you will support this effort to help raise health awareness in the Akumal community to support us in helping to fight against cancer!

School supplies distributed to Akumal kids

2010-09-14T15:16:00.003-05:00

Every autumn, Hekab Be endeavors to help local families by distributing school supplies to local children. Virtually all of these supplies are donated by visitors who diligently shop in their home countries and bring suitcases full of notebooks, rulers, crayons and other goodies for the kids of Akumal! This year we were able to help 50 families with supplies for their school children.
Here you can see just how happy those efforts make the people who have benefited from them.

Many thanks to all who've helped out and brought these materials to us. Special thanks to the business Selvatica of Puerto Morelos for donating notebooks.

Photos from end of summer program

2010-08-10T08:16:00.004-05:00

The library will be closed August 7-15 and reopen on Aug 16 under our normal operating schedule:

Mon-Fri 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed 1-2:30 for lunch), Sat 9-1
closed Sat afternoon & Sunday

More photos of summer school can be seen on our facebook page, click here

Special thanks to Carrie, our fabulous summer intern, pictured here receiving her plaque in our appreciation garden!

Carrie is a University of Michigan student studying for her Master’s degree in Public Health & Social Work, who dedicated her summer to working as an intern at Hekab Be. While at the library, Carrie was in charge of our summer recreation program, running daily exercises and games with the kids, as part of the “win health” program theme. Carrie also helped with the daily teaching of the kids, and reorganized our health corner where we provide brochures, to provide more up to date and relevant health information for local families. Carrie made a huge contribution to our summer activities, we will miss her! We wish her luck in her future studies and career.

Beach volleyball with Carrie, part of the summer rec program

A summer program participant shows off what she learned this summer about the food pyramid!

Having the kids prepare their own delicious and nutritious snacks was part of the program

As a special treat for everyone, the kids went to Selvatica for a field trip on their last day!

Our dedicated staff and summer assistants, pictured left to right:
Carrie, Nayla, Carlos, Leti & Leo

End of summer school!

2010-08-06T06:40:00.002-05:00

Today is the last day of our summer program, we will soon post photos of the finale field trip and closing ceremony.

The library will be closed August 7-15 and reopen on Aug 16 under our normal operating schedule:
Mon-Fri 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed 1-2:30 for lunch)
Sat 9-1
closed Sat afternoon & Sunday

Summer School --weeks 2 & 3!

2010-07-29T10:56:00.022-05:00

Summer School dates 7/12-8/6
HOURS: M-F 9:30 am-5:30 pm (closed 12:30-2:30 pm) Closed Saturday & Sunday during summer course.

During the second week of our summer course, the children learned about fruits and vegetables, visited the local mercado, and participated in fun exercise activities each morning. In addition, the kids had the opportunity to experience yoga with our friend, Marti Johnston, at the "Yoga in Akumal" studio (www.akumalyoga.com).
More summer school photos can be seen in our facebook album (click here).

The last photo of the hands, show the 5 portions of fruits and veggies we should have each day and the five varieties of colors.

Photos from first week of summer school!

2010-07-20T10:51:00.004-05:00

Carlos & our summer assistant, Lety, work with the kids

Intensely working on a mobile

A visit to the Lol-Ha restaurant and bodega to learn about meal planning and nutrition

Kids explain collages they made of the different food groups

Recreation fun time on the beach with our summer intern, Carrie

Support a Summer Scholar at HB!

2010-05-27T08:35:00.007-05:00

MEET LISET & BALTA-- 2 GOOD REASONS TO SUPPORT THE LIBRARY SUMMER PROGRAM: Just $30 US will pay for a child to attend for the whole month!

Liset, age 7

Seven year old Liset showed up at the library a few months ago without a word of Spanish. Fortunately, our new, multilingual Assistant Director, Carlos, speaks Mayan (in addition to Spanish & English). He discovered that Liset had just moved to Akumal from a small town where everyone speaks Mayan and her school was also taught in Mayan. Living in Akumal, she had no one to turn to for help with her school work, since her dad works all day and her mom cannot read. Luckily she found her way to Hekab Be. At the library, Liset has been able to make friends and learn Spanish in an environment where there is support in her native language, and get help with her school work. The changes have been dramatic and so incredibly positive for Liset. We’re all are so proud of her!

Balta, age 9

Balta is in third grade and when he started coming to the library he didn't know how to read, he could barely even write his name. By participating in regular classes at the library, Balta has completely caught up to his grade level in reading, writing and math skills! Not only that, he has a lot of fun at the library & enjoys making friends with visitors. With both his parents working full time, Balta and his siblings used to spend their afternoons aimlessly wandering the town looking for something to do. Now they come to the library on a regular basis, where they can learn, play, and grow in a safe, supervised setting. What more could a child hope for?

Hekab Be helps open roads for the children and families who most need it. Now Liset, Balta & other children in Akumal need your help so they can attend the library’s summer school.

Can you contribute just $30 to support one child for Hekab Be's enrichment summer school? Our summer program runs for 4 weeks between July & August, for children ages 4 to 15. Just click on the donate button on the right side of this page or go to our donation blog.

Kids enjoy reading and games on the library patio during last year's summer school

The theme for our 2010 Summer School is Health and Well-Being. This year we are thrilled to have a summer intern from the University of Michigan join our team. Carrie is a master’s student getting her degree in Public Health & Social Work and will be providing a recreational component, as well as content in the area of health education, to our already robust summer program.

Monday-Friday the kids will participate in the following daily activities:

--> 45-60 minutes of recreational/sports activities

--> daily story time

--> academic instruction in literacy development, with content in areas related to health such as nutrition, the human body & health in the environment

--> an arts & crafts activity or science experiment related to the day’s activities, according to the children’s age

--> free play time at the library (on the jungle gym, puzzles, coloring, etc.)

Can you give a little more? The library always experiences a severe drop in material support following our summer activities, as we head into the low tourist season during the autumn months. If you can give even $10 or $20 more that would help see us through the important back-to-school months, when the kids of Akumal still need our services! Funds will be used to support our summer program and to help cover ongoing operational expenses.

All monetary donations are tax-deductible. Hekab Be Biblioteca, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, registered with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

¡Gracias de todos los niños de Akumal!

Thank you from all of Akumal’s Children!

Children's Day Fiesta at HB

2010-05-03T12:00:00.007-05:00

Check out our updated Summer School 2010 wishlist

Karol & Lupita, 2 library regulars, pose with the beautiful, custom-made pinatas in the form of a Yucatecan girl & boy wearing the regional clothing

In Mexico, not only are mothers and fathers honored with their own day, but children are too. El Día del Niño is celebrated on April 30^th. Last Friday, library staff and kids celebrated this special day with games (musical chairs, tug of war), cake & ice cream and 2 beautiful pinatas made in Tulum. Here are some highlights of the party:

Carlos mediates the fierce battle of tug-o-war

Musical chairs starts to get a little competitive...but everyone is having a blast

Leo leads the girls in another round of musical chairs

Another reason to support Hekab Be....We help make kids happy!!!

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Just updated, our Extraordinary Library Supporters Blog

A successful fundraiser!

2010-04-27T08:33:00.008-05:00

Library supporters, and locogringos especially, YOU DID IT AGAIN! You helped us raise over $3000 U.S. for the library, that's enough to cover 2 months worth of operating expenses.

We can't say thank you enough times or enough ways:
thank you!~mil gracias!~yum botik!~merci beacoup!~molto grazie!

Special thanks to Liza (aka Wifey) for keeping the fundraiser running on 4 forums and to Gary (aka SS47) for sharing his artistic talents to create some wonderful prizes!

Left: Artiste extraordinaire, Gary, and his wife, Martha, have been avid library supporters for many years.

Below: Liza brought over the party proceeds and had a swing with the kids at HB

Here are some photos of recent library activities, just to help remind you that it's worth every single penny!

Making paper mache piggy banks

The kids made knick knack holders out of plaster and painted them

Students from the Akumal Kindergarten spent the morning at HB

Lucky library winners...

2010-04-25T10:36:00.006-05:00

1st place prize, Free Will painting, goes to the library's very own Alice in AZ!
2nd place prize, Tortuga drawing, goes to Beachy!

3rd place prize, the last know existing tortuga t-shirt, goes to Greekbeachgirl, another loyal library supporter!

4th place prize, a Shifty painted Cooler, goes to Minime!

The REAL winners of course are the kids in Akumal who benefit from the generosity of all our kind supporters, so many many thanks on their behalf!

Now There's 4 Chances to Win in Library Fundraiser!

2010-04-19T12:57:00.000-05:00

Here's a chance to win this painting by a wonderful library supporter, Gary Bemis (aka shapeshifter 47), entitled "Free Will," and help the library at the same time! Check out our 2nd, 3rd & 4th place prizes too!

Please help us reach our goal of 200 tickets!!
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This is a fundraiser to help the Library raise much needed operating funds. All of the money raised goes to help the kids and the wonderful teachers who work to make our programs a success.

