Hi, my name is Jo Dowbor. I'm originally from Luján, Argentina, but I’ve been living in Europe since 2017. I'm currently based in London, and I’m raising funds for Biblioteca Juan Bautista Alberdi, a small public library in the rural village of Open Door, near where I grew up.

Founded in 1927, this library has been a vital source of knowledge and community for over a century. But due to Argentina’s ongoing economic crisis, it is now struggling to stay open. Although the library should receive government funding, this support often doesn't arrive. Membership fees alone aren’t enough to sustain it.

Volunteers work hard to raise funds locally, but with hyperinflation and the severe devaluation of the Argentine peso, it now makes more sense to seek support from abroad. The library urgently needs help covering the part-time librarian’s annual salary, monthly bills, and essential building repairs (like cleaning, painting, and restoration).

In Argentina, community libraries like this one are either free or charge very low membership fees to ensure everyone can access knowledge, regardless of income. Argentinians take pride in having one of the strongest public education systems in Latin America, but this system is increasingly under threat due to economic instability and growing privatisation.

That’s why it’s so important to keep community libraries open—especially in rural areas—so that even the most marginalised communities can have opportunities through education and knowledge.

Please consider donating to support this library and help protect access to education in Argentina.

All funds raised will be sent directly to the library, and proof of payment will be shared with all donors.