From La Jolla to Bhutan and back again: Shangri-La, READGlobal and the importance of libraries

I just got back from a couple days in Shangri-La.  Not that one.  This one is in La Jolla, California, a pretty gorgeous place, made even more amazing by members of the community of La Jolla Country Day School.

Community service members explain the project to the entire high school—then it’s my turn to address them. Holding teens attentions captive in the hot sun…Oy!

A series of bizarre and seemingly random events (sparked by our mutual fascination of Bhutan and our love of reading) led us together.  Now, we’re all working to raise money to build a library in the Kingdom, because libraries are sorely needed–and we all agree that they’re a fundamental part of a great community.

For me it was doubly exciting: they chose Radio Shangri-La as a community read to get everyone in a “Bhutan state of mind.”  (My quotes, not theirs!)  I got to talk with parents, kids of all ages, and spend time with some super-committed educators who make you think: There is hope for the future.  And: Boy do I wish I could go to school here.  (Wish everyone could!)

Some community service team members at LJCDS

 

 

I share this because

A. I’d love to do this with your group, too.  So let’s cook something up.  RSL is a tool to inspire discussion about immigration, media impact, globalization, secluded Kingdoms, and even midlife malaise.  All with the bigger message: It’s not about you.  It’s about what you can do to help others.

B. Don’t forget READ Bhutan.

C. How cool it is that an affluent school places such a value on community service–to teach their kids the importance of the greater world beyond their own, and what they can do to participate in making it better.