The Dewey Decimal System

3. What is the origin of Cuba’s independent library movement?

In response to a public statement by President Fidel Castro that “There are no prohibited books in Cuba, only a lack of money to purchase them,” Cuba’s first independent library, named in honor of Felix Varela, was opened in 1998 in the city of Las Tunas.  The Felix Varela Library was established in the apartment of Berta Mexidor, an economist, and her husband, Ramon Colas, a psychologist.  Approximately 100 independent libraries, located in the homes of volunteers, now flourish in Cuba despite an unprecedented campaign of harassment, threats, intimidation, police raids, arrests, physical assaults, evictions and confiscations.  Most of the libraries are affiliated with the project begun by Ramon Colas and Berta Mexidor, while others have been established by groups of teachers, journalists, religious denominations, etc.  In addition to offering public access to uncensored books, Cuba’s independent librarians also sponsor uncensored debates, seminars, public meetings, art exhibits, literary contests and children’s programs, all free of government control.

……

It is not widely known that under U.S. law informational materials such as books, newspapers, magazines, films, sound recordings, art works and broadcasts are exempt from the trade embargo.   Cuban informational materials are sold and transported without hindrance to other countries, including the U.S., but books and other materials sent to Cuba from other nations, including the U.S., are often confiscated upon arrival.

“My mother told him that, unlike us, he had the greatest friend of all: He had Fidel.”