American Corner Jimma

AC Opening Date:    October 24, 2008

Host Institution:      Jimma City Public Library

Mailing Address:      C/O  Jimma Culture and Tourism Office; P.O. B ox 203, Jimma, Ethiopia

Contact Person: 
Mrs. Fetlework Kebede
American Corner Coordinator and Library Manager
Tel: (off) - 251-47-1-11-2759; (mob) 251-910-09-97-43
E-mail: fetleworkkebede@yahoo.com

Opening Hours:  
Open 7 days a week -
Monday-Sunday: Morning 9:00 AM – Noon; Afternoon 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

The Jimma AC was established in October 2008 and its grand opening got coverage on America.gov  http://www.america.gov/st/foraid-english/2008/October/20081027182543cpataruk0.3349224.html?CP.rss=true This AC is hosted by the Jimma City Public Library under the immediate supervision of the Jimma City Tourism and Culture Office.   This American Corner library provides accurate and up-to-date information about political, economic, cultural, educational and social trends and values in the United States.  This American Corner serves people from different walks of life with their scholarly, professional and personal needs in Jimma city.

Partnership is an important aspect of American Corners, and our partner, the Jimma City Culture and Tourism Office has kindly provided the space at the Jimma City Public Library and personnel for operation and maintenance of the corner.  This American Corner also serves its users as a gateway to the information resources available at the United States Embassy in Addis Ababa by closing the geographical distance between regions. Over U.S. $ 32,000 was spent to establish this center.
 
In addition to the furniture (computer desks, chairs, and book shelves) and equipment (computers, printer, TV set, VCR)  provided by the US Embassy, the American Corner contains books, CD ROMs, videos, computers, Internet, etc.  The print and electronic collections cover diverse subjects such as history, art, business, development, journalism/media, reference, U.S. government information, health and HIV/AIDS, etc.

Moreover, the American Corner’s space will be used as the venue for holding different activities in partnership with the host institution.  Such activities may include but not limited to:-
• Public lecture venue for speakers, U.S. Embassy staff, scholars, professionals or scientists talking on diverse topics
• Focal point for networking USG program with businesses, academes, NGOs and other groups
• Serve as exhibit site
• Venue for locally generated programs such as film showing, and education advising on higher education in the United States for students from schools and colleges.