22" x 28" Oil On Canvas - Free-Will

2nd place prize: 8x10 drawing

3rd place prize: t-shirt (last of its kind!)
4th place prize:
Custom painted LG cooler
Here's how:

1. Ticket Price: $25.00 U.S.

2. Click on Donate Button on the right side of this page, then fill in the amount and sign into the Paypal account. We will know by the Donation amount how many tickets you purchased;

3. For those who read about this on one of the forums, please indicate in the “comment” section your forum name and which forum you read about the raffle on.

4. Online ticket sales will conclude at 12 p.m. (PST) on April 24, 2010;

5. Drawing will take place at 7 p.m. (CST) on April 24, 2010,

LIVE ON THE AKUMAL WEBCAM!!
http://www.locogringo.com/upload/akumal-beach-cam.html

For those of you who will be attending the Adult Spring Break LG party on the 24th at the Moon Rise Bar at Akumal Beach Resort (open to the public), tickets will be available for purchase from Liza Rodgers at the party prior to the drawing.

Questions? Email us: akumallibrary@gmail.com

Lol-Ha/Hotel Akumal Caribe Employees Volunteer at HB

2010-03-09T09:48:00.006-06:00

On February 25^th, Hekab Be initiated a program with 5 employees of Lol-Ha Restaurant/Hotel Akumal Caribe who have volunteered to come work one-on-one with selected children, acting as a tutor, mentor and big brother/sister for these kids. We believe this program will allow the children of Akumal Pueblo, particularly those in greatest need, to see new possibilities for their future.

The purpose of the program is to match each responsible adult with a child in need, to help guide the children down a path towards success. In keeping with Hekab Be's mission to open new roads, this program provides the opportunity for the kids and their tutors to see the world through different eyes.

The tutors provide each child with personalized homework, reading and math assistance, as well as guidance in other areas. Undoubtedly their input will leave an indelible mark on these children’s lives.

Realizing that this is no easy task, we want to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks to the tutors who have decided to join this project: Luis Gomez, Lupita Izquierdo, Javier May, Fatima Huerta and Marina Quiñones. These exceptional adults’ willingness to take on this project demonstrates their generosity, and the profound value they place on the importance of helping others. Hekab Be commends you for providing this strong example of volunteerism to the Akumal Community!

We also would like to thank Laura Bush Wolfe for her dedication to this project and her assistance in helping to get the project off the ground.

Wooten Woopets Visit HB

2010-02-24T10:22:00.002-06:00

Mary Wooten and her daughter Casey thrill HB kids with some wonderful snakes!

On Saturday, February 13th, Mary Wooten and her 3 lovely daughters Sorrel, Ceilidh and Casey shared their talents and creativity with the library gang. The Woopets have been coming to Akumal since the late 1990s and the library was thrilled to be able to have them for a morning. The Woopets put on a wonderful performance for the library users, bringing out a variety of their nature inspired puppets and costumes, including big fish, frog, jellyfish, racoon, lion, crow, flamingo and snake! The kids loved the show and the Woopets loved interacting with the kids.

Big fish makes some big smiles!

After the show, the Woopets led the kids in a mask making workshop using recycled materials such as cardboard boxes, bottle tops, plastic bottles and fabric scraps. The masks were wonderful and everyone had a lot of fun making them!

Sorrel helps put together a mask

Ceilidh and a young artist show off their finished work

As a finale, the Woopets brought out their ocean fabric and the kids used their masks to do an impromptu show--the monsters were trying to capture the princesses! Well, we're not sure who won, but everyone sure had a good time doing it....

The finished masks and the artists who made it happen

Valentine's Day Celebration at HB

2010-02-15T10:47:00.004-06:00

On Saturday (the 13th), HB kids and staff made and exchanged cards for Dia de San Valentin (St. Valentine's Day).

In order to promote the growth of new friendships and avoid anyone being left out, each child was assigned to make a card for another child who was present. Cards were then given out one by one, including the staff, and hugs exchanged as well. Afterward the kids were treated to some cake and milk, and then went outside to run off their sugar rush! It was a nice, low-key celebration.

Special thanks to Akumal Villas

2010-02-10T10:29:00.002-06:00

Akumal Villas has stepped up to help Hekab Be by donating funds to pay for internet service for an entire year! The library previously had internet service, but when our phone line went down in Hurricane Wilma in 2005, we never re-established the service.

Being able to provide internet service free of charge to the local population is an invaluable gift, and we are thrilled to be coming back on line. We are thrilled too that a local business has come forward to help the library, which in turn helps support and educate their employees and their employees' families. We commend Akumal Villas for setting a fine example of community service in Akumal.

Our extraordinary library supporters blog has been updated, check it out!

Challenge Grant COMPLETED!!!

2010-02-01T09:53:00.005-06:00

In less than a month, our AMAZING library supporters have once again dug deep into their pockets to help us meet our Challenge Grant to raise $2250 U.S.!!!

We are thrilled, we are speechless, we are simply in awe of our miraculous supporters and friends. Most of all, thank you for believing in this cause and the importance of helping the kids of Akumal, they are the future.

Thank you to all who donated and made this fund raiser a success!

Debby and Bruce Oakley (Challenge sponsors)
Robert Fish
Robert Zucker
Paul Britton
Holly Beverly
Tina Smith
Hollie Smith
Holley Steller
Lori Wegener
Bill Johnson
Anthony Kopacz
Jane Whaley
Peg Preble & Robyn Ochs
Lori Wegener
Nancy Alberico
Kathy Spencer
Simona Groppi
Jessica Kallinen
Elizabeth Moore
Jeanie Hardey
Duane Folsom
Theresa Gerbrandt
Liza Rodgers
Judith Metivier
Brenda Conner
Toni Todd
Deb Dexter
Linda Hart Mulgrew

Thanks to Shapeshifter for the boost on the LG forum, with his added incentive of a painted cooler (see image below) for the person who helped us reach the final amount!

Less than $200 to go on our challenge grant!

2010-01-31T11:00:00.000-06:00

We are truly amazed and humbled by the outpouring of generosity that library supporters have shown in the few short weeks since we launched this challenge! With just $445 to go we are confident we can meet the challenge total of $2250.

Please consider giving today, every little bit counts and remember, every dollar you give during the challenge counts twice!

To make a donation to help us meet the challenge, go to our donation site, where you find information on how to donate using paypal or by sending a check:
http://hekab-be-paypal.blogspot.com

Remember your donation is tax-deductible!

Please be sure to write in “challenge grant” on your check memo or paypal form so that your donation gets counted twice!

Challenge grant for 2010

2010-01-11T10:45:00.012-06:00

Once again, faithful library supporters have offered Hekab Be a challenge grant of $2250 U.S.

Every dollar donated to Hekab Be between January 1- February 28, 2010 will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $2250. If we are successful in meeting this generous offer, we will have raised enough money to cover our operating expenses for 3 months. This will put us in good stead for a prosperous New Year!

We realize people may be feeling financially drained after the holiday season, but hope that you will consider giving whatever you can, since every dollar you give will count twice. Remember that your donations are tax-deductible.

To make a donation to help us meet the challenge, go to our donation site, where you find information on how to donate using paypal or by sending a check: http://hekab-be-paypal.blogspot.com

Remember we are a tax-exempt organization, so your donation is tax-deductible!

Please be sure to write in “challenge grant” on your check memo or paypal form so that your donation gets counted twice!

New Year’s Message from Hekab Be

As we enter a new year, we’d like to take the time to acknowledge and show our appreciation for all the many different ways that our library supporters and friends help out. From the small to the large, whether people bring us special items for the kids, make a donation of cash or used clothing, share an afternoon, week or month of their time volunteering with us, all these acts of generosity are what makes Hekab Be work! Without your thoughtfulness, your kind-heartedness, and your warmth of spirit, we would not be able to continue functioning.

We wish you the very best in 2010, and hope that all you have shared with the library is returned to you in the new year! We wouldn’t be able to do all the special things for the kids without your support!

New Assistant Library Director at HB

We are pleased to announce that our dedicated employee, Carlos Canul, has been promoted to Assistant Library Director. Carlos has demonstrated in the past months his dedication to the library projects, to working with children, and to helping orient visitors and volunteers. Carlos works at the library full time, speaks English fluently, and quite frankly is a real jewel-- we are very lucky to have him on staff! If you are looking for someone to answer any of your questions, give you a tour of the library, receive your donations, or just chat, please ask for Carlos.

Leo Bermudez, our Program Director, is switching over to a part time schedule and will be at the library in the afternoons and on Saturday mornings. During weekday mornings she is teaching and running her own recently inaugurated Montessori Preschool in Tulum, called Xaman Ek. Having the school has been a dream of Leo’s for many years, so although we miss having her at the library in the morning we are happy she has achieved her dream, and know that many children in Tulum will greatly benefit from the services her school offers.

Leo remains in charge of library programming and her dedication to the library and its projects has not in any way been diminished. We hope you will congratulate her on her new school!

Photos from Dia de los Reyes Celebration

2010-01-07T13:01:00.003-06:00

Waiting for the new swing to be unveiled....

Our new tire swing was received by the children with great joy! They could hardly wait for the tarp to be removed before a group of them rushed forward to try it for the first time.

