Pursuant to my earlier post below, and as a follow-up post-Council Forum II tonight where the Cuba issue was extensively discussed, it is clear further that:
1) The anti-Cuba lobby consistently contacts new Councilors with their propaganda, and when these Councilors (finally understanding ALA’s outstanding and fair position on Cuba) subsequently ask to be removed from their abusive lists, they are not only not removed but continue to be harassed; 2) That the anti-Cuba lobby even as we speak are using other ALA divisional listservs to lambast Council for harassing the Cuba resolution movers, when this is emphatically and completely a lie, (see today’s posts from Councilor Genco); 3) And indeed given that the EXACT opposite is occurring: THEY continue to harrass the movers who requested to be removed from the resolution and Council into the bargain, and, as said, new Councilors continue to be bombarded with their propaganda;
– I request as someone who feels that I have been attacked unjustly on this issue by this Cuba cabal (among many other Councilors) that ALA leadership address this issue at Council III Wednesday July 2nd 2008 with a “statement of concern” from the dais; And further, urge Council to ask that Michael Dowling’s exceptional review of the Cuba issue for IRC be sent a priori to ALL ALA major conference speakers in their welcome packet from this time forth (for reasons too obvious to mention); And that my fellow Councilors use every outlet available to them to publicize these vicious and abusive and potentially illegal tactics to their respective chapters, divisions, roundtables, and local interest lists.
These undemocratic smear tactics have to stop and the Association needs to understand exactly how these people operate and how they will continue to operate until exposed for precisely what and who they are. I will let you all have the pleasure of filling in the descriptive adjectives.

Peter McDonald
Dean of Library Services
Henry Madden Library

—– Original Message —–
From: Peter Mcdonald Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2008 3:48 pm
Subject: [alacoun] Cuba and the abuse of ALA ethics
To: alacoun@ala.org

Dear Councilors,
I write both as out-going chair of Resolutions Committee, and as a 6- year Council veteran soon to retire till 2010 (when I will run again).
Also I will soon be off [alcoun] as a retiring Councilor.
I wish to share a number of very disturbing behaviors perpetrated
on Council and the Association by those not on Council to influence
the Cuba resolution at Council this annual. As we all know three
Councilors signed on to a Cuba resolution. As RC chair and as a Councilor I will fiercely protect and support these (or any) Councilors’ right to submit any resolution even though I may personally disagree with it.
However, it is now clear ( and I speak in my position as RC chair
and in one-on-one conversations with one Cuba co-signatory, and via e- mails > with another), that these decent Councilors withdrew their names because a) they felt they were systematically mis-informed by the perennial anti-Cuba lobby in signing on, and b) when they asked to withdraw as seconds, certainly in the case of one of them, they were subsequently badgered and bullied relentlessly for their withdrawal despite requests to the anti-Cuba ‘lobbyists’ to desist which the latter did not.
Furthermore, as the Cuba debate prior to Anaheim swirled on various lists including [alcoun] many postings to ALA listservs were doctored systematically and repeatedly by the anti-Cuba lobby to appear as if they were coming from or forwarded by Counil (with the [alcoun] subject lead falsely typed in, etc.) The purpose was clearly to hoodwink the Association and Council that these slanted posts were coming from legitimate ALA sources (e.g. a Councilor on [alcoun]).
Finally, and most egregious, the excellent document prepared for
IRC by Michael Dowling on the Cuba issue, was thoroughly doctored by the anti- Cuba lobby to reflect an openly anti-Cuba bias, then sent back out again to numerous listservs (some managed by ALA) under the pretense that it was THE original from IRC with NO caveat or comment that this was a completely spurious fake. At very least this is a clear infringement of copyright and should be investigated as such and legal action taken where applicable.

[ see here for Original].

