The Saber Sin Límites (Limitless Knowledge) Community Library nurtures curiosity, literacy, and lifelong learning for over 550 annual members with: 11,500+ books; weekly story hours; literacy, math, science, and English classes; on-demand homework support and resources; radio story hours for the whole community; school vacation programming; and more. In recognition of our innovative literacy programming during the COVID-19 pandemic, Limitless Horizons Ixil was awarded the prestigious UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) King Sejong Literacy Prize.
annual library members
books in Spanish, Ixil, & English
annual hours of math, science, English, & arts classes
UNESCO literacy prize for innovative programming
In 2010, we opened Chajul’s first and only public library to address a clear need: the absence of books in schools and homes and the lack of space for learning outside of structured classrooms. Students had no place to do homework and teachers lacked resources, while parents, eager to help, couldn’t due to their own limited education.
The library has filled these needs, providing students with a safe, quiet place to learn and grow away from the distractions of home. It also helps teachers access much-needed educational materials and engages parents who want to support their children’s education but lack formal schooling themselves.
Our Community Library provides learning opportunities in Chajul for all ages and provides many of Chajul’s young children with their first experiences with books and learning. Through our diverse programming, we promote curiosity, creativity, and academic excellence, helping to empower future community leaders.
Our bilingual (Ixil/Spanish) story hours promote early literacy while celebrating local language and culture, engaging children in both Ixil and Spanish with books and interactive storytelling.
We offer fun, hands-on learning opportunities in math, science, and the arts that foster critical thinking, creativity, and curiosity.
During school breaks, the community library keeps students engaged and inspired through enriching learning activities like book club, arts and crafts, and hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) classes.
Our bilingual (Ixil/Spanish) radio broadcasts of story hours and vital health information were launched during the COVID-19 pandemic and awarded by UNESCO. Their popularity continues, reaching thousands in Chajul and its outlying villages.
The library provides students with a welcoming space to study, read, and do homework—especially important in a community where parents, with an average of just three years of schooling, often can’t provide academic support and where homes are often crowded, dimly lit, and smoky.
Transforming a Community Through Education
Get the latest updates on our work in Chajul and see how your support is making a difference.
Limitless Horizons Ixil is a US-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit with EIN/Tax ID #26-4296182.