Special thanks to the University of Minnesota students who helped put the swing together, pictured below with kids giving the swing its first spin (and does it ever spin!)

Playing musical chairs

Dia de los Reyes/3 Kings' Day

2010-01-01T11:40:00.003-06:00

Join us at the library on Wednesday, January 6th at 3 p.m. for a small celebration of Dia de los Reyes. Help us inaugurate a new swing for the kids!
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Dia de los Reyes celebrates the 3 wise men who visited the baby Jesus and brought him precious gifts in honor of his birth. In Mexico this was traditionally the day that children would receive gifts, although this tradition has been largely replaced by Christmas, it is still considered an important holiday.
In honor of this holiday, the library will be unveiling a new swing for the children to play on at the library. If you are in the area, please come by and help us celebrate!

More Christmas Party Photos

2009-12-23T10:02:00.008-06:00

Special thanks to our Santa, Kevin McKee; to Turtle Bay Cafe for donating a delicious cake; to Robert Gilgoff for playing guitar to accompany the kids who sang in Mayan & to the rest of the Gilgoff family for all their assistance in party preparations; to Shelby Steele who did her own gift fundraiser and brought us 2 suitcases full of Christmas gifts from Ottawa; and to Emilia May for conducting many jarana dance rehearsals with the kids and moms!
And of course, a BIG thank you to all who donated so we could buy gifts for each and every child! You made their wishes come true!!

Kevin aka "Redbeard" painted his beard white and made a perfect Santa Claus!
click on photos to see larger images

Kids dancing the jarana, wearing traditional Yucatecan clothes--guayaberas worn by the boys

and ternos worn by the girls

Robert spent many dedicated hours rehearsing with the kids and figuring out how to play the song, by ear.

Our staff member, Belen, was among the ladies (mothers of kids who come to the library) who danced the jarana at the party.

We wish everyone in our library family, near and far, a very
Merry Christmas & Feliz Navidad!

Christmas Party Photos

2009-12-23T09:01:00.008-06:00

As you can see, the party was a great success! Many thanks to all the people who donated for gifts. In total, we gave out 62 personalized gifts to children who frequent the library on a regular basis, plus another 20 stuffed animals to kids who attended the party.

You should have seen the kids' faces when we opened the enormous toy bag!
click on photos to see larger image

The kids presented 2 songs, one in Mayan, and one in Spanish & English
(Feliz Navidad, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas)!

Winners of the Christmas Story Contest/Ganadores de concurso del cuento de Navidad:
Muchas gracias a la maestra Sandra y las familias en Cancun que donaron para comprar las bicicletas, hicieron muy felices a los ninos!
Thanks to our English teacher, Sandra, and the families in Cancun who donated to buy bicycles for the winners, they made these kids very happy!!

Carol, 1st place girls in the drawn stories contest

Joshua, 1st place boys in the drawn stories contest

Santiago, 1st place boys winner for the written story contest

Unfortunately due to technical difficulties we didn't get a photo of Dalia, the first place winner for girls in the written story contest. =-(

Piñata-making photos and Christmas gift list

2009-12-21T09:55:00.000-06:00

Christmas Party 2009 - Tuesday December 22

2:00 PM
Please join us!

Please note the library will be closed December 24th, 25th, 31st & January 1st

Piñata Party!

In preparation for our upcoming Christmas party, Leo & Carlos led the kids through the step by step process of making our very own piñata! It was fun (and messy) work, and very cool to see it change from a balloon into a beautiful, colorful piñata. Special thanks to our friends from Vancouver: Robert, Betty, Hannah & Adam who weren't afraid to get their hands goopy!

Click on photos to see larger image

Pasting the strips of newspaper onto the balloon (used as the base form for the pinata) using a flour & water paste, the kids liked getting their hands all gooey as you can see from their smiles

Making cones and cutting tissue paper to be added to the pinata. Each of the 7 cones stands for one of the cardinal sins (pride, wrath, envy, gluttony, avarice/greed, lust & discouragement). By knocking the cones off the pinata when it is broken during the party, the sins are symbolically banished, giving everyone a clean slate! How's that for good, clean fun?

Pasting on the cones, the bottom one was the hardest to set in place.Half way there....uh oh, we ran out of paste, had to switch to glue, a much stickier method

The finished pinata and contented pinateros (pinata makers)

Our Christmas Wish List Is Complete!! Many thanks to all those who donated & brought gifts, we now have presents for all the kids.
Our elves are busy wrapping and getting ready for the party. Hope to see you there!

Stay tuned for party photos later this week....

Christmas Wishes

2009-12-14T12:12:00.000-06:00

Christmas Party 2009 - Tuesday December 22
2:00 PM
Please join us!

Holiday Closure: Please note the library will be closed December 24th, 25th, 31st & January 1st

This year we are trying something new, we asked the kids to write down what they wanted for Christmas. Below is a list of the Christmas Wishes of kids who regularly come to the library and participate in our programs. We are hoping to find sponsors to help purchase or bring all of these gifts.

To help us keep track of gifts that are already accounted for, please send us a brief email (akumallibrary@gmail.com) if you are bringing any gifts. That way we can remove it from the list, to avoid duplicates.
-->Not coming to Akumal but want to help us get these gifts? You can make a donation, just let us know it's for Christmas gifts and we'll use the funds for that purpose.

Thank you for helping make these kids' wishes come true!

Christmas Gift Wish List:

Converse chuck taylor all stars style sneakers-- please note that a knock-off or off-brand (not converse brand) would be fine:
--2 pairs white, youth size 5
--1 pair black or white youth size 4.5
--1 pair, any color, youth size 4

--Mac the truck toy from Cars movie or superman action figure

--5 shoe style rollerskates, youth sizes: 2, 2, 2.5, 4, 4.5,

--4 Max Steel Action Figure Dolls (or other superhero if you can't find Max Steel)

--10 Remote control cars (with an extra set of batteries, if possible, since many families cannot afford to buy replacements. Usually we ask people not to bring battery operated toys, we are making an exception this year for Santa!)

--5 dolls: 1 that crawls, 1 that sings/dances, 1 that cries, 1 with pacifier, 1 with stroller

--drum

--skateboard
________________________________________________________

Thanksgiving Day LG Fundraiser at Lol Ha $400.00 raised!

A big heartfelt Thank You to loyal supporters Beachy, Maplesyrup & Sweety for their dedication to making this a success!

Pictured left to right - Front Row: Gato(Karen), Leo(Lib. Director)

Second Row: Coralreef(Shelly), Florida Girl(Vicki), Crunch(Kim), Jacalope(Mary), Beachy(George) Carlos & Belen (Lib. assistants)

Third Row: Tomas(Tom), Akumal Addicts(Eric), Sweety(Sandy), Maplesyrup(Ed)

Not pictured: Akumal Addicts(Lara) & Laura Bush Wolf

Also in attendance were several husbands & boyfriends

Questions? Email us: akumallibrary@gmail.com

HB celebrates Halloween & Día de los Muertos

2009-11-03T15:04:00.002-06:00

Hekab Be staff and library users had a wonderful last week of October that included both Halloween and Day of the Dead festivities!

Even our sign got dressed up for Halloween!!(click on photos to see larger image)

On Thursday, October 29th, the library hosted a Halloween party complete with costumes, trick or treating, and a haunted house. The kids all arrived around 3 p.m. and starting putting on their costumes, painting their faces and getting in a spooky frame of mind.

Playing toss the eyeball into the jack-o-lantern

Then they played a number of games including: toss the eyeball, hang the skeleton, and pin the nose on the pumpkin (for the smaller kids).

Pin the nose on the pumpkin

As dusk fell, the kids ventured out in 3 groups to trick or treat at local businesses who agreed to help pass out treats: Mulgrew Laundry, Minisuper El Pueblito, Las Casitas Akumal and Hotel Akumal Caribe Receptions, and La Cueva del Pescador.

Trick or Treating at the Cueva del Pescador

Upon returning the library the kids had their first chance ever to enter a haunted house or “casa de terror” where they were thoroughly scared out of their wits by witches, a vampire emerging from a coffin, the grim reaper, a mad scientist and a mummy. On the way out they were treated to mummy fingers (gummy candies) and vampire blood (strawberry soda). They loved the experience so much that after going through once they all got back in line to do it over again!

On Friday, the kids engaged in preparations for the arrival of the spirits of departed loved ones, locally known in Mayan as Hanal Pixan, meaning “food for the souls.” Generally people make small altars in their homes where they put out photos of their loved ones, and food for the spirits to partake in. The celebration takes place over a couple days, with the spirits of children arriving on the first night-- for them sweets and hot chocolate is put out on the altar. On the second night the spirits of the adults arrive, and people often make favorite dishes as well as catering to the departed's vices with items such as, coffee, liquor or cigarettes.

Items made by the kids for the altar

The children made tissue paper flowers with help from visitors Barb Youzwak and Joan Weiskotten. They also painted and cut out items to decorate the altar including different foods such as hot chocolate, special tamales called pibes, sweet bread, fruit, water, and candles.

