Libraries of Laos. For Bernadette!

Bernadette, knowing how you librarian-types take an enormous interest in how other countries "do libraries" I thought you'd love to see these.

This is the National Library of Laos in Vientiane:

If you ask very nicely,

they'll let you see The Book!

But that's true luxury when you compare it with the Provincial Libraries. Here's a photo of one of them, although I've forgotten which province this is in:

Tong's photo of the only library

in his home province.

And this is Tong:

Tong with a photo of his abbot.

Tong is currently displaying his photographs at Vat Khili in Luang Prabang, hoping to raise US$50.00 in order to do a six-months intensive language school in Vientiane. Although he already speaks both French and English, which he learned from books and tapes he found at "@your library", he now wants to learn speak them "properly".

Tong also learned to take photos at "@your library" and since I'll be talking about that organisation in a later blog, I won't mention it here.

But, in the meantime, if you're interested in helping Tong, drop by Vat Khili - just ask the tuktuk driver to take you there - and go into the small house next to the road where the photos are displayed. Also ask if Tong is around so you can chat with him yourself.

Alternatively, you could write to him. I'm sure your letter will eventually find him.