As a returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Honduras, 1975-1977), I am amazed that after nearly 50 years of service, the Peace Corps has no library collection. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have heard the call, and hundreds have returned to fulfill that pledge to share their experience through literature. Sharing our experience is the third goal of the Peace Corps.
The Kennedy Library only accepts original material. Tragically, even the Peace Corps Resource Library in Washington, D.C., does not keep published work written by its own volunteers, the salt of the earth.
Popular government-sponsored programs are rare. During the first half of the 20th century only the Works Progress Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps caught America’s imagination. During the second half of the 20th century, only NASA and the Peace Corps have been equally popular. Yet, like the WPA and the CCC, firsthand experience books about the Peace Corps are hard to find and our collective memory fades.
The Library of Congress has a great set of special collections, several of which include 20th century work. there is even a collection of “Amateur Publications” by early 20th century journalists.
The addition of Peace Corps literature will serve our nation well at no cost to the taxpayer. The books will be donated.
Lawrence F. Lihosit
Madera
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