Enjoying chocolate and sweet bread with Sandra, the English teacher (2nd row, left side)

On Saturday morning, the altar was assembled, using all the items the children had made. The kids were treated to pan de muerto (a special sweet bread made for the holiday), chocolate milk and some Halloween candy. Leo talked with them about the meaning of Hanal Pixan, and the variations in how families celebrate it locally. (Note: The Contest for Day of the Dead Altars in Akumal which we'd planned to participate in was canceled, for unknown reasons).

The finished altar

Special thanks to those who answered our plea with donations to help us put on these celebrations-- with that money we were able to provide many Halloween and Day of the Dead goodies for the kids!!
Many thanks as well to the Youzwaks and Weiskottens who helped us put together our haunted house, and made it super spooooooky!!!

Meet New HB Staff:
Our long time assistant librarian, Reyna, has left Hekab Be to get married. Reyna was a favorite with the kids, and is known by some visitors who took Spanish classes with her. We wish her the best!

We have 2 new staff members, Carlos, and Belen. Carlos speaks English and can help answer any queries you may have when visiting. His English is quite good, but he's a bit shy, but we're helping him work on that! Belen works part time in the afternoons and on Saturdays, primarily assisting with the children.

Belen on the left in green and Carlos on the right in black

Donate to Autumn Celebrations at HB

2009-10-25T08:56:00.014-06:00

The library will be closed Monday, November 2nd for Day of the Dead/All Souls Day a Mexican National Holiday.

This coming week at the library will be a busy one with planning and preparations for 2 Fall celebrations in 2 cultural traditions, Halloween and Day of the Dead, or Hanal Pixan as it is called in the Yucatec Maya tradition. We are seeking some donations to help us cover the costs of these activities.

Traditional Yucatecan style altar for Hanal Pixan (Day of the Dead)

On Thursday, October 29th the children will take part in a Halloween party, complete with a haunted house, and carnival style games (The party is not being held on Oct 31st because that is the day the children will be helping make an altar for Day of the Dead at the library).

On Saturday, October 31st the children will help do a traditional altar for Day of the Dead. The altar includes many items associated with the milpa (corn field), such as candied squash, a corn drink (atole), tortillas, chocolate drink--all served in jicaras (cups made from dried gourds)--plus flowers, pan de muerto (special bread made for the holiday) & favorite foods of the deceased, are just some of the things traditionally used. On Saturday night there will be an altar contest held in the Akumal Pueblo, and HB will be participating with its own altar, wish us luck!

Candy skulls available in Mexico at this time of year

All these activities are part of the library's mission to help maintain the strength of local cultural traditions, by teaching children about their meaning and having them participate in making their own traditions.

Of course, it takes money to put on these celebrations, that is why we are trying to raise $250 U.S. in the next week, so we can have enough funds to get all the goodies for the kids!
Please consider donating a small amount to help us, even $10 or $20 helps!

Windsor Wizards & Playa Caballeros Help Spruce Up the Library

2009-10-16T14:02:00.013-05:00

On Monday, Oct 12, a group of 130 people of all ages came to the library on and gave HB a total facelift!

Hekab Be, looking like new!(click on photos to see larger image)

This major undertaking was made possible by a cooperative effort of the families of the Windsor, Colorado Wizards Youth Football Team, and the Caballeros, a Playa del Carmen American Football Club, who have been involved in a football exchange between their 2 clubs for several years. (Click to see a video about the Caballeros of Playa Del Carmen.)

Painting the annex buildings

This year, they decided they wanted to add a community service element to their exchange, and the library was fortunate to be the recipient of their efforts! All told, the group was at the library for 8 hours and left the place looking like new!

Loading up a wheel barrel with rocks from the garden area

Our very clean and rock-free grounds!

Along the many things they did: All the library buildings were painted inside and out; the grounds were immaculately cleaned, with many wheel-barrels full of stones removed; they brought electricians who helped fix broken lights; 4 doctors came and gave free consultations to over 50 patients from Akumal Pueblo; they put up a new fence; and most of all, they supplied a whole lot of enthusiasm and elbow grease to get the job done! And if that weren't enough, before leaving they donated to the library bags and bags full of clothing, toys, & books to benefit local children.

Carrying wood for the new fence

The new fence, completed!

Publish Post

HB extends an ENORMOUS THANK YOU to all the families who came, and to the many people who helped make this possible including: Wizards' Coach Adam Mack, Sandra Salcedo from the Caballeros, and Claudia Munoz of Akumal who helped put this wonderful group in touch with the library!

2009-10-15T22:53:00.000-05:00

Please note we have new hours of operation:
Mon-Fri 9:30am -6:30pm (closed 1-2:30)
Sat 9:00am -1pm Closed Sat afternoon & Sunday

Birthday celebration for new teacher at HB

2009-09-28T15:45:00.008-05:00

On Friday 9/25 library staff and kids helped our new teacher, Leo, celebrate her birthday with games, a pinata, cake & ice cream, yum!

-->Click on photos to see larger image<---

Breaking the pinata

HB teachers, Reyna & Leo

Playing musical chairs

New "Points" System for kids at HB
Leo has initiated a new system for points, the rewards that children get for the work they do at the library. Under the old system, kids would work for the afternoon and based on the number of points they garnered, could chose a small prize for the day.
Under the new system, kids must work all week long to accumulate points, and their prizes are awarded to them based on whether they achieve a minimum, medium, or maximum amount of points. This new system was started to motivate kids to participate in library activities in a more sustained way, including afternoon classes that are given 5 days a week. The rationale behind the new system is also to help the children start to realize that learning has its own inherent rewards. Eventually, points will be awarded on a less frequent basis so that the children learn that learning is fun--even when you don't win points, you "win" knowledge!

Every Friday the kids gather around to see who won the most points, and they receive their prizes, which are selected for each child based on his/her own preferences and learning needs. Children are awarded toys, but also learning materials such as flashcards or books.

After the party, kids were awarded their weekly prizes. Just look at these happy faces! Special THANKS to all our wonderful library friends who bring down these wonderful items for the kids.

Proud winner of a Dora backpack, this little girl earned maximum points!

Please note we have new hours of operation:

New library schedule, new library staff

2009-09-15T16:31:00.003-05:00

The library has re-opened after our post-summer break.

We have new hours of operation:
Monday-Friday
9:30 am-1 pm and 2:30 -7:30 pm
Saturday
9 am- 1pm
Closed Saturday afternoon and Sunday

PLEASE NOTE THE LIBRARY WILL BE CLOSED WEDNESDAY, SEPT 16 FOR MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Changes in library staffing

We are saying goodbye to Maggie McCown, who is leaving Hekab Be Biblioteca for personal reasons. Through her true belief in the library, her commitment to the local community and to promoting learning, she helped the library achieve goals well beyond its humble beginnings. Maggie has not only worked, but volunteered, so much of herself and her time, words do not suffice. Mil gracias, Maggie. We sincerely wish her the best in all her future endeavors.

We are pleased to introduce our new program director and librarian, Eleonora Bermudez Ferrer. Leo is from Mexico City and has lived in Quintana Roo for 10 years. During most of her time in Quintana Roo she has worked teaching children and helping to build community institutions that advance education. She has a degree in Early Education and is a certified Montessori instructor at both the preschool and primary school levels.

Leo worked for 6 years as a Montessori teacher in Cancun and later came to Akumal and worked for 3 years as the Director of the Otoch Paal Montessori Preschool. During her time at Otoch Paal, Leo helped achieve the school’s certification by the State Secretary of Education. She also participated in various municipal and private fundraising campaigns to bring much needed resources to the school and the community of Akumal.

In addition to her many qualifications, Leo brings to Hekab Be a profound enthusiasm for community work, involving not only children, but whole families in the process of education. Her philosophy is “Communities do not just happen, we build them day by day.”

A message from Leo to all library friends and supporters:

It is impossible to create a community without living it, and for this reason I am interested in working directly with the entire Akumal community, adults and children alike. Under my direction, Hekab Be will continue working to help preserve the Mayan roots and customs of Akumal’s community members, as well as to inspire them in reading and learning, though new classes and workshops.

Of course, the path to cultural integration and enrichment cannot be achieved by one person alone. Many people have worked on behalf of the library, and without their contributions it would not be possible to continue moving forward. During this new stage of Hekab Be’s growth and renovation, I hope we can count on your continuing support!

4th Annual Labor Day Party & Raffle

2009-09-11T15:11:00.010-05:00

Click on photo for larger view

Here are the names of the peeps in the pic: Left to right on the sand; Big Serg (kneeling), KAY, Beachmutt, KAT in SAT, and then her husband Ricardo. Standing, L to R, Leadfoot, his wife Liz, Terriann, IG (sort of behind Terri), Terri's husband Craig (his arm on Terri), XcalackSteve (blue hat), IG's wife, Xcalack Doll, Johnny Kayak (the kayak attendant at ABR), Guy (in the back holding up a drink), Heather (Guy's wife), Tortuga Tom, Harold, Michelle (Grumpers' daughter), Alma (in the back with her chin up), Agnes (ABR Animation team member), Grumpers, Dora (another ABR animation member), and last, but not the least, Toes In The Sand.

