hekab-be-library-akumal
 

Hekab Be Library in Akumal promotes literacy and learning opportunities among children and adults in Quintana Roo, Mexico, in order to meet their educational goals. Serving as a tool for educational, social and economic progress, we provide individuals and families with resources for scholastic advancement, helping improve people’s language and literacy skills, while promoting cultural preservation and awakening the desire to understand other customs and ways of thinking.

The Hekab Be Library, started in 1995, acquaints young children with books, provides learning resources for school children and offers literacy and writing classes for adults. In addition, the library offers after-school activities and tutoring, reading and math programs, arts & crafts workshops and yoga classes for children. Adults can participate in classes in English, Spanish and Maya. The library also presents parenting and health seminars and hosts local AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meetings and secondhand clothing bazaars.

This year, Hekab Be Biblioteca welcomes a new Director, Marietta Marroquin. Marrieta, was born in Mexico City and raised in Guatemala. She has been working as a volunteer for Hekab Be Library. 

"Since I was a young girl I felt a strong passion for the ocean and as I grew older I studied Biology to help conserve our natural resources. Later on,  I worked in several marine conservation projects... But in the process I realized the urgent necessity of working on community development projects.

I believe that education, focusing on creativity and in nourishing the uniqueness of every being,  has the power to create positive changes in the world; and it's through passion, love and devotion that I will endeavour for this mission. I am grateful and honored to work as the Hekab-Be Library Director and I'm deeply committed to help Akumal's community and its biodiversity." - Marrieta
 

How can YOU help?

Support the Hekab Be "Library Angels" Program!
The Hekab Be library is 100% donation driven. In 2011 Hekab Be inaugurated their "Library Angels" program to encourage people to become monthly sponsors of the library. The goal is to generate a steady, dependable monthly income to be supplemented by fundraising efforts. The money donated is used for the library's programs, supplies and teachers salaries which make up about 75% of the library's operating expenses. 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" button via Paypal. Those who use Bill Pay through their can also set up automatic donations. Email akumallibrary@gmail.com for the correct setup information. USD donations are tax deductible!

Each quarter, Library Updates will be sent out directly to all of the Library Angels so that they can be kept informed on the activities and goings on at the library. To make a one time donation or to become a "Library Angel", please visit the Hekab Be Blog and choose to either DONATE or SUBSCRIBE!
 

Buy a Hekab Be T-shirt:
Show your support of Hekab Be by buying and proudly wearing a t-shirt from the new Cafe Press Hekab Be T-shirt Store! T-shirts are available in men's and women's sizes. Cool tote bags are also available, perfect for hauling your beach reads and sunscreen! A variety of colorful and whimsical designs are offered.


Donate books and library supplies:

  • Books - All reading levels in SPANISH
  • A durable digital camera/memory card
  • Chess sets
  • Packs of solid colored craft foam sheets, used for arts and crafts projects
  • Double sided tape
  • Flat head thumbtacks
  • Colored pencils
  • Liquid white glue such as Elmer's
  • Water based/washable liquid paints such as Crayola kids paint (liter size or larger)
  • Construction paper
  • Laminating sheets, various sizes, but especially letter size
  • Child safe scissors with rounded points
  • 3 ring binders
  • Letter size clear plastic sleeves that can be used in a 3 ring binder
  • Thick or jumbo crayons
  • Play Doh (or generic brand)-- small size cans keep longer in this climate
  • Bead sets for making bracelets and necklaces
  • Popsicle sticks
  • White-out or any brand of liquid corrector
  • Poster board, white or any color. Sam's and City Club in Playa del Carmen sell this in packs of 100-200 sheets
  • Various kinds of paper to use in art projects: tissue paper, crepe paper & shiny/foil paper in assorted colors
  • Blank white paper (8-1/2 x 11) such as copy paper or any standard paper sold in bulk.


Here is a list of gifts that children who frequent the library said they would like to receive for Christmas this year. These are the gifts most requested, and of course, the library welcomes any kind of toy donations and assistance to give these special children a very Merry Christmas!

  • Hot wheels race tracks
  • Back packs & messenger bags
  • Dolls, baby dolls & accessories
  • Doll houses
  • Skateboards or other thing with wheels you can ride
  • Toy cell phones
  • Soccer balls
  • Diaries that lock with a key
  • Wrist watches
  • "Connect 4" game
  • Roller skates
  • Stuffed animals
  • Barbies
  • Remote control cars
  • Toy train sets
  • Max Steel action figures
  • Dinosaur figures
  • Toy instruments such as guitars, drums

If you are in Akumal, your donations can be left at the library during business hours Monday - Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm (closed from 1pm-2:30pm for lunch) and on Saturdays 9am - 1pm. Spanish language books for all reading levels are always welcomed! If you are not going to be in Akumal in time for Christmas but would like to send us some toys or books, email the library and they may be able to find someone who can bring it down: akumallibrary@gmail.com.

For updates, you can also follow Hekab Be on Facebook!