Impact of Tomás de Iriarte Library Closure on Children’s Reading Club

The Tomás de Iriarte Library in Puerto de la Cruz has recently closed, raising concerns for the local children’s reading club.

Final Meeting of the Year

The children’s reading club is set to hold its last gathering of the year on Friday, December 19. This meeting is particularly significant as it may mark the end of their activities, with uncertainty looming over their future in 2026. During this session, the group will discuss their final book, ‘Alma de elefante’, which will be commented on by over a dozen children. This event is seen as a crucial opportunity for the club to engage in group activities before the year concludes.

Gathering at the Library’s Facade

Since the library’s closure due to flooding in August, the children have been meeting at the library’s facade. This decision was made to raise awareness about their situation and to ensure visibility for their plight. Juan Pedro Marrero, one of the founders of the reading club, emphasized the importance of being seen, stating, “If we meet in a room of another public building, people don’t realize the library is closed and that so many are left out in the cold.” Although they considered relocating their meetings to the Archaeological Museum or the castle, they ultimately decided against it, as families prefer to gather at the library.

Challenges Faced by the Club

The main challenge for the reading club is the lack of access to resources necessary for selecting new reading materials. Previously, the group met on the third floor of the library, a space dedicated to children’s literature where they had created a mural. Marrero described this area as their “nest.” Despite the precarious situation, the club members have continued to meet, with plans for each child to bring their favorite Christmas book to read excerpts during their final gathering.

History and Development of the Club

Established in March 2018, the children’s reading club was founded by Marrero, who was then a teacher, and librarian Matilde Perera. Initially, the club had 15 members, a number that has remained stable over the years, although there is now a waiting list that they cannot accommodate due to the current uncertainty. To facilitate their literary activities, the club relies on multiple copies of the same book, often sourced from local educational institutions. In the past, the local council provided funding through the Culture department, allowing the club to operate effectively for over a year. However, they have now exhausted their resources, with Marrero noting, “Right now, we are out of funds, referring to both books and finances.

Wider Community Impact

The closure of the Tomás de Iriarte Library not only threatens the future of the children’s reading club but also disrupts the reading habits of many community members. Marrero pointed out that regular visitors to the library have started going to other libraries in La Orotava, Santa Úrsula, La Matanza, and other locations across Tenerife for their reading needs. This shift has interrupted the activities of both students and parents who previously borrowed books for home reading. Marrero highlighted the library’s role as a vital social service, stating, “The library is a social service that relates to the mental health of individuals. It enables many things.”

Current Status of the Library

As for the library’s condition, the Town Hall of Puerto de la Cruz has announced that it will remain closed until next year. Marrero expressed frustration over the lack of updates, noting that none of the more than 300 books affected by the flooding have been addressed, and the damaged false ceilings remain unrepaired. He concluded by stating that users of the library are perplexed by the slow progress, especially considering the social implications of the closure.

Key points

• The Tomás de Iriarte Library in Puerto de la Cruz has closed, affecting the children’s reading club.
• The last meeting of the reading club for the year is scheduled for December 19.
• Since August, the club has been meeting at the library’s facade due to flooding.
• The club was founded in March 2018 and has maintained a steady membership.
• Funding for the club has been exhausted, impacting their ability to acquire new books.
• Community members have shifted to other libraries due to the closure.
• The library’s reopening is uncertain, with no updates on repairs following the flooding.