Thanks to Tortuga Tom, Toes & Grumpers, LGs did it again! They helped raise $540.00 for the Library at the 4th Annual Labor Day Party. A big thank you to everyone who contributed some great prizes and to those that donated.

And here are the winners:

CEA T-shirt - Teriann

Bourbon - Mrs. IG

Almond Tequila - Unsuspecting Lol-Ha customer

SS White Cooler - Teriann

Yellow GBG Cooler - Johnny

Dean Iggy Bag - Patricia

52 oz. Bubba Keg - IG

Gecko Glass - Crunch

Fish Glass - Kat in Sat

Turtle Photo Poster - Heather

xcalaksteve`s new book - greekbeachgirl

Necklace - Grumpers daughter Michelle

Billiam Book - Badger

xcalaksteves 1st Book (2 copies) - leadfoot and Badger

Library closed Aug 19 - Sept 13th

2009-09-09T22:33:00.000-05:00

We will reopen on September 14th. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

The library wish list blog has been updated with new requests for back to school items. Check it out!

Circus of the Akumal Stars-- photos and video!

2009-08-10T09:22:00.009-05:00

The circus was WONDERFUL! There were clowns, acrobats, a strongman, an animal tamer, and more! You can watch the YouTube video by clicking on this link: Akumal Circus 09

Here's some photos to whet your appetite! (click on photos to see larger image)

The kids did a great job, under the fabulous direction of Rey Ortega, it was a full house event.

Very special thanks to everyone, sponsors, volunteers, parents, and kids, who made our Summer School 09 a GREAT SUCCESS!! Scroll down for our long list of the extraordinary donors who all made it possible for summer school to happen this, completely free of charge to local families.

Proud kids receive their certificates of completion for summer school '09!

Summer School Sponsors
Angela Yang
Ann Adams
Ann DeSalvo
Brooke E DuBois
Casa de Colores
Chris Malin
Cindy Abraham
Cynthia Chasteen
Cynthia Kutz
Donna Brunton
Duane Folsom
Edd & Jeanie Hardey
Emily Abraham
Enrique Rabelo
Frances Olson
Fred Johnson
Gary& Martha Bemis
James Thurman
Jena Conrow
Jenna daugherty
Jennifer Cornine
Jessica and Alan Farr
Kathleen Fonted
Kathy DeWitt
Kay Walton
Kimberley Barnett
Lindea Kirschner
Lisa Maguire
Liza Rodgers
Lori Wegener
Lucelena Escarpita
Lynn Shallenberger
Mike & Lucy Duran
Nancy Alberico
Pamela J Thing
Peter Kripakov
Robert Fish
Roger Lavoie
Rosalie Norton
Rose Bank
Sandra Knight
Sandrah Gurash
Shawn Bemis
Sherwood Anders
Thomas Callahan-Cross
Thomas L Cochran
Toni Todd
Treanna Pierce
Virginia Roseburg
Whitney Challed

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Please note: The library will be closed August 18-September 7. Details about where to make donations when the library is closed will be posted.

Summer school finale, Children's Circus

2009-08-06T20:58:00.003-05:00

If you're in town, come see the children's circus, being put on by all of the kids who participated in the library's summer program.

Friday, August 7 at the CEA Center, at 6 p.m.

Or if you're not in town, stay tuned, we will soon post a link to the YouTube video of the circus!

Raffle ended, $2600 raised!

2009-07-24T14:06:00.004-05:00

See the wonderful finale and raffle results on the website: http://hakebbebano.com/

Summer volunteers

2009-07-23T14:44:00.011-05:00

This summer we are so fortunate to have both returning and new volunteers--
Rey & Kiyomi Ortega are back again this year to help put on the second annual Children's Circus, and work with the kids in the performing arts. Kiyomi and Rey are the creators and performers of the Wisdom Tree Program, a Native American story-telling program which they present in schools and museums around the U.S.
They bring tremendous talent, and a great energy to the library's summer program, we are very lucky to have them volunteer their skills and time!

Rey will be performing his Bamboo flute and Mayan music presentation at Lol Ha on Thursdays from 6-7 PM (starting 7/30). Proceeds to benefit the library, don't miss it!!

We are also thrilled to be hosting two volunteer teachers, Becky Glenn, and her daughter, Audra. Becky teaches ESL and Spanish at colleges in Illinois and just finished her Master's degree in Education focusing on second language acquisition (and we mean just, she had her oral exams just weeks before departing to Akumal, congratulations Becky!). Becky also speaks some Yucatec Mayan and is very happy to have the chance to practice with native speakers in Akumal. Becky has 3 kids, and in her spare time also likes to paint murals!

Becky does some jungle exploring during her stay in Q. Roo

Audra just finished her sophomore year of college where she is majoring in social work, and has worked at various children's summer camps in the past with a special ability in working with children who have experienced major illness or trauma. Both Becky & Audra have brought their many skills and enthusiasm about being in Akumal to the library's summer school program.

Becky says, "We love the food, the beach, the people of Akumal and are having a wonderful time!"

Audra is excited to be able to pick her own coconut!

Summer school goal reached!!

2009-06-27T19:05:00.004-05:00

Thanks to all our wonderful friends and supporters we have been able to raise enough funds to enroll 70 students in our summer program! The program will begin July 13th and run for 4 weeks. Highlights of this year's program include:

--We have two volunteer interns coming to help teach, Becky Glenn, who is an EFL teacher from Illinois, and her 20 year old daughter, Audra, will be here for the whole duration of the course.
--We are also pleased that Rey and Kiome Ortega are back for another summer to help us create and perform a children's circus finale, which will be held on August 7th at 5 p.m. in the CEA center (mark your calendar!)
--Our older students ages 8-13 will receive part of their science tutoring from CEA staff who will help teach them about the local environment and the importance of protecting it.
--Kids will also be receiving multilingual instruction, with English and Mayan classes.

We are looking forward to the best summer school ever!!!

Please note that during the summer session the library opens mornings only (9-1) Monday through Saturday, (July 13-Aug 7).

FUND A SUMMER SCHOLAR!

2009-05-20T17:36:00.034-05:00

Thanks to everyone who helped us to reach our goal, to sponsor 70 students! We are looking forward to one of our best Summer Programs yet! Muchas Gracias.....

Can you and your family, friends, co-workers or neighbors contribute $30 US to support one child in Hekab Be’s Summer School enrichment program? Your and the student’s names will be posted together in the Library’s classroom like this:

“Juan Gomez/Doe Family, Hekab Be Summer Scholar Supporter”

All it takes is $30 to send one child for the entire month of Summer School:

To donate, just click on the donate button on this page or visit the library’s donation site at: http://hekab-be-paypal.blogspot.com/

¡Gracias de todos nuestros niños! Thank you from all our children!

Summer School is held at our Akumal Library from July 13 to August 7 for children ages 5 to 15 years. We are pleased to announce that Rey and Kiome Ortega who helped us put on our wonderful children’s circus at the end of last year’s summer program will be back again this year!

Educational research shows that summer is a critical time when children often fall behind in their academic skills, especially when they lack educational resources and support at home. Then, in Fall, they have to re-learn material they had mastered during the previous school year. To help prevent this loss of knowledge and help advance literacy skills, Hekab Be provides an annual summer school program for local school-age children. The course involves intensive teaching, working with the children in mixed age groups according to their skill level. While the primary goal of the program is to help children improve their reading skills, we offer a well rounded curriculum with content in language arts (Spanish, English & Maya), science (experiments, geography, environmental studies) and fine arts (music, drawing, painting, performance).

From 2000-2007, the program was free and 70-100 local children attended. Last year, we were not able to fund this program and had to ask families to pay a small tuition (50 pesos/week). Many families could not afford to keep their children enrolled for the entire program, and our enrollments were lower than normal. Accordingly, this year we are seeking to provide 70 summer scholarships at only $30 US each.

Donors will receive a personal report from the summer scholar they sponsored in August!

To donate, just click on the donate button on this page or visit the library’s donation site at: http://hekab-be-paypal.blogspot.com/

Library resumes regular schedule

2009-05-12T14:37:00.000-05:00

LIBRARY OPERATING ON REGULAR SCHEDULE AGAIN:
Mon-Fri 9-12 and 3-5:30
Sat 9-1
Closed Saturday afternoons and Sundays

A brief flu update:
Schools are now back in session and observing stringent sanitary practices, including screening children as they enter the school to inquire if they have any possible flu symptoms. Out of necessity, the library is observing similar practices to make sure we are not aiding in the spread of this disease. Children observed to exhibit any symptoms are being sent home from school/the library and not allowed to return until they have been cleared by a doctor.

The library was thoroughly cleaned and disinfected on Saturday and is being wiped down daily after the children leave. Children are being taught how to properly wash their hands and cover their mouths when sneezing or coughing. Each child is being given their own supplies (pencils, crayons, etc) rather than sharing them communally.

We are NOT particularly concerned about this so-called pandemic becoming any worse, but we think it best to use caution and common sense. Most importantly, habits we can help the children learn to stay healthy now will help them stay healthy for a lifetime!