I therefore ask the ALA Executive Director Keith Michael Fiels to
investigate these unseemly, dishonest and abusive behaviors. The
names of the innocent and the guilty are here withheld. But this
Councilor at least has a complete record of all these falsifications of formal ALA documents and the phony emails sent out over ALA lists under false pretenses that should aid the Executive Director in his investigations.
I am happy to share them too with American Libraries since they all occurred via public lists. There’s a story here that needs telling.
This blatant behavior of the anti-Cuba lobby is the most
reprehensible, dishonest, mean-spirited and pathetically ineffective that I have ever seen perpetrated by ALA members in all my twenty years as a member.
Keith — I will write you by separate and private post with the information. But I do urge Council to be ever vigilant that, whatever the merits of the anti-Cuba cause, these sorts of despicable tactics deserve our resounding censure and open and vocal criticism. Do stay vigilant my friends.
I am honored that I stood with you all through six great years of
leadership and debate on Council! What a great and selfless bunch. I remain on Council in spirit if not as a voting member after tomorrow.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter McDonald
Dean of Library Services
Henry Madden Library
Fresno State ]]> http://librarian.lishost.org/?feed=rss2&p=1111 0 http://librarian.lishost.org/?p=1102 http://librarian.lishost.org/?p=1102#comments Thu, 19 Jun 2008 03:20:09 +0000 admin http://librarian.lishost.org/?p=1102

From Peter McDonald, ALA Councilor, to the ALA Council list on June 18, 2008

Thanks also to IRC. And Mark Rosenzweig is dead on target. May I also suggest that Councilors new to this interminable debate turn to page 100 of the most recent issue of American Libraries (v. 39, no. 6 June/July 2008) where there is a recap of the long Cuba debate within ALA going back more than a decade. [article by Dean McDonald].
Cat-like this pseudo-hot-topic has a dozen lives mewling like a moonstruck tom, and like Dracula, short of a stake through its heart, it will not die. If Cuba why not fifty other states with far worse freedom of speech records and abysmal draconian imprisonments? Myanmar? China (e.g. Tibet?) North Korea? Saudi Arabia? Where does it stop? Where is the grand outcry on these depredations? Nada!
I can speak with assurance on behalf of the author of the AL article that this particular Councilor, who has studied the topic top to bottom, talked endlessly to those pro and con, voted on it again and again, I will vote once more against any resolution that dredges this hoary topic up like the ghost of Banquo past at yet another annual meeting.

(Actually now that I think of it it’s more like old Fidel himself — how often have last rights been announced only for the old codger to reappear stogy in Uncle Sam’s eye puffing away!)

ALA, IRC, IFC — the list goes on (and near a half dozen past ALA presidents) all have taken significant stands foursquare and open on the topic. ALA in totality has done more (repeat more) than enough on this issue. One more resolution? To what earthly point? Let it go down to a resounding NO and RIP! (OK wishful thinking but at least at this annual it might. Or maybe death will come to hermanos Castro in the mean time).

Peter McDonald
Dean of Library Services

======================

Cuba Update for ALA Annual 2008
by Michael Dowling, Director, American Library Association International Relations Office

SUMMARY

This report provides an update for the International Relations Committee (IRC) and the Intellectual Freedom Committee (IRC) on the issue of the “independent library” movement in Cuba.
It includes

1) A chronological background on some of the major activities over the past 10 years.
2) An update on ALA’s March 2007 Freedom of Information Request (FOIA) to USAID and the State Department.
3) Information known to date on the U.S. government to support for “independent library” movement in Cuba.
4) Some activities of the Friends of Cuban Libraries (FCL).

Some findings:

- U.S. government funds used to try to influence library associations outside of the United States (Latin America and Europe) to support the “independent library” movement in Cuba.

- Bibliotecas Independientes de Cuba organization in 2005 and 2006 received 98% of its support from U.S. government funds.

- U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report in November 2006 notes that 8 of 12 grantee organizations audited supported the “independent libraries” in Cuba in 2005.

- In GAO report USAID program director said that the [Cuba] program office and grantees were concerned about creating records that might be released under the Freedom of Information Act, because the release of such information could damage program activities and/or result in the harassment or imprisonment of aid recipients in Cuba.

1. BACKGROUND

1998

• In March 1998, Ramon Colas and Berta Mexidor, who are husband and wife, opened up their home library in Cuba as the start of an “independent library” movement. A quick succession of “independent libraries” opened in homes of other individuals. Based on their biographies, most were individuals who had been imprisoned or harassed by the Cuban government for their political beliefs/activities before they set up their “independent libraries.”

