Our projects are focused on the education of children in disadvantaged communities through innovative use of libraries. We fine-tune all projects to the specific needs of the participating communities. We provide the hardware and the human resources required by the launch of a library. We donate books and reading room facilities; we help to develop the public space needed by cultural activities. We send volunteers who share their enthusiasm with children; we collaborate with community members to create a supportive atmosphere. In such comprehensive projects, our organization plays the roles of initiator, coordinator and advocate; we assist and rely on active members from the local schools and the larger community to carry out the details of our plan.
Since 2004, we have conducted projects in Qinghe, Beijing (migrant worker community); Xiamen, Fujian(migrant worker community); Tianzhu, Gansu; Kaili, Guizhou; Liupanshui, Guizhou; Dengzhou, Henan; Lankao, Henan; Chaling, Hunan (two townships); Leping, Jiangxi; Lichuan, Jiangxi (two libraries); Caoxian, Shandong; Jinan, Shandong (outskirts); Danfeng, Shaanxi; Yibin, Sichuan; and Zhaotong, Yunnan.
One successful example of our projects at Ling Fang Township Central Primary School, located in Chaling County, Hunan. Dream Corps initiated the open access of the school's library in 2004 and provided continuous support for two more years. This library is currently run and sustained autonomously by the school as part of its own normal operation. Starting in 2008, we began to introduce the experience from this site to similar rural schools in the same county.
Another example is the New Century Dream Library in Zhufang Village, Qinghe, Beijing, where we started in 2005. After three years of persistent collaboration with the local community throughout many challenges, including three changes of location, this library is open daily with an on-going reading program for begining readers and enjoys the support of the Chen Yet-Sen Family Foundation through a two-year grant.