Library will keep reduced schedule through May 11th

2009-05-05T15:59:00.003-05:00

In accordance with the Mexican Secretary of Health's most recent decision to keep all preschool, primary and secondary schools closed until Monday May 11th, the library will also maintain a reduced schedule until then.
We will be open Mon-Sat morning from 9-11 a.m., for receiving donations and book loans only. All other regularly scheduled activities will be suspended until next week.

We have asked local children not to come into the library, to avoid playing a role in spreading anything. There have now been 3 confirmed cases of the human/swine flu in Quintana Roo. So far none are in the immediate area of Akumal, but that does not mean we are immune.

When we resume our normal schedule we will also be instituting the same health practice guidelines being implemented in local schools which include: asking children questions about their health on a daily basis, enforcing hand cleansing and other rules to prevent the spread of germs. And of course, as an educational institution, we will be helping the children understand what this flu epidemic is all about.
The worst may be past, but this is not over yet!

Please be safe everyone, and remember to wash your hands well!!

Reduced library schedule to prevent potential spread of swine flu

2009-04-27T16:11:00.003-05:00

Until further notice the library will only be open in the mornings from 9-11 (to receive donations) to help prevent any spread of germs related to the swine flu.
There have been NO reported cases of swine flu in Quintana Roo to date.
However the Mexican Secretary of Health has mandated that ALL schools in the country be closed until May 6th. We are following their example since it is the responsible thing to do, for the health of our staff, local children and visitors alike.

Cancellations:
Until further notice we will not be providing any of our regular services, except for book loans. After school and Saturday morning programming is suspended, as are language classes.

Unfortunately this means that we will also not be holding our Dia del Niño activities on April 30th as planned, these will have to take place after we resume our normal schedule. We had also planned a clothing bazaar for May 2nd that will be rescheduled as well.

Please be safe everyone (no matter where you are) and remember to wash your hands thoroughly and often!!

Hekab Be Logo Contest

2009-03-25T12:34:00.009-06:00

The artwork from the first prize winners. One of these will be used to create a new logo for HB!

Although Hekab Be has had a logo for some time (the Mayan glyph symbol for zero), in honor of our new non-profit organization, we wanted to create a new logo that incorporated the art work of the children who use the library most. Debby Oakley helped organize the contest and put together a small fund-raiser to pay for the art supplies and a small amount of prize money for the winners.
(SEE OUR UPDATED EXTRAORDINARY LIBRARY SUPPORTERS BLOG: HTTP://DONOROFTHEMONTH.BLOGSPOT.COM)

Some of the logo contest entries

First place winner among the middle school kids, Jesse, age 13

We had a total of 8 entries, 4 from middle school children, and 4 from elementary school children. Of those 8, our wonderful judges selected a first and second place prize for each age group. We will be sending the first place logos to a graphic artist for touch-up to determine which one best works in a digitized format.

Logo contest judges from left to right: Richard Mazzola (local artist), Nancy Fischer (School principal and Tankah resident), & Emilia May (Akumal parent, former library employee & current Montessori teacher).

Second place winner for the elementary school group, Brandon, age 7

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In memory of a library friend

Tom DeSalvo - who passed away in January 2009. Tom was a long time Akumal visitor and dedicated donor to Hekab Be Biblioteca. Our thoughts and condolences are with his wife Ann (pictured below with their Grand-daughter Mary Kate) and his family.

Looking for summer interns

2009-03-18T08:51:00.006-06:00

Hekab Be Offers Summer Internship
Applications are sought for 1-2 Spanish-speaking summer interns to assist with Hekab Be Summer School from July 6- August 9, 2009. Summer school students are 5 to 15 years old. The person selected must be fully fluent in Spanish, with a documented record of volunteer activities with children, and able to live on their own in an economically diverse environment. Maturity (18 years old minimum) and 3 non-relative references required. Serious inquiries only. If interested please send a resume with references to: akumallibrary@gmail.com

Farewell to Yilin!
A farewell lunch for our intern, Yilin. Going around the table right to left are seated: Debby Oakley (who. along with her husband, Bruce, sponsored Yilin's internship), Jesse (another new face at the library, Jesse is a secondary student who helps out at HB 3 afternoons a week), Renee (Jesse's mom), Maggie, Reyna, Yilin & Bruce Oakley.

Time flies when you're having fun! Before we knew it, it was time to say good-bye to Yilin, who did a one month internship at Hekab Be. During that time Yilin helped us put together a proposal for a new peer mentorship program that we hope to launch next Fall. She also helped with our regular after-school program, read at the schools, and even picked up some Spanish! Yilin brought a wonderful energy to the library, and we will miss her.

However, we were so inspired by the wonderful contribution Yilin made that we decided to offer the summer intern position, listed above.

The lovely library ladies: Maggie, Reyna & Yilin

Welcome to our intern, Yilin!

2009-03-03T15:52:00.007-06:00

If you come into the library over the next few weeks, you'll see a new (and most likely smiling) face-- Yilin Zhang, our new intern!

Yilin working with the kids during the after-school program

Yilin, a recent college graduate, is doing an internship with Hekab Be for one month, to help us write funding proposals.

Yilin's presence is thanks to the Oakleys (as if they didn't do enough with their challenge grant!) who helped to fund Yilin's travel and are providing her free board at their beautiful home in Tankah.

Yilin working at the Hekab Be table during the CEA Green Fair

Here is some information about Yilin:
Yilin recently graduated from the University of Michigan with an academic background in Anthropology and International Relations. Outside of classes, she has been involved in various community service and service learning organizations, such as buildON, Alternative Spring Break, and the North American Summer Service Team. Through these programs, Yilin has helped build a school in Nicaragua, plant over 13,000 trees for the Nature Conservancy, and volunteered at a youth center on a Lakota reservation in South Dakota. Additionally, she has worked at the University of Michigan's Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs and is dedicated to raising awareness on the importance of multiculturalism through dialogue and social activism.

One of her main areas of interest lies in health policy: empowering community members on both local and global levels through culturally-sensitive policies. In 2007, Yilin and three colleagues founded the Youth Hope Organization (YHO), a non-profit organization which seeks to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS among children in China. In the future, Yilin plans to pursue a graduate education in public health. She hopes to eventually work for the World Health Organization.

As you can see from her bio, Yilin is a multi-talented and focused young woman! We are very pleased that she is willing to share her skills and time with Hekab Be.

And, apparently the feeling is mutual, as Yilin writes:
"I am absolutely enjoying my work at the Hekab Be Biblioteca. Hekab Be serves not only as a library, but it is a crucial resource for sustaining the community's educational, economic, social developments."

Many thanks to Yilin & the Oakleys!

You did it! Hekab Be Meets the Challenge Grant!

2009-02-20T08:06:00.002-06:00

We are all humbled at the generosity of everyone who has been a part of this Challenge. Even in our current economic times we have successfully pushed forward. Our thanks to each and every one of you that made it possible for us to reach the Challenge Grant goal and even go beyond it!

As of last week (2/12) the Oakleys gave us a check for the remaining balance of $1000 US on their challenge-- they had great faith that all our wonderful library supporters would come through-- and you did! And even before our Feb 28 deadline!

We can't say thank you enough times in enough ways.
thank you so much~muchisimas gracias~thank you so much~yabach yum botik~thank you so much~grazie mil~thank you so much~merci beacoup~thank you so much~danke soviel~THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

Halfway on the challenge grant

2009-02-06T10:30:00.004-06:00

In order to keep our spirits up, Debby & Bruce Oakley have already matched the first $1000 raised. They are thrilled (as are we) that even in such hard economic times, so many of the library's faithful supporters are stepping up to help meet their challenge.

Remember, your donation is tax-deductible and every donation made before the end of February will be matched dollar for dollar by the Oakleys.

To make a donation to help us meet the Oakley's challenge, go to our donation site: http://hekab-be-paypal.blogspot.com/

Be sure to write in “challenge grant” on your check memo or paypal form so that your donation gets counted twice!

HEKAB BE RECEIVES CHALLENGE GRANT FOR THE NEW YEAR

2009-01-03T15:28:00.009-06:00

Long time library supporters, Debby and Bruce Oakley, have put up a $2000 U.S. challenge grant to help raise much needed funds for Hekab Be.

For every dollar donated to Hekab Be between January 1- February 28, 2009, the Oakleys will match dollar-for-dollar up to $2000. If we are successful in meeting this generous offer, we will have over two and half month’s worth of operating expense funds, putting us in good stead for a prosperous New Year!

A few words from Debby about why they support Hekab Be:

"Please help support Hekab Be Biblioteca de Akumal, a little local library that serves the families living in Akumal Pueblo AND visitors, both children and adults. We will match your donation, up to a total of $2,000, because we know that it takes alot of workers to make our lives pleasant here in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Inspired by the idea that 'giving a fishing line' is the best way to help, we want the library to be able to build literacy for women, men, children; we want the library to help build community through workshops, art, fairs, celebrations; we want the library to help build skills through employing and training local workers. Library staff and users raise about 80% of their own expenses. Please help keep the programs going by giving $10, $25, $100 or whatever you can! Remember, your donation will be doubled until a total of $2,000 is reached."