1999

• By June 1999 a group called the “Friends of Cuban Libraries” had formed in the United States. One of the co-founders, Robert Kent, was an ALA member and librarian at New York Public Library. The other co-founder was Jorge Sanguinetty, who reportedly worked for Radio Martí (which is funded by the U.S. government to broadcast into Cuba).
Note: Mr. Kent is not currently a member of ALA

• IFLA’s Freedom of Access to Information and Freedom of Expression (FAIFE), in response to messages from the “Friends of the Cuban Libraries” describing harassment of these “independent libraries,” issued a report on the situation in 1999 based on phone conversations to Cuba without a site visit .

Concerns were quickly raised by a number of individuals (in the U.S. and elsewhere) on independence of this library movement.

2001

• In January 2001, ALA’s Latin American and Caribbean Subcommittee held an open hearing on the issue in which Mr. Kent and others participated. Due to the inconclusiveness of determining the accuracy of claims brought forward on both sides of the issue, the committee’s recommendation was not to take any action.
• In June 2001, ALA leaders and IFLA leaders take advantage of the Association of Caribbean University, Research and Institutional Libraries (ACURIL) Conference in Havana to discuss the “independent library” movement with members of the Cuban Librarians Association (ASCOLBI), and to meet with owners of “independent libraries.”

IFLA issues a new report, and ALA issues a separate report on their investigations and findings. ALA’s delegation was led by ALA President John Berry and Past President Barbara Ford.

ALA Delegation Report
IFLA Report

• In June, ALA Council passes “Resolution on Access to Information by Cuba’s Libraries” urging
“…the U.S. government to share information materials widely in Cuba, especially with Cuba’s libraries, and not just with individuals and independent nongovernmental organizations…”

• In August at the 2001 IFLA Conference in Boston, following another open hearing on the issue, IFLA passes a resolution asking both the U.S. government and the Cuban government to eliminate obstacles to access to the Cuban people to information.

2002

• Independent Library founders Ramon Colas and Berta Mexidor emigrate from Cuba to Florida.

2003

• The U.S. Interest Section in Havana, led by Chief of Mission James Cason, increases their open activity by having high-profile meetings and engagement with Cuban dissidents. In March, the U.S. invades Iraq. In April, the Cuban government arrests 75 individuals and sentences them to long prison terms, including a number who operated “independent libraries.”

The main designation of individuals who are identified as operating “independent libraries” in most reports define them under their other activities, such as “independent journalist”, “union organizer”, etc.

Note: The number of incarcerated individuals who operated “independent libraries” seems not to be a definite number. Reports from supporters vary from 10 to up to 17. In June 24, 2004 article in the Orlando Sentinel interview of Ramon Colas notes “as many as 17.”

• On May 8, IFLA, through FAIFE, expresses their deepest concerns to the Cuban government about the arrest, trial and long prison sentences given to Cuban political dissidents
• In June, IFLA issues call on U.S. government to allow visits and information to and from Cuba

• In June, ALA jointly held its Annual Conference in Toronto with the Canadian Library Association. ALA’s International Relations Office was able to secure a grant to support the attendance of 5 Cuban librarians, which would have been impossible had the meeting been held in the United States.

At the program on Cuban libraries Ramon Colas, Mr. Kent and others were able to question Cuban librarian leadership on the “independent libraries.”

The International Relations Committee brought forward a resolution on Cuba, which Council sent back to both the IRC and IFC to create a joint task force to further study the issue, and submit a report.

The Canadian Library Association did pass a resolution [5] requesting “IFLA to convene an international Commission of eminent librarians to hold public hearings to investigate further the role of “independent libraries” in Cuba and charges that they are funded through foreign agencies whose political program is regime change.”

Note: The IFLA Governing Board decided not to undertake such an investigation due to lack of resources.

• A Task Force of IRC and IFC members review materials and resources on the issue, including the Rule of Law and Cuba website set up at the Center for the Advancement of Human Rights at Florida State University
Note: Documentation on the Rule of Law website were provided to the Center for the Advancement of Human Rights from the U.S. Interest Section in Havana.
2004

• At Midwinter 2004, Council adopted the International Relations Committee and Intellectual Freedom Committee’s Report on Cuba and joined IFLA in its deep concern over the arrest and long prison terms of political dissidents in Cuba.

