The Ministry of Culture (MiCultura), through the Directorate for Cultural Rights and Citizenship, initiated a training programme for librarians throughout the country with the aim of strengthening public libraries as dynamic centres for learning and community meeting.

The first training day was held at the Fernando Guardia Public Library in Penonomé with the participation of librarians from the districts of Penonomé, Natá, Antón, Pocri, Aguadulce and Río Hato.

The workshop provided pedagogical tools to promote reading, writing and oral care in different age groups.

The thematic axes discussed included: Creation and methodology of reading clubs, strategies to encourage reading, writing and oral care for children, youth and older people and oral storytelling as a playful and educational tool.

Katherine Bucktron, national director of cultural rights and citizenship, stated that "as part of the development plan of the National Network of Public Libraries, we have been promoting a training and monitoring program for librarians with a view to improving services, enabling these spaces and bringing new audiences"

The workshop was taught by specialists at MiCultura Luzo María Frías and Carlos Fong, who shared practical methodologies to promote citizen participation from libraries.

The training programme will continue in other provinces such as Panama West, Veraguas, Chiriquí and Los Santos with the aim of training officials throughout the country and strengthening their role as cultural agents in their communities.

Under this initiative, the Ministry of Culture aims to turn public libraries into living and accessible spaces and to promote cultural and educational development throughout the national territory.