Nuestra Historia
The Mayagüez Children’s Library (BJM) was born in 1992, the result of Jackie Winter's dream of creating a space dedicated to Mayagüez’s children. Its story began humbly with the donation of two bags of books, which found their first home in premises provided by Citibank on the third floor of the Bank's building in Plaza Colón. This space served as the headquarters of the Library until 2023. Today, the Mayagüez Children’s Library remains true to the initial vision of its founder, offering programs and services that positively impact the community.
In its 32 years of existence, the Library has experienced remarkable growth, housing a collection of more than 15,000 bilingual books (Spanish and English) for all ages, a modern computer center, and a valuable section of reference works about Puerto Rico, in addition to having Braille materials for children with visual disabilities. This growth has consolidated the Library’s role as a space for learning, family reunion, and community support, especially focused on children.
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We provide:
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Reading programs for the family.
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School visits.
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Educational support for students’ homework.
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Guidance to parents on how to help with their child's school projects.
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Book loans and loans of other materials and equipment.
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Free use of Wi-Fi and computers.
​Acknowledgments and Transcendence. In 2004, the BJM received the prestigious National Library Service Award, given by the Institute of Museums and Library Services (IMLS). This recognition was presented by the United States’ First Lady, Laura Bush, and marked a milestone in the history of the institution, since it was the first library in Puerto Rico to receive this award.
A New Home and a New Beginning. A new stage in the history of the Library began in 2023, when it moved to a new home on Méndez Vigo Street with the support of Banco Popular de Puerto Rico. This new home gave way to a new stage of dynamism and modernization to transform it into a center for the entire community, expanding its services for all ages, strengthening its links with other cultural and service organizations in western Puerto Rico, and adopting new technologies, without forgetting and honoring the history and culture of Puerto Rico.
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Celebrating more than 30 years of service, the BJM has proven to be a solid institution, with effective governance and a positive impact on Puerto Rico's social transformation.
We invite you to be part of this wonderful mission as a donor and volunteer!
The Mayaguez Children's Library, where reading is fun!
Nuestra Misión
To contribute to the process of transformation of our society by:
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Providing and facilitating access to books and programs that encourage recreational reading in the family
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Offering and stimulating the creation of informal learning opportunities among community members
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Helping to reduce educational, social and technological gaps through the library services we offer.
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Developing work skills and instilling work values in our children through volunteering.
Nuestra Visión
Que el BJM sea un espacio seguro, con diversas perspectivas culturales, centro y corazón acogedor de nuestra comunidad, donde los recursos tecnológicos, bibliográficos y culturales generen un impacto social positivo en la vida de los niños y jóvenes del oeste de Puerto Rico.
Ser un espacio de encuentro donde la literatura invite a nuestros niños y jóvenes a soñar, satisfacer su curiosidad y comprenderse mejor a sí mismos y al mundo.
Our Board Members Welcome you!
