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Kolovai Community Public Library

$2,370 donated
Given by 19 generous donors in one year

Kolovai Library Kingdom of Tonga is a place to Explore ( vakai'i ), of understanding ( muaki'ilo ), and to connect ideas ( fakahoko ) .

Auckland

Kolovai Community Public Library was officially opened in 2019. Our idea to have the first public library in Kolovai came out when we saw that Cyclone Gita damaged 85% of houses and primary schools. When visiting the local Free Wesleyan Primary School next Tonga we saw there were no books for Children to read, the floors were damp, and all of their Scholl desks, furniture were damaged.

Two years ago 2020, Cyclone Harold smashed into Tonga. Huge waves demolished many of the resorts along Hihifo Coast from Kolovai ( Fala 'o Ata ) to Ha'atafu local families have been hugely affected with the total loss businesses, buildings - homes

This year 14th of January, 2022. A large eruption of underwater Hunga- Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano, about 65km north of Nukualofa, shot think and ash and steam 20km skywards.The eruption caused a tsunami on Tonga's largest Island, Tongatapu, with waves recorded at 12 meters ( about 4 feet ) near Nukualofa

The worse affected areas are the west coast of the main Island of Tongatapu

Kolovai Community Public Library in Kolovai is the neighbouring to Kanokupolu that was the most affected village on the main Island. Before Christmas we shipped whole lot of shelves ( used but in very good condition near new ) The got picked up from the wharf in Nukualofa three days the eruption hit Tonga.

These shelves and over hundred banana boxes of books donated from SKYTV & Auckland Council Library Branches. They are stored in a near by storage 10-15 minutes drive from the wharf. We were told all the area was Flooded from the Tsunami. The manager of Kolovai Public Library has not been able to check the condition of all the books and shelves in the storage as she had a bad fall the day after the Tsunami. Her house was flooded from the Tsunami. She's now bed written and having physio treatment. Once she's recovered from her injury, she should be able to give us how much books & shelves ( over hundreds of them ) damaged.

Kolovai Community Public Library storage in Nuku'alofa across the road from the wharf was covered with ashes & at this stage we understand the library is still standing but definitely need maintenance & probably most library books, laptops ( donated second hand ) laptops are damaged & all books need to be replaced. The landline has been cut and there is no communication up to now. Internet was installed at the library is not working. It is very hard and congested trying to be connected to Mele via cellphone.

We are establishing a second library to be based in Nukualofa. We have shipped enough books already for it, but as mentioned above most books that are stored at the storage & in Kolovai Library needed replacement.

Ashes was so think covered most places in Nukualofa the capital. They are damp and they will probably get thrown away.

All the support and donations will go towards to pay for Tonga Government clearance customs duties when library books all cleared from customs at the wharf, pick ups, maintenance of Kolovai Public Library and to help with the new library which we hoping to get it built very soon.

Use of funds

Maintenance, Tonga Government customs clearance, pik ups, driver, help with establishing of a second public library in the Kingdom of Tonga

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Latest update

Kolovai Public Library  15 November 2022

This page is up and running and all donations can be donating right here to help funding and supporting the very first Public Library in the Kingdom of Tonga and to help establishing of the second Public Library to be based in Kolomotu'a, Nuku'alofa

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Latest donations

Church in Progress MCC
Church in Progress MCC on 03 Apr 2022
Such an important project and we are happy to help :)
$500
Kahoa Corbett

Malo e Lelei, Te na koe MCC. Malo 'aupito for your generosity. This amazing!! This is going to be very helpful and we are working very hard to get the library well maintained especially at this difficult time. Kids cannot go anywhere but have offered free service all the time now since they went into lockdown. Internet is free if needs to get in touch with their love ones in Tonga n Overseas. I am paying everything from here reaching out helping them. they can also use the landline if dont have a phone. NZ deputy High Commissioner is our number one volunteer in Tonga n we have just shipped over 100 boxes of books donated from Auckland Libraries and there will be more to send. this money is going to help support the library and we are currently working with NZ architects to design a second library. Your generosity is highly appreciated. Malo 'aupito and thank you so much for your support. 'Ofa lahi atu Kahoa & Brendan xx

Kahoa Corbett
Paul
Paul on 31 Mar 2022
Keep up the good work Kahoa and Ben.
$10
Kahoa Corbett

Morena Paul. Thank you so much to the donation. Highly appreciated your support. Nga mihi nui Kahoa And Brendan xx

Kahoa Corbett
Judith
Judith on 01 Mar 2022
$50
Kahoa Corbett

Te na koe Judith. Nui ka Mihi. Malo. Thank you so much for your generosity & supporting Kolovai Community Public Library Kingdom of Tonga. Your support is Highly Appreciated. Nga mihi nui Atu. 'Ofa Atu 💕

Kahoa Corbett
Allison
Allison on 15 Feb 2022
All best wishes for rebuild of this important library service
Private
Kahoa Corbett

Morena Allison. Malo e Lelei. Thank you for the privilege of your generosity and support. It really means a lot to us the outpouring of support we received from everyone. tēnā rawa atu koe. Malo e 'Ofa. Kia Kaha Kolovai Library, Kia kaha Tonga. 'Ofa atu. Nga mihi nui. Kahoa & Brendan xx

Kahoa Corbett
Naomi
Naomi on 12 Feb 2022
People need books! Awesome job my friends Malo!
$50
Kahoa Corbett

Malo e Lelei Naomi. Malo e 'ofa ki he Kolovai Community Public Library. Whakawhetai ki a koe mo to tautoko. Your support is highly appreciated. Kia Kaha Kolovai library, kia Kaha Tonga. Malo e 'ofa ki Tonga. 'Ofa Atu ♥️

Kahoa Corbett

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This campaign started on 4 Feb 2022 and ended on 4 Feb 2023.