It also noted “This political climate brought on primarily by U.S. Government and Cuban Government legislation and policies in recent years should not be countered by censorship and imprisonment.”

Note: IFLA has not called for the release of individuals. The Council overwhelmingly voted down an amendment to call for the release of individuals.

• Ramon Colas and Berta Mexidor set up the 501 C3 Bibliotecas Independientes de Cuba.

Bibliotecas Independientes de Cuba pay for an exhibit booth at the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando.

2005-2006

• Eastern European library associations are contacted by the Friends of the Cuban Libraries, and urged to pass resolutions in support of the “independent libraries,” and the release of those operating independent libraries that were arrested and imprisoned. Estonia, Poland and the Czech library associations pass resolutions.

Mr. Kent announces on the ALA WORLD discussion list that a resolution on Cuba will be brought forward by some of these associations at the IFLA Conference in Oslo in 2005. Mr. Kent attends the Conference. No resolution is brought forward to IFLA.

In 2006, the Latvia and Lithuania library association pass resolutions, but the Lithuania leaders retract their resolution, sending out a message that they were duped by Mr. Kent into passing the resolution. Mr. Kent had tried to use the Lithuanian resolution to convince the Hungarian library association to also pass a resolution.

2007

• In March 2007, ALA Submits FOIA request for information from USAID and the U.S. State Department.

2008

• A table talk on the “independent library movement” is held at the Public Library Association National Conference in Minneapolis, organized by ALA member Steve Marquardt, who is also the Amnesty Legislative Coordinator for Minnesota. Ramon Colas attends.

2. U.S. Government Support of the “Independent Library” Movement in Cuba

ALA FOIA Request

To find out the extent of U.S. government support for the “independent library” movement in Cuba, the International Relations Office, with the assistance of the Office for Intellectual Freedom, submitted Freedom of Information Requests (FOIA’s) to USAID and the State Department in March 2007.

The request was spurred by a report from the Government Accountability Office November 2006 Report (GAO-07-147) entitled “Foreign Assistance: U.S. Democracy Assistance for Cuba Needs Better Management and Oversight.”

The report raises concerns about the lack of control of oversight on the spending of 74 millions of dollars (1996 to 2005) from various organizations that received money in mainly non competitive grants from USAID and the State Department for “U.S. Democracy Assistance for Cuba.”

The report notes (on page 23) that of the 12 organizations audited, 8 received funds in 2005 to support the “independent libraries” in Cuba. The names and details on the organizations are not listed in the report.

ALA’s FOIA request is to get the names of these organizations and information on their activities, as well as information on other organizations back to 1997 that might have been supporting the “independent libraries.”

ALA has yet to receive any documents so far. Recent correspondence with USAID suggests some documentation has been gathered. USAID FOIA staff is currently reviewing them. One grantee, the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) is being notified to address how to release some confidential information. No timeline has been given for when ALA may receive anything.

In footnote 40 in response to GAO staff noting that USAID and grantees did not prepare trip reports or summaries of their meetings:

40 The USAID program director said that the program office and grantees were concerned about creating records that might be released under the Freedom of Information Act, because the release of such information could damage program activities and/or result in the harassment or imprisonment of aid recipients in Cuba. However, in technical comments on this report, USAID officials said that concerns related to protecting sensitive information have been addressed through the application of Freedom of Information Act exemptions and, thus, in the future, will not present an obstacle to recordkeeping.

A May 29, 2008 article in Granma, entitled “Mercenary NGOs meet in Washington:USAID reveals its plans for subversion in Cuba,” alleges that at a recent meeting of USAID officials and grantees, USAID staff stated that should applications for the declassification of documents be made via a FOIA, USAID would only issue a “general summary” and would keep secret details of each NGO’s program, given that these concern “secret materials.”

Note: Granma is official news agency of the Cuban government, a biased source, but information is included as it supposedly pertains to FOIA requests.

