NEWS
November 1, 2008
I am happy to report that the first five community libraries are open! A generous local Marin County donor funded the five shelf libraries which were placed in daycare centers, where the children are mostly under five years old. They now have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of bilingual books. Photos are on the left.
Samer Qumo a Zarka resident has joined Growing with Books as a Regional Manager in Jordan. Samer has been an enthusiastic supporter donating many volunteer hours since the inception of Growing with Books. We are very grateful for his contribution and pleased that he is officially a staff member.
There is been delay in building the library itself because of the change of the venue. We are now planning to renovate an existing building, and plans are progressing nicely.
We are greatfull for all of your support and we are look forward to your suggestions.
Love, Rana
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June 18, 2008
I am delighted to announce that we have reached our $30,000 goal, and are in the process of interviewing contractors. We achieved our goal following a silent auction at Café Marmalade on May 15. It was a community gathering. Café Marmalade celebrated 7 years in business, and we had more than 80 people join the festivities.
The silent auction bidding enthusiasm was intense! By the time the doors opened, we had over 35 donations of services, including massages, facials, music lessons, scholarships for sports camps, and handmade jewelry. We raised over $5,500, all going directly to Growing with Books.
The community showed their global concern and generosity. Thank you all for celebrating with us. Moreover, special thanks to the donors and bidders who made it happen.
Growing with Books program development progresses. The Library and Science Department of the University of Jordan has shown interest in collaborating with Growing with Books. We are pleased to have this opportunity.
Through book drives, we have collected over 150 boxes of children's books. We welcome any help to get them shipped to Jordan.
Thank you for your interest and commitment to Growing with Books.
Love, Rana
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April 10, 2008
Growing with Books has accomplished a great deal in the last few months.
Final drawings are completed for the Zarka library. We owe great gratitude to Gensler Architects in San Francisco for donating the design.
Beth Ashley of the Marin Independent Journal wrote a feature article on Growing with Books. In case you missed it, you can read it online here. Thank you Beth!
Beth's article created tremendous community interest and support. Local schools are holding book drives on our behalf during April. As people have learned about Growing with Books, they ask more about our mission and the needs of the children. I have been invited to speak to local book clubs and community organizations like Rotary. I find that people want a deeper understanding of life in Jordan, especially for women and children. I welcome the opportunity to share my experiences of growing up in Jordan and living in the United States.
As a mini-fundraiser for Growing with Books, and to increase awareness among youngsters, I recently taught a pizza-making class for second and third graders through Ross Recreation. My favorite question from the kids was, How do the children look in Jordan?
To date, we have raised $20,000. We are $10,000 away from breaking ground on the first library. It is inspiring to see Growing with Books taking off. It is moving to experience people recognizing that they are part of a global community and anxious to participate. Thank you!
Rana Madanat
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November 9, 2007
Thank you to everyone who attended our November 4 launch celebration for Growing with Books. I hope you will remember the day with fondness as you help spread the word about our new organization.
Warm thanks to our hosts, the Niccolls, and the musicians who volunteered their time and talent: Vince Delgado on the Qanun (an ancient Middle Eastern instrument), Coralie Russo on the Oud (a pear-shaped, stringed instrument similar to a lute used in traditional Middle Eastern and East African music), and Robbie Belgrade on the Riqq (a small tambourine).
I was delighted that my aunt Donnia spoke about her experiences growing up in Jordan and how she was unable to finish her education. With nine grandchildren, she wishes that there were books available to all children. She thanks everyone for coming together as a community to support children and families in Jordan.
Growing with Books has been given a half-acre of land Zarka to build the first children's public library in Jordan. The design plans for the library have been donated and the construction will cost $ 20,000. We are planning to break ground in February 2008. To date, we have raised over $ 6,000 toward this effort. I invite you to come on board and help us make a difference in the lives of children in Jordan.
Thank you and please forward this opportunity to everyone you know.
Rana Madanat
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October 17. 2007
Growing with Books was just an idea six months ago. Today, we have our 501(c)(3) status, a stunning logo, a beautiful web site to communicate our goals, marketing materials are at the printer, and plans in place for our first fundraiser. Thank you to all the people whose hard work has made Growing with Books a reality.
We are excited to announce that our first project will be in the town of Zarka, Jordan. Zarka is less than an hour drive from the capital city of Amman. The city officials designated an old building to be the first library for children under the age of eight in the country. The city of Zarka will provide the staff and all the operating and maintenance costs.
The renovation plan for the building has been completed and donated. As a result of our first book drive, more than 3,000 books are ready to ship to Zarka. We are so thankful that the Global Book Exchange in Novato, CA has the books in their storage rather than in my living room!
We are planning to open the library in spring 2008. The cost for renovating the building is about $20,000. The library space will contain a reading room with shelved books, a family room with comfortable furniture and educational materials, two restrooms, and a reception area. Eventually, the library will house more than 2,000 books in English and Arabic to serve the 10,000 children in the neighborhood.
We welcome your support and involvement. Please write to us, email us, or give us a call us. We look forward to hearing from you.
Stay involved with Growing with Books!
Rana Madanat