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Informed societies are healthy societies. And they are the bedrock upon which strong democracies emerge. In Río Blanco, Guatemala, the Riecken library committee organized a public forum that brought all seven mayoral candidates to the table to address issues of governance and transparency. Media covered the event – one of many striking examples of how Riecken libraries are strengthening democratic values and exchanges. As non-partisan learning and gathering places, the libraries host political forums, community planning meetings and conferences at which non-governmental organizations explain their missions and services. To demonstrate the importance of transparency, each Riecken library has a “Transparency Corner” where the facility’s financial accounts are posted. The Foundation believes these small steps already are prompting Central Americans to rethink the role, behavior and accountability of their public institutions. |
