Monteverde shares a sister city relationship with Estes Park, a city located near the majestic Rocky Mountain National Park. This connection, established through a Sister Cities agreement, has served as a bridge for the exchange of students, knowledge, resources, and shared aspirations.
In 2003, a generous gesture from Estes Park helped shape the history of the Santa Elena Public Interactive Library (BPISE in spanish): the donation of 300 books to the Monteverde Council. It was then that Wendy Rockwell, a visionary and dedicated local resident, planted the seed of what would later become the library. Every Tuesday, she visited public schools in the region, carrying books in her hands and hope in her heart, lending them to the children who eagerly awaited her return each week. Through these trips, filled with stories, laughter, and shared pages, the foundation of what is now BPISE was born.
Years later, in 2014, that initial effort gained new momentum. Lori Kutner, a librarian at the University of Vermont, encouraged a group of five local community members to take the next step: transforming the mobile library into a permanent, open, and dynamic space for the community. At that time, without legal status, the support of the Monteverde Community Fund (MCF) was and continues to be fundamental, providing administrative support and opening doors to new opportunities. This marked the beginning of a strong and meaningful collaboration.
In 2019, thanks to collective effort and community commitment, that vision found a permanent home. A successful fundraising campaign enabled the acquisition of a space in the Monteverde Shopping Center, which today houses both the Santa Elena Interactive Public Library and the Monteverde Community Fund.
Since its inception, BPISE has operated without its own legal entity, and has therefore found the necessary administrative support in the Monteverde Community Fund.
In addition to its book lending service, the library offers a wide range of activities at its location in the Monteverde Shopping Center. These include monthly storytelling sessions, weekly English and Spanish classes, occasional art workshops, and game afternoons. The library also participates in community outreach through school visits, workshops, book exchanges, and involvement in local events such as the Monteverde Market, Smoke-Free Monteverde, World Book Day, and Biblioteca Viva, in collaboration with the Monteverde Institute.
It is supported by a Library Committee that oversees administrative matters, fundraising, acquiring new materials, continuous improvement, and strategic partnerships. Daily operations and public service are provided by volunteers. The library is currently open Monday through Friday, from 13:00 p.m. to 17:00 p.m. Today, the library houses a collection of over 6,000 books and is a vibrant space that pulsates with the life of the community: a third place where stories meet, knowledge is shared, and dreams continue to grow.
Follow them for more information:
Instagram | Facebook | Video
