The Joliet Public Library recently partnered with Joliet resident Dr. Lukas Gacheru to share children’s books with students at Karoroha Comprehensive School in Kinangop, Kenya. The donation helped establish the school’s first-ever library and will benefit students from Kindergarten through Grade 9.
The books were provided through the Friends of the Joliet Public Library, a volunteer-led organization that raises funds for library programs and events through book sales and community support.
The delivery of the books was met with excitement and joy.
“It was great joy for the children,” said Dr. Gacheru. “They couldn’t wait to open the books and devour the knowledge contained.”
The books were delivered to the school at no cost, with shipping coordinated and funded by Dr. Gacheru’s family. The donation provided the foundation for a new school library that will serve students across multiple grade levels, supporting daily learning and literacy development.
Access to books is especially important as Kenya transitions to a new national education model known as Competency-Based Education (CBE). Similar to the American system, CBE encourages students to pursue pathways aligned with their skills and interests, including STEM, the arts, and sports. While the model offers exciting opportunities, it is also resource-intensive, and many schools face challenges obtaining adequate materials.
“Books donated by Joliet Public Library make it possible for teachers and students to build a strong foundation of knowledge from the formative years through junior high,” Dr. Gacheru said. “This sets students up for success in life. Our dream is to supply all 150 schools in Kinangop with library books, and later computers, to create a truly supportive learning environment.”
Dr. Gacheru’s connection to the library is deeply personal. A Joliet resident, he has long relied on the Joliet Public Library for study resources and books. When he inquired about materials that could support children in Africa, library staff connected him with Special Projects Coordinator Val Devine and the Friends of the Library, who helped make the donation possible. Staff at the Ottawa Street Branch also assisted with coordinating the pickup.
“The Friends of the Library are very pleased to see that the wonderful treasure of books can be shared with people outside our normal boundaries,” said Friends of the Joliet Public Library President John Davis. “These books provided a lot of enjoyment locally and can now serve another population in need.”
The Joliet Public Library is proud to support literacy efforts that extend beyond our community, reinforcing the power of libraries to connect readers, educators, and students across the globe.
“Please accept our heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the schools in Kinangop,” Dr. Gacheru shared.