Di Cawna Library has launched its seventh community library in Cheshire Village, featuring an accessible design that allows both able-bodiedand differently-abled community members to access and enjoy books with ease. 

The library, named Di AMO Cawna Library, was officially opened on December 11, 2025.

This library was made possible through global and local support from Friends of Annette Martin Ozaltin (AMO) and the American International School of Kingston (AISK) community. Their collective generosity transformed repurposed refrigerators into a vibrant learning space embedded within the community.

Founded on the belief that literacy is a right, not a luxury, Di Cawna Library brings books directly into communities by repurposing discarded refrigerators into bookcases. In doing so, the initiative transforms what is thrown away into spaces of imagination, learning, and opportunity.

Speaking at the launch, Rachael McDonald, Founder of Di Cawna Library, underscored the purpose driving the initiative: “Di Cawna Library was born out of the belief that books must be accessible, and that every child and adult deserves the opportunity to read, dream, and grow.”

The launch brought together community members, parents, students, educators, authors, and national and multilateral partners.

Fayval Williams, Minister of Finance and the Public Service and Member of Parliament for St. Andrew Eastern, delivered remarks and was recognised as the first Minister to publicly endorse Di Cawna Library nearly three years ago.

Minister Williams praised the initiative and expressed hope for its replication across more Jamaican communities.

The library also honours the legacy of Annette Martin Ozaltin, whose initials — AMO — lend their name to the space. Amo, the Spanish word for “I love,” reflects the spirit at the heart of the project. 

Emre Ozaltin, husband of the late Annette Martin Ozaltin, reiterated her belief that reading is a great equaliser and that a love of reading and books is a gift every child should have, regardless of background or circumstance.

Community voices were central to the programme, including a testimonial from a local parent highlighting the importance of safe, accessible spaces where children can develop a love for reading. Members of the AISK school community were also present, having supported the project from its early stages.

To date, Di Cawna Library has impacted hundreds of families, with approximately 10,000 infant- and primary-level students benefiting from access to books through scaled-down Di Likkle Libraries placed in over 20 schools.

The launch concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a read-aloud led by AISK educator Margaret Adam, and a community tour, officially placing Di AMO Cawna Library into the hands of the Cheshire Village community.