The library we have in Oran has a whole history. Listen to what we were told by the first sisters who moved into “Cayla Square”, where the library remains to this day.

            “In October 1964, three of us sisters were sent to Oran and we moved into a bigger flat, which was more accessible for girls…. In the house, the superior gave courses several times a week to around ten illiterate girls and young women. A small library, concentrating mainly on the topics of women, Africa and Islam, provided reading material for students at the Teacher Training College, secondary school pupils or volunteers who wanted to know more about Islam. Some ten girls from the secondary school came to work or to hold discussions in the library which had some regular subscribers. Sr Marguerite Tortel often passed books on to the student teachers. They and the school pupils came to look for reading material prescribed in their courses, which was difficult to find in the other libraries...”

Changes occurred
The circumstances have changed and the community no longer lives on the premises. It is located in the town centre, some ten minutes’ walk from the flat in the “Square”. Some adjustments were necessary to create more space. The library owes its current image to these efforts and to the fourteen years’ work by Agnès Genevrois, who passed the responsibility on to Danuta Kmieciak, who has training as librarian.
Today, it is all computerized, open to university students, girls and boys, and specializes in literature, languages and psychology. Five hundred teachers and lecturers are members paying an annual subscription. The context is almost exclusively Muslim, with a few people from other religions. Islam is the religion of the majority of Algerians.

Respond to the needs
The aim is to respond to the needs of academics, students, teachers, lecturers, and graduates looking for employment, as well as those of other readers. It must be understood that the market price of books is beyond the pocket of most of the subscribers.
In response to requests and to take account of expressed needs, we give language courses in French, English and Spanish. We intend also to offer an introduction to computers.
Two years ago, we also used to have a literary club studying a specific author. It promoted some interesting discussions, mainly about Maghreb literature. The experience proved to be very enriching but, because of the shortage of volunteers to organise and lead it, it is currently in abeyance. We remain open, however, to any initiatives capable of encouraging Maghreb literary and cultural activities.

Permanent presence
These activities require a permanent presence maintained by different individuals. After the departure of Clémentine Mukampabuka msola for studies, Valérie Kaboré msola has taken the responsibility.
A Russian laywoman married to an Algerian, Mme Natalia Korchi, has worked with us for six years. We also work closely with the community of Marist Brothers for courses in Spanish; an introduction to information technology and courses in French. An Algerian, Mme Aïcha Chiikh, who is a retired English teacher, gives three hours of English tuition a week, while Mme Galina Missoum, another Russian married to an Algerian, gives three hours a week on computer technology.
 
Funding
            We also have to think about funding, which has to cover allowances for all the staff, including the MSOLA engaged in the library, the rent, and the purchase of books and other materials. Help from Misereor and the annual subscriptions cover these costs.
            We have no particular procedures to follow in relation to the local authorities but, since we are in a flat owned by the congregation, we pay the communal charges and take part in meetings with owners and tenants to ensure the good management of the block.

At “the sisters’ house”
            The library affects our community life, in the sense that each one’s experience is part of the common mission. Moreover, the library’s location, not far from our community, enhances the visibility of our commitment. It should be said that all those who come to see us know that it is “the sisters’ house”. So, even in a country where it is practically impossible, as foreigners, to find paid work, we can offer an involvement to new sisters or other people who want to work with us.
            We can also practice this collaboration by going to see individuals who are, or wish to be involved in associations or other activities, something which take us beyond the limits of our usual duties. All this can be further enhanced by connections and friendships formed in the library itself. It is also thanks to the library that we are in touch with Algerian writers, through reading their works or attending various conferences.

Clémentine Mukampabuka, Oran