Cambodia – In a Village of Few Books, Youth-Led Library Opens Doors to Learning and Hope
Chhuon Kongieng Cambodianess June 1, 2025
A community youth group has converted a small reading area into a public library in Keo Phos Village, located in Preah Sihanouk Province. Photo provided.
PHNOM PENH — In Keo Phos Village, Preah Sihanouk Province, a local youth group has transformed a small reading space into a public library, offering children and residents without access to formal education a place to learn and grow.
The modest library is housed in a metal cabinet filled with a variety of books, including short stories, self-development titles, and Buddhist literature. A simple seating area invites visitors to sit and read. Both elders and youth regularly stop by—some to read on-site, others to borrow books and take them home.
At the heart of this initiative is Youn Phearun, 27, one of the founding members of the library. Launched in February, the library is located at a busy four-way intersection along a concrete road, making it easily accessible to passersby and those exercising nearby. While foot traffic drops during the rainy season, the space remains open and welcoming year-round.
Phearun expressed concern about the lack of educational spaces in the village, noting that entertainment venues like bars and smoking areas now outnumber reading spaces.
“In my area, I think only about 30 percent of people go to school and have access to reading. Most of them are young people. The remaining 70 percent—both young and old—do not,” he said. “Some are eager to learn more about Buddhism. And this is also a chance for children to build a reading habit.”
Motivated by Dharma teachings and a belief that everyone should contribute positively to society, Phearun used his personal experience and values as inspiration.
“If you are born a person, you should do at least one good thing for society,” he said.
He began by reaching out to a few friends who were also interested in giving back to the community. Together, they pooled their savings and set up the library, determined to sustain it through volunteer efforts and without relying on external funding.
To expand their collection, Phearun has approached nearby pagodas for old books and is encouraging donations from local schools and villagers. His goal is to make the library a lasting resource—a fixed space that people can count on daily, unlike mobile libraries that move from place to place.
“I hope people who have books they no longer read will consider donating them to the library. It would help attract even more readers,” he said.
Looking ahead, Phearun envisions a network of similar libraries in villages across Cambodia.
“With just 30,000 riels, a village leader could build one, and local youth could help run it,” he said. “It doesn’t take much money, but the benefits to the community are great.”
By creating this library, Phearun and his peers have sparked a grassroots movement—one that champions literacy, fosters intergenerational learning, and strengthens the social fabric of their village.
SOURCE: Cambodianess, Cambodia, June 1, 2025
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