The community library that rescued the creek

The community library that rescued the creek

In the Sabaneta neighborhood, a creek that for years was synonymous with trash and neglect is now the center of a project that unites books, trees, and neighbors. It all started in 2018, when a group of grandparents from the neighborhood, tired of seeing water run through rubble and plastics, decided to take matters into their own hands. They had no budget or official support, just the desire to change their surroundings. What they didn't know was that their initiative would become a community library that today lends children's books, offers recycling workshops, and has managed to recover an entire stretch of the creek. This is not a fairy tale: it is the true story of how a handful of neighbors brought a piece of Medellín back to life.

Origin of the project: a group of grandparents in 2018

It all began at a meeting of the community action board of the Sabaneta neighborhood in July 2018. Doña María, a 72-year-old woman who has lived in the neighborhood for over 40 years, proposed something that sounded crazy: turning the vacant lot next to the creek into a space for reading. "The children here have nowhere to do homework; they just play in the street," she said that night. What followed was a chain of solidarity. The grandparents started collecting used books, some neighbors donated old shelves, and others lent chairs. Thus, the Biblioteca Comunitaria La Quebrada was born, a name they all chose together in a vote with slips of paper.

The first months were tough. The place was a roofless plot, smelling of dampness and surrounded by weeds. But the grandparents didn't give up. They got the Mayor's Office of Medellín to lend them an old tent and, with their own hands, cleaned the space. In December 2018, the library opened with 150 books, mostly children's books, donated by families from the neighborhood. There were no computers or internet, just a wooden table and the will to read aloud. Today, in July 2026, the library has over 2,000 titles, a community garden, and a group of volunteers that grows every Saturday.

Description of the library: books, workshops and a garden

The community library is not an elegant building. It is a 40-square-meter room, painted green and yellow, with large windows overlooking the creek. Inside, the shelves are full of children's books: stories from Colombian tradition, graphic novels, encyclopedias, and school textbooks. But what makes it special is not the books, but what happens around them.

Recycling and urban garden workshops

Every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the library organizes free workshops. There are workshops on how to make recycled paper, home composting, planting vegetables in plastic bottles, and even painting classes with reused materials. The workshops are led by local volunteers, many of them young people who grew up in the neighborhood. "Here, children learn that trash can be a toy or a flowerpot," says Carlos, a 28-year-old biologist who leads the urban garden workshop. Participants take home lettuce, tomato, or basil plants, and the library has become a seedbed for environmental awareness.

The children's book collection

The heart of the library is the children's books. There are classics like "The Little Prince" and stories written by authors from Antioquia, such as "La cebra y el arcoíris" by local writer Ana María Jaramillo. Children can take up to three books home for fifteen days, free of charge. There are no fines for late returns, just a friendly chat with the grandparents who manage the lending. "The important thing is that they read, not that they pay us," says don Pedro, one of the founders.

The impact on the creek: cleaning and tree planting

The library doesn't just lend books. Since 2019, neighbors have organized creek clean-up days every two months. What started with 10 people picking up bags of trash now brings together over 50 volunteers, including children and teenagers. They have removed tires, old appliances, plastics, and even a mattress. But they didn't stop there. In 2021, with help from the Corporación Autónoma Regional de Antioquia (Corantioquia), they planted 200 native trees on the banks: guayacanes, carboneros, and ceibas. Today, the creek is no longer a dump. The water runs clearer, and butterflies and birds that were once absent can be seen.

The change is visible. Where there was once rubble, there is now a pedestrian path with benches made from recycled tires. Neighbors go for walks, children play near the water, and families have picnics on weekends. "This was a danger, now it's a park," says doña María, with a smile that never fades. In July 2026, the creek is an example of what an organized community can achieve, without waiting for the government to do everything.

How to participate: donate books or time on Saturdays

If you live in Medellín or are visiting, you can join this project. The community library needs two things: books and hands. Children's books in good condition are welcome, especially stories, graphic novels, and school textbooks. You can drop them off at the library on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or get in touch through the Facebook page "Biblioteca La Quebrada Sabaneta".

If you have time, Saturdays are the key day. Volunteers meet to organize the shelves, give workshops, clean the creek, or plant. You don't need experience: the grandparents will teach you. Wear comfortable clothes, bring water, and lots of enthusiasm. The exact address is Carrera 45 # 32-10, Sabaneta neighborhood, two blocks from the Sabaneta Metro station. It's easy to get there: get off at the station, walk south along Carrera 45, and in 10 minutes you'll be there.