To make a donation to help us meet the Oakley's challenge, go to our donation site: http://hekab-be-paypal.blogspot.com/

Remember your donation is tax-deductible!

Be sure to write in “challenge grant” on your check memo or paypal form so that your donation gets counted twice!

About the Oakleys:
The Oakleys, who own a home in Tankah, have been involved with the library for over ten years, providing on-going support. This challenge grant is just the latest in a long series of ideas and resources that Debby & Bruce have brought to Hekab Be.

In April, 2008, the Oakleys helped organize the inauguration of a new library collection: the Fred Groves Memorial Collection. HB is very proud of having the honor to house this collection. Fred Groves was a long time resident of Tankah and through the generosity of his widow and the assistance of Debby & Bruce, the library now has a fine collection of books on alternative energy sources.

photo: Bruce Oakley (in front with crossed legs) and other Tankah friends who helped organize the Fred Groves' Memorial Library collection

Debby has been a library supporter since she first met Brenda Detering, the library's founder, over 10 years ago. She & Bruce have consistently been a beacon of light for all of us at Hekab Be as we struggle to keep things running. Thanks Debby & Bruce!!!

photo: Debby Oakley helps put some books away at Hekab Be, only one of the many ways she helps out!

FELIZ NAVIDAD!!

2008-12-20T14:19:00.009-06:00

Another wonderful Christmas Party at Hekab Be!!

For the first year we had a Mexican Santa Claus, Fernando Perez, who is a long-term CEA volunteer. Since he speaks Spanish, he could really grill the kids about whether they were naughty or nice this past year! According to him, they all said they were nice, so they all got presents.

A good little girl receives her present from Santa

(click on photos to see larger image)

We had around 80 kids, all of whom received presents, and over 100 people (kids plus moms, aunts, etc.). Everyone had fun watching Santa and enjoying the refreshments-- agua de tamarindo, ham & cheese sandwiches, chips, an orange and yummy cake.

A full house at Hekab Be's Christmas party

Kids waiting patiently for their turn to see Santa

Maggie did a great job organizing all the volunteers and getting all the pieces in place for a smoothly run party, the best yet!

SPECIAL THANKS to our loyal supporters: Laura & David Wolfe (Hotel Club Akumal Caribe Villas Maya) for the donation to help purchase food for the party, Jen & Bart Smith (Turtle Bay Cafe) for donating an enormous cake and to Didier Jackson (Akumal resident) for taking photos of all the kids as they sat on Santa's lap, which he will give a print of to every single child!!

And muchas gracias to all our Santa's little helpers who came to help prepare sandwiches, wrap presents, serve food and do whatever else was needed: Shirley & Dave from Texas, Bud & Alice of Casa Zama, Linda of Aventuras Akumal, Judy & Grant from Canada, Tammy, Marcia, Bobby Sapia & Hilario Hiler, all of Akumal.

And of course, to all our supporters who brought gifts for the children.
We couldn't do it without y'all! Thanks for helping to set such a wonderful example of giving during the holiday season.

Santa's elves help wrap some last minute gifts.

Even the nappers got to visit with Santa!

Wishing everyone very Happy Holidays from all of us at Hekab Be!

Please note the library will be closed Dec. 24-25 and Dec 30-Jan 1. We will be open our regular hours (9-12 Mon-Sat and 3-5 Mon-Fri) all other days. Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings will continue to be held even when the library is closed, though they may take a day off for Christmas. AA meetings are Mon-Sat from 8:30-10pm.
Please do not leave donations outside the library, we cannot assure their safety. Please try to come when the library is open, or donations may be left with Rene or Charlene at Super Chomak.

Join the festivities at the HB Christmas Party on December 20th

2008-12-18T08:50:00.001-06:00

The party will begin at 10 a.m. and go until 12:30.
There will be food, fun and Santa!!

Want to help?
We need volunteers to help decorate and organize for the party as well as to help during the party. See Maggie at the library or email her: Maggiemk@aol.com

Want to bring a present for the kids? Check out our wishlist blog:
http://hbwishlist.blogspot.com/

Hope to see you there, and wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season!

NOTE: The library will be closed December 24th & 25th and Dec. 30th-January 2nd.
***We ask that people dropping off donations around these dates please hold onto your items and bring them in when the library is open.
If you will no longer be here when the library is open, see our donation page for details on where to leave things for the library: http://hekab-be-paypal.blogspot.com/

Fundraisers for library raise nearly 3 months of expenses!!

2008-11-04T08:30:00.001-06:00

Amazing Loco Gringos Raise $3000 U.S. for Hekab Be!!!!!

Thanks to Loco Gringos Gary Bemis, Debbi Burke, & Nicole Puana who organized and orchestrated a raffle of Gary's artwork, the library can now stay open through the end of the year! We are so amazed at the generosity of all you LGs out there, and touched that so many opened their wallets to give during times of such great economic crisis. If we ever had any doubts (which we didn't), now we know for certain what loyal supporters the library has, and we just can't say thank you enough!!

THANK YOU-- MUCHAS GRACIAS-- DIOS BOTIK--MERCI BEACOUP--- AND, SO ON!!!!!!!!
Oil on canvas "Tortuga Rising" went to 1st Place winner Thomas Cochran, aka "Tortuga Tom"

A Print "Tortuga" went to 2nd Place winner Donna Brunton aka "Nipper"

And 3rd Place was a yellow art cooler by Gary and went to Jana Boettger, aka "JDB"

Library Bazaar raises nearly $1000 U.S. thanks to all your donations!
This was one of our most successful clothing bazaars ever, and we weren't sure how much locals would be buying since everyone's a little tight on money these days-- just goes to show how much they love the stuff you have all been bringing down to donate. So PLEASE keep it coming!

We are especially thankful to Lori Amble, her friends, and the Cougars Community Commitment Organization that her son is part of at their high school in Shawnee, Kansas, all of whom helped collect & bring down 5 suitcases full of donations! See our donor of the month blog for photos of their visit.

Besides helping the kids who come to the library, here are a few other things your donations to Hekab Be do for the community:
In the past month, Hekab Be has made substantial donations of school supplies to ALL THE SCHOOLS IN AKUMAL-- this includes: the pre-kindergarten, the Montessori preschool, the kindergarten, the primary school and the secondary school!! That means your donations are going a long way to help all the children and educational institutions of Akumal!

And that's not all! Leftover clothing from the bazaar that had not been sold in the last couple bazaars was donated to another school in Playa del Carmen which is holding their own fund-raiser next week. The school is for children who have varying degrees of disabilities, including physical and mental challenges. One child from Akumal attends this school and through his mother we were able to make this clothing donation-- all of the clothes were in great shape, but just a couple sizes too big for our petite-sized locals. We think that in Playa they are more likely to find larger buyers!!

Akumal Trick or Treaters

As a special treat for the library regulars, Maggie organized a trick or treat event with local businesses who gave out candy to the kids. Here are some photos (click on the photos to see a larger image).

All dressed up and ready to go!

Looking for something good to eat at Mulgrew Laundry

Trick or treating at the Lol-ha beach bar (wouldn't we all like a few treats there?)

Getting goodies from Bart at Turtle Bay Cafe--Yum!

November's Donor of the Month

2008-10-30T12:47:00.000-06:00

Our newest Donor of the month highlight: http://donorofthemonth.blogspot.com/

Hekab Be Opens Non-Profit 501(c)3 Corporation in the US

2008-10-11T14:02:00.000-05:00

For many years it has been a dream for all of us involved in Hekab Be Biblioteca de Akumal to launch a U.S. non-profit organization to support our work. We have had many donors who wished to make larger endowments to the library, but were unable to do so and deduct the donation. Well, now they can!

Thanks to the tireless efforts and support of Debbi Burke (aka Deb2Gs on Loco Gringo), the library can now receive donations and provide a tax-exempt receipt for both monetary donations and donations in kind. This is a momentous achievement for the library. Debbi is also providing financial and administrative oversight of the U.S. non-profit, and has taken an active role in maintaining the library blog and answering communications. In other words, she has become a vital member of Hekab Be!

If you are looking for a tax write off, or have just been waiting for the right time to donate to Hekab Be, this is it! During the slow tourist season when visitors are scarce is typically a time when the library struggles to stay open. Donations at this time of year are very low, but very vital.

IF YOU HAVE VISITED THE LIBRARY AND SEEN ITS GOOD WORK,
Tell a friend, family member or business associate. Everyone can help the library! Have you told your co-workers and friends about our program? Pass on this message and our blog site address http://hekabbe.blogspot.com and maybe even your employer will contribute, especially at tax time!

======
The library has new hours of operation:
9-12 Monday-Friday
3-5:00 Monday-Friday
9-1 Saturday
Closed Saturday afternoon and Sunday.

Check out our new Donor of the Month blog!!

2008-09-17T14:16:00.000-05:00

It can be accessed at: http://donorofthemonth.blogspot.com/

Loco Gringos organize Labor Day fundraiser

2008-09-14T14:09:00.001-05:00

Please note: The library will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 16th for Mexican Independence Day and will reopen on the 17th.

