The Legacy of Maestro Jacinto Velásquez Riascos
The creation of the Jacinto Velásquez Riascos Public Library in 1921 is directly attributed to the vision and commitment of the teacher Jacinto Velásquez Riascos. Although biographical details available are limited, it is known that he married María Julia Riascos Arango on June 24, 1863, in El Cerrito, Valle del Cauca, Colombia.
The decision to name the library in his honor, following his death and after the Ministry of Education appointed a librarian in 1969, underscores the deep respect and lasting recognition of his contribution to the intellectual and cultural life of the community. This posthumous act of naming not only honors his memory, but also cements his figure as a key player in the history of Soná, whose vision continues to inspire the institution's purpose.
Infrastructure and Current Services
The Jacinto Velásquez Riascos Public Library, located in its modern facilities inaugurated in 2013, has a total area of 509.25 m². The architectural design of the building reflects a contemporary conception of library services, transcending the mere function of book storage to encompass a diversity of community needs.
Key spaces include:
- Auditorium: With an area of 120 m², this space is used for public events, conferences and cultural presentations, underlining the library's role as a community meeting place.
- Internet Room: With 34 m², this room is essential for promoting digital literacy and providing access to connectivity in an increasingly interconnected world.
- Children's Room: A 27 m² space specifically dedicated to the promotion of early reading and children's engagement in learning.
- General Collection: Occupies 65.30 m², constituting the core of the bibliographic resources for the general public.
- Public Service Room: With 137.50 m², it is the largest public space, which emphasizes the importance of interaction and direct support to users.
- Light Reading Space: A 68 m² area designed for more informal and relaxed reading.
- Youth Room: With 36.70 m², this room is specifically adapted to meet the interests and needs of young people.
- Office: A space of 20.75 m² for the library's administrative functions.
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The intentional distribution of specific spaces for an auditorium, internet access and age-differentiated sections (children's and youth) reveals a strategic vision of the library as a multifunctional community center. This design facilitates a wide range of educational, cultural and social activities, demonstrating a modern approach to public library services, beyond being a simple repository for books.
Hours of Operation and Administration Model
The Jacinto Velásquez Riascos Public Library is open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.