What Is Known So Far About U.S. Government Support?

Even without receipt of any material from the FOIA requests, some information is known regarding U.S. Government support for “Democracy Assistance in Cuba” and support for the “independent library movement.”

Freedom House and Robert Kent

• Freedom House, in 1995, is one of the first grantees to receive funds from USAID for “Democracy Assistance in Cuba”

“Mr. [Robert] Kent acknowledged that some of his 10 trips to Cuba were paid for by Freedom House, a human rights group, and the Center for a Free Cuba, an anti-Castro organization, which had received grants from the United States Agency for International Development. And the co-founder of the Friends group, Jorge Sanguinetty, is a Cuban exile and economic consultant whose main client is the aid agency.” (“A Library in Cuba: What Is It?” by Felicia Lee, New York Times, June 28, 2003)

Sabre Foundation

• Sabre Foundation, which received funding from USAID and the United States Information Service (USIS) [now part of the State Dept.] reported in their 1998 990 Form (p. 25) $12,980 in inventory (books) to “individual recipients through USIS/Cuba.”

Note: Sabre Foundation provides books around the world that are donated from publishers and other sources. Inventory costs listed in their reports are the suggested retail cost of materials.

On 1999 990 Form $2,713 in inventory (books) provided to Center for a Free Cuba, which is headed by Frank Calzon, former head of the Freedom House Cuba Program.

On 2000 990 Form reports providing $75,219 in books, and $704.47 in cash and purchases to individual recipients in Cuba.

On 2001 990 Form reports $9,464 in books for individual recipients in Cuba, and $58,536 in books to the Center for a Free Cuba.

On 2002 990 Form reports $138,397 in books to individual recipients in Cuba, and $3,455 in cash.

From www.guidestar.org (premium service)

U.S. Department of State. Commission for a Free Cuba: Report to the President

In 2004, the 458 page “Commission for a Free Cuba: Report to the President” , Chair, Secretary of State Colin Powell, and the rest of the Commission budgets.
2 million dollars for:
Programs to re-stock, strengthen and expand the Cuban independent library network and to promote their solidarity with national library associations in Europe and Latin America.

Pan American Development Foundation

• The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) receives $45,000 in 2004 from the National Endowment for Democracy (U.S. Govt. Funds)

“To work with and promote independent libraries inside Cuba. PADF will provide direct assistance to independent libraries in Cuba and promote international awareness of the library movement. Independent library representatives will travel to Latin America and Spain to meet with librarians, universities, think tanks and other organizations to enlist their support for individual libraries and the libraries movement.”

From “Literacy, Censorship and Intellectual Freedom: The Independent Library Movement in Contemporary Cuba” by Kelsey Vidaillet, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Masters Student, at Florida International University, p40.

In April 2005, U.S. Embassy personnel set up a meeting for Ramon Colas with Uruguay Library Association (ULA) members in advance of the IFLA Conference in Buenos Aires later that summer. ULA members reported Mr. Colas asked for their support for the “independent libraries” movement, which they did not give.
Link to U.S. Embassy of Uruguay Ramon Colas’ visit.

The People in Need Foundation
• The People in Need Foundation (PINF), a Czech non-profit, received $65,000 in 2004 from the National Endowment for Democracy (U.S. Govt Funds)

“to work with various independent groups in Cuba to develop their capacity to produce and distribute samizdat. PINF will also help organize the first meeting of the International Committee for Democracy in Cuba [ICDC] to be held in Prague.”

From “Literacy, Censorship and Intellectual Freedom: The Independent Library Movement in Contemporary Cuba” by Kelsey Vidaillet, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Masters Student, at Florida International University, p. 40

The only U.S. member of the ICDC is Madeline Albright, who criticized ALA’s position on “independent libraries” in Cuba at ALA Annual 2006

PINF Annual Reports from 2000 (earliest available) show funds received from National Endowment for Democracy, Center for a Free Cuba, and Freedom House for activities in Cuba. Annual reports acknowledge PINF Cuba program began in 1997.

Ramon Colas attends the 2004 Summit in Prague and the May 2007 International Committee for Democracy in Cuba (ICDC) Conference in Prague/Berlin.

