Peace Corps Literacy Project: Expanding Access to Books in the Dominican Republic

On September 8, 2026, representatives from the Peace Corps, leadership from the Biblioteca Infantil y Juvenil República Dominicana (BIJRD), teachers, and local children gathered to celebrate a special storytelling event and book delivery. The initiative brought new educational and reading resources to young learners, strengthening local literacy efforts and connecting community reading spaces.

I volunteer at the Biblioteca every week, supporting staff and spending time with the children who come to learn and explore. Because many of them don’t often get to interact with books the way children commonly do in the U.S., watching them receive their new books was incredibly moving. They screamed with excitement and immediately began exploring every page with joy. The interactive storytelling and the generous donation of literature sparked a real enthusiasm for reading, showing them how books can open doors to imagination and possibility. Seeing their faces light up reminded me just how meaningful access to books can be.
- Reflection from Peace Corps Volunteer Hannah

The books featured in this project were made available to the Peace Corps Literacy Project through a grant from FDR's Program Support Fund.

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THE FRIENDS OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC HISTORY COMMITTEE THANKS YOU!

Several months ago, we posted a request on this page asking for information from our members and readers for information about their Peace Corps work in the Dominican Republic during the 1970’s and 1980’s due to a lack of historical information for those years in our records. In response to that request, we received additional information from members of FDR and other readers who served during those years and others, and we want to say “Thank You” to those of you who responded by sending us pictures, stories, and articles about your service.

The information we received was added to the information the History Committee has collected since 2012 and we recently submitted five boxes of historical information regarding the history of Peace Corps in the DR from 1962 through 2025 to the FDR Section of the Peace Corps Community Archives at American University in Washington, DC. Finally, I want to add that the FDR History Committee will continue collecting material about Peace Corps’ work in the DR, and if you want to contribute to our collection, please contact us at president@fotdr.org and we can send you information about how to contribute. Again, thank you for your support!

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