FUNGLODE Re-Opens Library and Names it after Juan Bosch

The library was re-opened in a simple act that included donors and several officials and personalities including the FUNGLODE’s Honorary President, Leonel Fernández, and the widow of Professor Juan Bosch, Carmen Quidiello
(Santo Domingo, June 8, 2009)

“Thank God and all of you present today at this act of recognition of Juan Bosch, here in this place that mixes solemnity and knowledge and that will be of great service to teachers and academics.”

The activity was simple and attended by various donors through whose support the new installations were re-opened as a library. Several personalities from the county’s academic and intellectual life attended the opening. Dominican President Leonel Fernández, Honorary President of FUNGLODE, was the protagonist at the event which also honored Professor Bosch’s widow, Carmen Quidiello.

The event began with the showing of a short video about the history of the library, from the moment it was announced through its construction and later when it was designated as a depository of the United Nations (UN).

The protocol began with a short speech by Marcos Herrera, the new Executive Director of FUNGLODE. “I would like to introduce myself and welcome everyone as well as thank you for your presence at this event. And thank you to those who made this longed-awaited event possible and especially for the opening of this much longed-for library.” 

Aida Montero, Director of the Juan Bosch Library, followed Mr. Herrera. “Thank God and all of you present today at this act of recognition of Juan Bosch, here in this place that mixes solemnity and knowledge and that will be of great service to teachers and academics.”
The main speech at the event was given by President Leonel Fernández. “For the past two-and-a-half years we planned to finish these installations to coincide with the centenary of the birth of Professor Bosch…and we have achieved our goal,” said the Honorary President of FUNGLODE.

Fernández said it was a great honor to be opening the new library in the name of Juan Bosch. “I feel morally and intellectually obliged to do this because my highest distinction is to be considered his disciple.”

The Dominican President said that this project, concluded on Monday, had in fact begun 40 years ago. “It began with my habit of buying books and starting my own library at home. After awhile, I had to start putting them in other places. They ended up on the third floor of FUNGLODE which soon became too small for my collection. This building provides space for all the books although there are still many more stored in boxes. We have 150,000 books and magazines, almost all of them Social Sciences and Humanities.”

The President thanked all the business people and professionals who did their part to make the Juan Bosch Library a reality. “It seems that we have a Ph.D. in gathering contributions, money and material.”

The activity culminated with the unveiling of a painting of Professor Juan Bosch placed at the entrance of the library. His widow Carmen and other family members and friends looked on.