Biblioteca Independientes de Cuba

• Biblioteca Independientes de Cuba”s 2005 990 Form reports that it received
$81,821 (98% of its income) from a U.S. federal government grant

Biblioteca Independientes de Cuba”s 2006-990 Form reports that it received $129,945 (98% of its income) from a non-profit grant from the National Endowment for Democracy (U.S. Govt. Funds).
Mississippi Consortium for International Development and Jackson State Univ..

• The USAID Cuba site lists a number of initiatives for Freedom House and the Center for a Free Cuba, along with many other grantees

Two funded projects listed are:

1) Mississippi Consortium for International Development (MCID) for an “Center for Study of Afro-Cuban issues”

2) Jackson State University-”Helps develop Cuba”s independent libraries”

• The MCID site makes no mention on its website of the Center for Study of Afro-Cuban Issues, but MCID’s 2006 990 Form lists Ramon Colas receiving a salary of $80,000 (the largest salary of any staff member) as a Program Manager for 60 hours a week of work. www.guidestar.org

• Jackson State University is one of 4 institutional partners of MCID. Under the Division of International Studies, Berta Mexidor is listed as Director of Independent Libraries of Cuba
• Job postings on the Bibliotecas Independientes de Cuba website lists posting from May 1, 2007 for two part-time positions from MCID- For an Independent Libraries Assistance and Support Coordinator and an Independent Humanitarian Aid Program Coordinator (with expertise in activities of Independent Librarians). Both positions are for Miami, not Jackson, Mississippi.

New Funding For Cuba- 20 Million

After the GAO report on unsolicited bids for grants in the past, USAID now has an open call for proposals:

• USAID grant GRO-LMA-0002-APS, with a deadline of Dec 31, 2008 is for $20 million dollars for:

The purpose of this APS is to support programs that expand the reach and impact of independent civil society in Cuba, and thereby hasten a peaceful transition to democracy. Successful Applicants will provide assistance to Cuban individuals or independent Cuban NGOs. In full compliance with U.S. Government policies, Applicants will undertake activities to: (1) Break the information blockade by increasing access to, and the flow of, accurate information on democracy, human rights, and free enterprise to, from, and within Cuba, including through independent uncensored access to the Internet particularly with the provision of innovative technology capable of by-passing Cuban Government restrictions. (2) Support advocacy efforts in Cuba that educate, train, provide equipment, and promote adoption of democratic rule of law, free market principles and internationally recognized human rights standards. Advocacy efforts shall promote human rights principles in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.(3) Aid the development of Cuban independent, nongovernmental groups and entities engaged in political competition and consensus-building activities that support democratic and representative processes. (4)Assist the Cuban people to develop peaceful, strong, and independent nongovernmental civil society organizations, professional associations, democratic political parties and other groups through capacity building, equipment assistance (including its use), and technical training. (5) Develop and maintain a dialogue with Cuban human rights activists and other independent groups in Cuba, with special focus on Afro-Cuban and other marginalized communities, on specific issues that must be addressed by a future democratic transition in Cuba. (6) Promote development of a free labor movement and small, independent enterprises.

Rabindranath Tagore. Nobel Prize. 1913. 

