Cuba Post #3: Cienfuegos



The Palacio del Valle

The following morning we left for the city of Cienfuegos, on Cuba’s southern coast. Nicknamed La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), the Cienfuegos city center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005.  I was told that, because it was founded by French settlers in the early 1800s, Cienfuegos has a different "feel" from other Cuban cities.

Following lunch at the architecturally remarkable Palacio del Valle, we travelled a short distance to La Biblioteca Provincial de Cienfuegos, or the provincial public library, where we were greeted by its director, Alicia Martinez Leeuna.  After introductory comments and conversation – with Eric as translator – she turned us over to the rare books and archives department, where we saw books published as long ago as 1759, and decades-old Cuban newspapers and magazines.  

We then learned a bit about the library’s organization, circulation, and technical services. The provincial library – the library in which we were standing – is the headquarters library for the province.  It administers seven municipal libraries and 19 branch libraries.  The province as a whole has 265,230 card holders and owns a total of 344,030 items. The provincial library owns 122,600 items, has 3,300 card holders, circulated 43,624 items in 2012, and acquired 1,067 items in 2012.  Services for those with disabilities include seniors and the elderly.  The library services prisons, hospitals, remote villages and the business community. A bookmobile provides mobile services.

The provincial library has 61 employees, 11 of which are librarians with master's degrees, three of them department heads. At the time of our visit, 23 clerks worked there and 17 interns were doing national service there.

That evening we strolled about the Cienfuegos city center.  It wasn't hard to understand why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lunch at the Palacio del Valle





At the provincial public library, 
This young communist group appeared
to be leaving an upstairs meeting.

The director of the archives and rare books department speaks to our group.













Circa 1759, not the oldest book I have ever seen,
but pretty darn old.






Hellen Keller was a socialist.

 

 






Che again. He's everywhere in Cuba. The title is
"My Dreams Do not Have Borders."





The complex, often conflictual relationship between
 Cuba and and the United States goes back as far
as at least the late 19th century. The title here is,
"The North American Military Intervention in the
Contest for Cuban Independence."

Two views of Cienfuegos from the roof the provincial public library.

Eric took a few moments to show and explain his ration card.

 

The sign says, "Union of Young Communists."



This and the four pictures below are views from my hotel room in Cienfuegos.

Strolling around Cienfuegos in the evening, we came upon this outdoor music ensemble.