Logan People’s Library: a centennial space that protects culture

Founded in 1910, the Foundation has gone through different phases, from its beginning as a mobile entity in different houses to the consolidation of its structure in 1932, thanks to the donation of land by the family of writer María Delia Gatica de Monteveros.

Unique echoes echo through the library’s corridors and shelves, through a collection of more than ten thousand books.

“There are many treasures that were mostly donated. We have two Spanish encyclopedias containing 28 volumes each, in three-column pages. These documents date back to 1912,” explained writer Roberto Sabatini, a member of the organizing committee. Many documents of the national government (balance sheets, decrees, or laws) from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The space also houses a valuable collection of books about the Malvinas Islands and the complete works of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento in 53 volumes.

Since June last year, this popular library, along with other institutions in the province, has received training and legal, accounting and technical advice from the provincial government with the aim of organizing, cooperating and facilitating integration before the National Commission of Popular Libraries (CONABIP). .

“We now do business inventory according to CONABIP standards. We have the personal library of Pontano poet Jeronimo Castillo that was donated. He added: They are books of extraordinary value because they are all signed and dedicated by their authors.

In addition to the literary gems, the building includes an annex to the “Maria Josefina Gatica” Museum, which displays historical pieces that narrate the life and heritage of the region. These items include the military jacket of Colonel Loyola, a local hero, as well as kerosene lanterns, cast iron pots, hand-carved pots, mortar, a bronze bell, and relics of indigenous communities.

Likewise, chess workshops, book presentations and conferences are held that enrich the connections between the local community. “At first I didn’t give it much importance, but when we got the building back two years ago and I saw what was inside, it changed me because there were a lot of things that went unnoticed,” Sabatini said.

the library Popular “Domingo Faustino Sarmiento” It is open from Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.In Logan.

Note and photos: General Secretariat of Culture.