The Department of State State and USAID implement U.S. democracy assistance for Cuba through an interagency process. However, communication between these agencies was sometimes ineffective, most critically about grantees’ on-island activities. About 95 percent ($62 million) of USAID’s total awards were made in response to unsolicited proposals; however, after 2004, both USAID and State used formal competition to select grantees. Dissidents in Havana said that U.S. assistance provided moral support and enhanced their ability to work for democracy. In 2005, the 10 grantees we reviewed delivered humanitarian and other aid, training, and information to human rights and political activists, independent librarians and journalists, and political prisoners and their families. Assistance shipped to Cuba included food, medicine, clothing, office equipment and supplies, shortwave radios, books, and newsletters. Grantees also conducted international advocacy for human and workers’ rights in Cuba and planned for a future democratic transition. Given the Cuban government’s repressive policies and opposition to U.S. democracy assistance, grantees employed a range of discreet delivery methods that varied in terms of security, flexibility, and cost. The U.S. Interests Section in Havana, Cuba, a State post, has played an important role in distributing the aid provided by some grantees. Internal controls–both over the awarding of Cuba program grants and oversight of grantees–do not provide adequate assurance that the grant funds are being used properly and that grantees are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Preaward reviews of grantees were not always completed before awards, and USAID did not follow up adequately after awards to correct weaknesses in grantee policies, procedures, and accounting systems identified by these reviews. In addition, standardized grant agreements did not provide sufficient details to support program accountability or the correction of the weaknesses identified by preaward reviews. The Cuba program office also did not adequately manage at-risk grantees and lacked formal review or oversight procedures for monitoring grantee activities. We performed limited testing for 10 grantees and identified questionable expenditures and significant internal control weaknesses with 3 grantees that USAID had not detected. The Cuban government’s active opposition to U.S. democracy assistance presents a challenging operating environment for State and USAID. Although USAID and its grantees have some evaluation and anecdotal information about program results, they have focused on measuring and reporting program activities, such as the volume of food, medicine, or books sent to Cuba. USAID recently took several steps to collect better information about program results, such as increasing staff expertise and meeting more regularly with grantees.

Subject Terms

Accountability
Federal aid to foreign countries
Foreign aid programs
Grant administration
Grant award procedures
Grant monitoring
Grants
Internal controls
International relations
Program evaluation
Cuba

Dear Friends and Library colleagues,

Great News!

We have a really exciting project that carries significant political
weight to tell you about. We are planning to bring a bookmobile to
Granma province in Cuba where it will be used by librarians to provide
library outreach services to rural areas. Dana Lubow recently
purchased it in excellent condition through eBay and it will be ready
to go next year.

In July, 2007, our bookmobile and those of us accompanying it, will
join the Intereligious Foundation for Community Organizations (Pastors
for Peace) (http://www.ifconews.org/). In doing so, we will be
challenging the travel restrictions that impinge upon our right to
travel freely and that hinder the development of professional
exchanges and interhemispheric relations between the U.S. and Cuba.

We believe travel restrictions are unconstitutional and constitute a
loss of our civil and academic rights. U.S. citizens should not be
denied the right to move freely throughout the world. This project is
most important in demonstrating the importance of travel to Cuba as
critical to the free exchange of ideas.

You have previously expressed an interest in helping Cuban libraries
and librarians achieve their service and collection goals. Here’s
what you can do
to help.

1. We need money. Our new organization (Books for Cuba=Libros para
Cuba), a California non-profit organization is tax deductible in
California and will soon have a 501(c)(3) tax status. Monetary
donations will help cover the expenses of this project. Costs have
already been incurred in buying the bookmobile ($7,000) and the
Spanish language books ($8,500). Gas to Mexico for shipment, new
tires, and supplemental equipment will demand another $3,000 as well
as $7,000 to ship the bookmobile from Mexico to Cuba.

2. Come with us next summer. We would really like to have 15 to 20
librarians accompany the bookmobile. Consider taking your next year’s
vacation in Cuba. You will see an exciting and stimulating country
that is quite different than the images you receive in the U.S. It
will be an eye-opening experience.
We are excited to share our progress on these goals.

We are librarians who have visited Cuban libraries for many years and
have formed professional relationships with our counterparts there.
Since 2000, we have led librarian delegations to Cuba. On every trip
our U.S. and Canadian delegates have been touched by the efforts of
Cuban librarians to meet the needs of library users and to help Cuban
libraries to grow. Consequently, North American librarians who have
been to Cuba, as well as those who have heard about our effort to
help, have been trying to aid the Cuban librarians.

Will you join in these efforts?

If you are interested in making a donation of money or books, and/or
if you are intrigued by the idea of visiting Cuba, please contact us at:

Dana Lubow
L.A. Valley College

978 Norumbega Dr.
Monrovia, CA 91016
(626) 303-1078
Dana_lubow@yahoo.org

Rhonda Neugebauer
U.C. Riverside

8327 Barnwood Ln.
Riverside, CA 92508
(951) 776-4889
rhondaneu@charter.net

Many thanks.