Denise C Hogan Library in Nairobi Africa
Introduction: The Denise C. Hogan Library
Dr. James Roach and his wife, Dr. Denise Hogan, are special people who happen to be recognized eminent college educators. They have been my neighbors in Hanover for about 20 years.
Dr. Hogan was a philosophy professor at the University of Maine, Presque Isle, and later at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, CT.
Dr. Hogan at the right with Dr. Jane Goodall at Western Conn State University 1998
Dr. Roach was President of the University of Maine, Presque Isle, 1986-1992, and then Western Connecticut State University 1992-2004. He has also been a member of the International Association of University Presidents, ( IAUP.) and Chairman of the North American Council, consisting of American and Canadian Universities.
Mr. Harrison Kilonzo attended the University of Maine, Presque Isle, graduating in 1991. Being from Kenya, he stayed at the college when most students went home for vacation. Dr. Hogan was his favorite teacher. The opportunity arose for Denise, Jim, and Harrison to become friends. Harrison was also hired for many social events at the president’s home and other campus venues to care for guests, secure coats, and other duties, which provided Harrison with some extra funds and cemented the relationship.
Harrison graduated and went back to Kenya. He launched the library in 1995 and named it after Dr. Hogan. Students at West Conn gathered books, and due to low postage rates, they could send books to Africa, providing a significant boost to the library. However, the book rate for mailing books disappeared at some point, and the library needed to raise cash. They bought land and started raising goats. Harrison created a donation plan where donors sent in $20 and, in return, received a picture of a goat with a name plaque honoring an individual. The $20 was sufficient to purchase a young goat, which they sold for profit a year or two later. Thus, the library continued to grow.
The core goal is to help create a reading culture within its patrons. The library loans books and provides library services to residents. They also own a vehicle and transport books to the Desert, where they loan them to tribes and return twice a year to collect them.
Additionally, the library takes on students and uses computers to teach them many skills. The photographs on the library website show numerous students of all ages. Thus, the library provides broad educational services to its community.
The library is currently relocating from Nairobi to the town of Makindu. It purchased new property and is building new quarters, with the assistance of several significant donations. This funding has been sufficient to construct the first floor of the library. The second floor will be constructed as funds permit allowing for growth in the ability to provide services. They also received computers, yet to be connected to the internet. The library currently needs tables, chairs, improved faster internet access, and other supplies for operations. Of course, books are always in need.
The library is self-supporting and does not receive funds from its community government. Thus, it seeks and needs your support.
Respectfully, Ross Phifer
Link to the Facebook page of the library.
https://www.facebook.com/DeniseCHoganCommunityLibraryInKenya
Email: Abovetheseas.org
Link to the collective site for small community libraries in Africa. (This is a broader scope, and Harrison is an active participant, while running this website as well as that of the library.)
Email: c4.aboveTheSeas@gmail.com