Testimonials from children who learned to read

The most beautiful thing about the library is the children's stories. Sofía, 8 years old, arrived in 2022 unable to read. Her mother brought her because she had no one to leave her with while she worked. The grandparents taught her letters using animal stories. Today, Sofía reads aloud to other children and dreams of becoming a writer. "My favorite book is 'La cebra y el arcoíris', because it talks about colors," she says proudly.

Then there's Juan, 11 years old, who used to spend his afternoons on the street. One Saturday, out of curiosity, he joined a recycling workshop. Now he is one of the most active volunteers: he helps plant trees and care for the garden. "Here I learned that I can do good things for my neighborhood," he says. The library doesn't just teach reading: it shapes citizens who care for their environment.

Local tips

• Bring cash: Although the workshops are free, sometimes they sell plants or crafts made by the children. Bring 1,000 or 2,000 COP coins to support them.
• Arrive early: On Saturdays, the first workshop starts at 9 a.m. If you arrive after 10 a.m., spots may fill up. In July 2026, the garden workshops are the most popular.
• Use sunscreen and repellent: The creek has mosquitoes, especially after rain. Better to be safe.
• Don't expect luxury: This is a neighborhood library, not a cultural center with air conditioning. There are fans, plastic chairs, and lots of love.
• Connect with the grandparents: If you speak Spanish, ask them about the neighborhood's history. They have stories that aren't in any book.

How to get there and transportation

Getting to the library is easy from anywhere in Medellín. Use the Metro: get off at Sabaneta station (Line A). From there, walk south along Carrera 45 for 10 minutes. You'll see a hand-painted sign that says "Biblioteca La Quebrada". If you prefer the bus, routes 300 and 301 of the integrated system pass nearby. By taxi or Uber, tell the driver "Carrera 45 con calle 32, barrio Sabaneta". The trip from downtown Medellín costs around 15,000 COP (reference prices from July 2026).

If you come by car, there is street parking, but it's narrow. Better to use the Metro to avoid stress. The library does not have its own parking lot.

Frequently asked questions

Does the library charge for the workshops?

No, all workshops are completely free. There is no registration fee or materials to buy. Everything you need (seeds, paper, paint) is provided by the library thanks to donations. However, if you want to support, you can leave a book or a bag of fertilized soil.

Can I go if I don't speak Spanish?

Yes, although most volunteers only speak Spanish. The children will welcome you with gestures and smiles. If you speak English, look for Carlos, the biologist, who studied at a bilingual university and can help you. The workshops are visual and hands-on, so you don't need to master the language to participate.

How do I know if the workshops are still active in 2026?

In July 2026, workshops are held every Saturday, without exception, from 9 a.m. to noon. To confirm special schedules (like the creek clean-ups, which are on the first Saturday of each month), you can check the Facebook page "Biblioteca La Quebrada Sabaneta". They don't have a landline, but they respond to messages on the social network within a couple of days.

Call to action

Bring a children's book and sign up for the next urban garden workshop at the library. This Saturday at 9 a.m., at Carrera 45 # 32-10, Sabaneta neighborhood. It doesn't matter if you come alone or with your family: everyone has a place here. The creek awaits you.

Historical or contextual introduction

The creek in the Sabaneta neighborhood has had a tumultuous history. For years, it was a forgotten and polluted space, where trash accumulated and wildlife was scarce. However, over time, the community began to become aware of the importance of this natural space and its potential to become a meeting place and cultural development hub.

The community library project is not only focused on reading and learning but has become a symbol of the environmental and social revitalization of the area. The union of books and nature has allowed neighbors to reconnect with their environment and with each other, fostering a sense of belonging and collective responsibility.

Furthermore, the library has integrated activities that promote environmental education, which has led to a greater appreciation of the creek and its ecosystems. This change in mindset is crucial to ensure that the space remains a meeting place and does not fall back into neglect.

This project is a clear example of how a community can transform its environment, turning what was once a symbol of neglect into a beacon of hope and unity.

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What to do

Visit the Community Library

The library is the soul of the project. Here you can find not only books but also workshops and cultural activities that promote reading and unity among neighbors. Don't forget to ask about scheduled activities, as they often offer everything from reading clubs to creative writing workshops.

Insider Tip: Arrive early to enjoy the