CNH Tours has been supporting the library in the main town of Puerto Ayora, Galapagos, for close to 20 years.  Back then, we ran a not-for-profit fundraising trip for the library, and ever since, we've encouraged our guests to donate materials while passing through town.  If you've booked a trip with us, you'll receive some information on how you can help. 

As members of the International Galapagos Tour Operators' Association (we're also on the board), we donate $20 for every guest we book a trip with to various conservation projects in Galapagos - some of which has been regularly supporting the library.   

The Puerto Ayora library is a whole lot more than just a place where you can borrow books.  It's a community centre, a day care, an environmental education hub and more.    

Josy (see her email to us below) is the volunteer head of the library.  She does this out of the kindness of her heart - her regular job is as a naturalist guide / tour company operations manager.  Without her help and the help of others like her, the library, which receives no direct government support, could not survive.  

ABOVE: CNH Tours guests drop off some supplies at the library. 

Below is an update we received from Josy today.   We've copied it here to give you a "behind the scenes" glimpse at how things are going at the library.

From: Josy Cardoso 
Sent: September 2, 2026 9:07 AM
To: Heather Blenkiron <hblenkiron@cnhtours.com>
Cc: SOFIA DARQUEA DE WITT
Subject: 2026 Library Statistics & ew Structure

Hello Heather,

We wanted to share a quick update on how things are going at our beloved Library and some of the exciting progress we have made over the past several months.

Since last year, we have been working through a restructuring process to make the Library more efficient, sustainable, and better prepared for the future.

One of our biggest achievements was moving into our wonderful new space, made possible thanks to Yacht Aid Global. Thank you, amigos! Without your incredible support, this larger, more modern, and welcoming space would not have been possible.

Another important step was finding the right person to take over the Library’s administration. After a careful search, we welcomed Gabriela Barahona—Gaby! Gaby joined us in May with a strong background in social communication, community engagement, workshops, and corporate social responsibility.

May and June were transition months with Yanex, who continued supporting the Library until August. We are extremely grateful for everything Yanex contributed over the years and wish her the very best in her new endeavors.

We are also fortunate to continue working with Estefany, a psychologist, and Eduardo, an art teacher, both from Tomás de Berlanga School, who support our workshops and community activities.

Since July, Gaby has taken over the management of the Library, and together with Aldi, who manages afternoon reception, they have built a wonderful team. In just a few months, we have accomplished a lot:

·         Catalogued all our books and made the catalogue available online

·         Created a digital system to register users and track Library visits in real time

·         Strengthened our social media and communications

·         Developed new partnerships with organizations in Galápagos

·         Organized activities such as the Evolution Course with William Durham

·         Started working with Universidad San Francisco de Quito students completing community service

·         Begun developing a new website, which we hope will be ready within the next two months

This new structure has also given Sofi and me more time to focus on fundraising, partnerships, and finding new ways to ensure the Library can continue growing and serving Galápagos for many years to come.

Most importantly, none of this would be possible without all of you. You have supported this project through your time, ideas, friendship, expertise, donations, connections, encouragement, and belief in what this little Library can become. Every contribution matters, and we are incredibly grateful.

You can also visit our current visitor statistics site in real time:

https://bibliotecagps.duckdns.org/es/estadisticas

There you can explore our book catalogue, learn about our programs, see visitor statistics, and even suggest books for our wish list.

Muchas gracias, amigos. We hope we can continue counting on your support in the years ahead.

When we look at how far we have come, we are reminded that a community library is much more than books and a building. It is a place where children discover new worlds, people continue learning, ideas are shared, friendships are created, and our community grows stronger.

Together, we are building opportunities, curiosity, connection, and a stronger future for Galápagos. Every new idea is another small step toward a community that understands, loves, and protects these extraordinary islands.

With enormous gratitude and abrazos from Galápagos,

The Library Team
Sofi, Josy, Gaby & Aldi

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