Special THANKS to library friends and loco gringos, Tom & Maggie Cochran, for organizing the Loco Gringo Labor Day party at Lol-Ha. This is the second year that Tom & Maggie have put this party together and they hope to make it an annual event.

(click on photos to see larger image)

Tom Cochran, aka Turtle Tom (on left), enjoying the party with other LG friends

Maggie Cochran (aka Toes In the Sand), winner of a drawing donated by Paula

Steve & Paula of Xcalak made the trip up to Akumal for the party, and donated some of their art--an underwater photo and a drawing-- for the auction.

XcalakSteve & XcalakDoll pictured with their donations-- a photo of cactus coral and a mermaid drawing

Auctioneer Boyd, aka Just Doux It, gathering bids on the photo

Anson (aka Akumal4Life), proud winner of the photo

All together, they raised over $200 US for the library!!!
We are so grateful for the energy and enthusiasm that our many friends around the globe bring to keep our little library running.

End of summer school excursion

2008-09-13T10:28:00.000-05:00

Some photos and a message from Maggie about the wonderful outing she was able to take the kids on, thanks to Mayan Adventures Tours!

(click on photos to see larger image)

These are photos from the August 5th trip to Cenote Chichin Ha provided by Mayan Adventures. The Cenote trip was a reward for our older students for completing Summer School 2008. The kids were chaperoned by Myrna Pech (Education Coordinator for CEA), Maggie McKown (Hekab Be Library Administrator) and Hekab Be Teachers Reyna Padilla and Gabina Pech, and with the leaders of our tour Miguel and Anna of Mayan Adventures.

The tour started with a below ground lecture on the importance of the Cenote System here in the Yucatan and the realization (on the parts of some of the kids and the adults) that there really are underground rivers that traverse the entire Eastern part of the peninsula.

After this the group donned life vests and snorkel gear and went for a guided tour of the main open cenote. They loved the fish (they also have a protected fish/plant nursery in this pool) but it took a bit of time getting used to the cold water.

There is also zip-line that zips into this cenote. They loved this – but it was only the females who participated that courageously and excitedly took off from the top bluff and drop into the pool below. Honorable mentions here are: Lisette (who Miguel dubbed the “Mayan Princess”), Ashley (including a backwards zip!) and our own Gabina Pech.

Afterwards, we toured by snorkel, the main cavern. Then, we were treated to lunch by Mayan Adventures! We had a great time! The children really love these field trips!

Library will be closed Sept. 1-14

2008-08-25T11:08:00.000-05:00

We will resume regular hours Sept. 15th.
We prefer that donations be held if possible until the library re-opens, or be sent by mail or done online through our paypal account. See our donation site: http://hekab-be-paypal.blogspot.com/

However, if you cannot use any of these methods, either Charlene or Rene (both are American & speak English) who work at the Super Chomak in the center of Akumal can receive donations in cash or in kind.
Please email us if you have questions and also let us know if you left a donation at the Chomak so we can retrieve it: akumallibrary@gmail.com

Here's some more circus photos to keep you entertained in the meantime....

Pleased parents and entertained audience

The lions and their tamer

Rey works his magic

Children's circus--WITH PHOTOS!!

2008-08-06T10:43:00.000-05:00

We finally have photos!! Click on photo to see larger image

A message from Maggie about our summer school finale:

A huge thank you to Rey Ortega for his professional assistance in auditioning, training and motivating our students for the First "Hekab Be Circus." The kids practiced 4 hours a week to learn their roles. Costumes were made by Reyna and Gabina (of the library) and Mirna (a summer school volunteer from CEA) - and Jamie Cost of La Buena Vida donated the use of Halloween costumes. Local mothers and friends helped do makeup and dress the kids. By the time performance night arrived the kids were ready to go. Very little stage fright on their part and the audience was very warm and appreciative of all efforts.

Terri and Dave Gerbrandt were our guests of honor. The "It's A Wonderful World Act" - with 4 little girls who are dressed like flowers was for Terri. The act - the little seedlings are in a crouch position when a dejected little farmer comes along and waters them - they do nothing he turns his back and they slowly start coming up waving in the wind Tissue flower bouquets- all the while the above song is playing - when the flowers are completely up the girls go into the audience and gave Terri their flowers. She was moved as were others. The circus was a huge hit! And Standing Room Only!

Special thanks to CEA folks: Paul, Juan Antonio, and Mirna, for helping make this event a success.

Summer success!!

2008-07-30T12:49:00.000-05:00

Hooray for all our library friends & supporters, you came through for us again!!
(click on photos to see larger image)

Our most heartfelt and grateful thanks to all our friends who stepped up to donate to the summer program. Thanks to your generosity, we are able to keep the program going and the following children were able to participate:
Nayla
Laisha
Francisco
Mauricio
Dora
Nery
Miguel
Clara
Mariela
Gabriela
Jose
Martin
Magdalena

Rey Ortega rehearsing with the kids in preparation for the Children's Circus (summer program finale)

Volunteers Karen, Jordi, Charlie & Jack Richards were a big help earlier in the summer! Thank you so much for helping out!
If you're interested in volunteering at the library, drop us a line and let us know!

July Update

2008-07-15T13:01:00.000-05:00

Maggie checks in with some news on recent happenings at the library:

During the months of May and June we at the library were busy winding down the school year and preparing for the Summer School Courses which promise to be the best yet in the history of the library . Helping us during these past 2 months was the Richards Family form Tennessee- Mom= Karen, Daughter =Jordi, and Sons = Charlie and Jack. It was a pleasure for all of us to work with them and get to know them. They are now officially a part of our Hekab Be family!

Our Concentration for Summer School 2008 will be on the Arts and Natural Sciences/Ecology. We will also be working in partnership with CEA (Centro Ecologico Akumal) and are happy to have Mirna Gonzalez Noh teaching with us this summer, who also does Educational Outreach for CEA. We (and the children) are also excited about the return of Kyla Booher as a volunteer teacher´s assistant. Kyla and her college roommate, Rene, will be working with all 3 age groups. Other volunteers are lined up including Rey Ortega (who is preparing the Circus with the kids) and enrollment for the program is good, but could be better. For the first time library has to charge for Summer School. The cost is $40 pesos (about $4 US) per child, per week. This seemingly small amount is discouraging some parents to sign their children up.

Our local community is already feelings the effects of the economic situation up North and there are fewer visitors than usual this season. The library has to stretch its budget to get through the lean months which usually start in September and run until things pick up for the Winter holidays. In addition, the new airline rules charging passengers for extra luggage is seriously hurting us as most of our donated material goods comes down in luggage. If you would like to sponsor a child for Summer School please contribute via PayPal on this site. We will soon post a list of kids in need of sponsorship.

On Sat. July 5th – We had a Car Wash at the library which raised $1,150 pesos that will go towards Summer School costs. Besides washing the cars, themselves and the teachers, the children also learned the importance of cooperation, dealing with the public, handling money and making sales. They also sold sandwiches and cold drinks of horchata and tamarindo. Per the idea of one of our older students, the boys took a tray of drinks and the container of sandwiches down the sidewalk to the taxis and then to the construction site next door- they sold everything! These are the future business people of Akumal!

Gearing up for summer school 2008-- Sponsors needed!

2008-06-05T13:31:00.000-05:00

A classroom full of kids participating in the curso de verano 2007-- We expect to have as many as 70 children enroll this year!

Well it's almost that time when school lets out, which means Hekab Be staff Maggie, Reyna and Gabina are preparing for their most intense teaching time of the year, the curso de verano or summer school. We anticipate having up to 70 children in three age groups: 5-7 year olds (beginning readers); 8-11 year olds (intermediate readers); and ages 12 and up (advanced readers).

Summer program sponsors are needed
Hekab Be staff will be teaching the kids everyday from 9-1 starting July 14 for four weeks. In past years we have always offered this service to Akumal's children completely free of charge.

Because of the intensive nature of the summer program (we need to have at least 2 teachers working with each age group), in past years the summer program has drained our small financial reserves. Often we are not able to recuperate this loss before the year's end, as very few visitors arrive in the Fall.

This year we are looking ahead realistically and making an appeal to all our library supporters and friends to ask if you can make a monetary donation to sponsor the summer program. Last year the summer program cost us about twice our normal monthly expenses adding up to about $2000 U.S.

This donation is well worth it, because our summer program has consistently been an opportunity for kids to make great leaps forward in their reading skills.

For information about how to sponsor the summer program, please go to our donation blog: http://hekab-be-paypal.blogspot.com/

We also have dedicated summer program wishlist which you can see on our wishlist blog:
http://www.hbwishlist.blogspot.com

Summer school activities
Besides working on reading skills and comprehension, other planned activities for this year's curso de verano include:

--A circus put on by the children on Akumal's stage. The musician Ray Ortega will be returning to help put this circus together and the preparation for it will include music and arts instruction as the kids learn how play instruments and prepare props for the performance.

Musician, Ray Ortega, giving a drum presentation during last year's summer course.

--We will also be hosting a reading competition with prizes for each age group for the child who reads the most books during the summer program.

--And as always, at the end of the course, there will be a big bash to celebrate the kids' accomplishments!

Kids working on an art project during the 2007 summer program