The 13 Seraj Libraries
Seraj was founded in 2005. Since then, Seraj has eleven community libraries and two centers. The thirteen libraries have been distributed around the West Bank. List of libraries below.
Jifna Library | 2007
In partnership with "Jifna Women Charitable Society", the library was launched in 2007. When it was first opened, many villagers were skeptical that children would willingly come to a library to read after school. But they were pleasantly surprised! In fact, so many children come to study, read, or receive help with their homework that the room is overflowing. We allocated new funds to move the library to a bigger location.
Kufor Ni'ameh Library | 2009
In partnership with the Municipal Council and the Children Club, The library was launched in 2009 In Kufor Ni meh they created a program, which is the first of its kind in Palestine, called My Father Reads to Me. They wanted to get the parents involved in the library so that the children would be more inclined to come. The first person to read was the village mayor. follower on a regular basis by other fathers in the village.
Deir Ammar Refugee Camp Library | 2010
The Deir Amar library was opened in 2010 in partnership with "Life Organization". As it is housed in a building that also provides other services to refugee residents. Many visit the facility every day giving the library welcome exposure and usage.
Taybeh Library | 2011
In partnership with the Latin Catholic Church in Taybeh, a library was launched in 2011 with primary support from the people of St. Lukes Episcopal Church in Evanston. IL. It is the first library in which we introduced, right from the beginning, a multimedia center: computers and internet, movie shows and a CD collection.
Al-Mizzra Al-Sharqiyyeh Clyde M. Campbell Library | 2012
In partnership with the Municipality of Al-Mizra’a Al-Sharqiyyeh and its Youth Club, this library was launched in 2012. It is primarily supported by a generous donation from Mrs. Colleen Jersild who made this gift in memory of her father, Clyde M. Campbell, a nationally recognized educator.
Aida Refugee Camp Library | 2013
In 2013 we inaugurated our sixth library in the Aida refugee camp, located in Bethlehem. Aida is home to 6,000 people. The residents are refugees, having fled villages that are now part of Israel. Our partner in this location is the Al-Ruwwad Cultural and Theater Society located in the heart of the camp.
Burham Library | 2015
We are thrilled to have opened our 7th library in the village of Burham, a small village near Ramallah. This library serves the residents of Burham and it's neighboring village Jibyia. Our partner in this library is the Burham Charitable Society, led by an enthusiastic and active group of women.
Jiftlek Library | 2017
This Seraj Library is located in a village in the Jordan Valley. This Seraj Library, created in honor of Jim and Mary Eleanor Wall. It is a cooperative effort with the village of Jiftlek, Jordan Valley Solidarity, and Sanabel Al Reef women's organization.
Abu Falah Library | 2019
We are partnering with the Abu Falah Community & Youth Club on this library. The library has a cozy space for small children and a special space for college students to meet and study with books specific to their universities and several computers.
Tubas Library | 2019
For our 10th library, we are partnering with the Tubas Village Council on this library. Abu Tubas is a larger community in the Northern art of the West Bank. It is near Jiftlek and the two libraries will be able to cooperate in programs.
Birzeit Library and Cultural Center | 2022
Seraj Library and Cultural Center in located in the old city of Birzeit. It has six rooms in a lage courtyard with a stage for storytelling and performances. Here at Seraj, we think everyone deserve a beautiful environment to be able to read, write, or hang out, well Seraj Birzeit has all that! Learn More HERE which also includes a map of the space.
Kufor Aqab Library and Storytelling Center | 2022
The Seraj Library and Storytelling Center in Kufor ‘Aqab is a community space dedicated to developing the art of storytelling in Palestine. Including a children’s library, a workshop space, and an open kitchen, the Center provides space and resources for people to read, learn, create, celebrate, and gather. The Center is the home of the Seraj Libraries Storytelling Academy, a 3-year course. Learn More HERE which also includes a map of the space.
Al-Jeeb Library | 2023
Our 13th Seraj Library in Al-Jeeb. More information coming soon.