What is a Gradarak Nahapetavan?

Imagine a colorful space in Nahapetavan, a small village in Armenia’s Shirak region, where young minds explore new worlds through books, creativity flourishes, and community bonds grow stronger. Gradarak NGO is making this dream a reality by building its 9th library—our very first in Shirak. This project is more than just a library; it's a platform of opportunity for children, youth, and families in a region that deserves greater access to educational and community resources.

Our vision for Nahapetavan Library is a modern, multi-functional space located within the local school. It will house 750 new books in three languages, 50 educational board games, and creative craft materials, transforming the traditional library model into a dynamic community center. Here, learning, collaboration, and connection will thrive through educational and social events in a child-friendly, accessible environment.

This project is particularly close to our hearts. Initiated in 2021, it’s our longest-running endeavor and has faced significant challenges, especially financial ones. This library represents hope and progress, not just for Nahapetavan but for our broader vision of a decentralized Armenia where every village can flourish.

With your support, we aim to complete this library by spring of 2025. Your contribution will help us bring this space to life, empowering Nahapetavan to grow, learn, and dream. 

About Gradarak Libraries NGO

Since 2018, Gradarak has been transforming rural communities in Armenia through the power of libraries. Our unique approach reimagines libraries as vibrant community hubs—welcoming spaces where people can gather, learn, share, and grow together. With eight libraries already active and a ninth on the way, we’ve engaged over 1,200 active readers and hosted numerous educational events and projects. Together, these libraries house more than 5,000 books, serving 22 communities and providing inclusive spaces for people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Our work is made possible thanks to the support of esteemed partners such as AGBU, the Izmirlian Foundation, the Armenian Educational Foundation, COAF, UNICEF Armenia and UMCOR Armenia Foundation.

The Problem behind our Mission: A Lack of Spaces for Growth and Connection

In many rural villages across Armenia, including Nahapetavan, there is a critical problem: the absence of “third spaces”—places outside of school, work, or home where people can gather, learn, and connect. This gap leaves communities without the cultural and educational hubs needed for fostering creativity, collaboration, and engagement.

In Nahapetavan, the only library is a small school facility used primarily for textbook distribution. It remains closed for most of the year, offering no meaningful role in the community. This lack of accessible, welcoming spaces deprives children and youth of opportunities for non-formal education, self-discovery, and open communication. Without such environments, the community faces stagnation, limited perspectives, and a diminished value placed on education, leaving children unaware of their potential and restricting their aspirations for a brighter future.

See the complete design concept for the Nahapetavan Library by SNKH Studios.

Our Solution: Reimagining Libraries as Community Hubs

Gradarak tackles the problem of missing "third places" in Armenian villages by creating modern libraries that go far beyond books and physical spaces. These libraries are vibrant, multi-functional hubs designed to foster informal education, personal growth, and community engagement. They become true "third places" where people of all ages can gather, interact, and learn outside the confines of school or home.

Our libraries offer high-quality books and educational resources while cultivating a culture of curiosity, creativity, and connection. Each library serves as a youth hub, a learning center, and a community space, hosting workshops, masterclasses, and intercommunity visits that equip young people with essential 21st-century skills.

With over 1,200 active users across seven libraries, Gradarak has already made a meaningful impact by enhancing literacy, building self-confidence, and fostering stronger community ties in its other communities. Once the Nahapetavan library opens, we’ll launch even more initiatives, including:

• Intercommunity visits between Nahapetavan and our other libraries.
• A summer camp in Vayots Dzor for youth from all Gradarak communities.
• A 10-session workshop series on life skills, including Emotional Intelligence, in partnership with a leading organization.

By addressing the problem of limited community spaces, Gradarak libraries provide lasting solutions that empower individuals and strengthen rural communities.

What Your Support Will Achieve

The funds raised with your help will cover the costs of furniture, remaining books, games, electronic devices, and librarian training. Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to completing this essential space for Nahapetavan and surrounding villages like Harich, Saralanj, and Artik. Together, we can create a place that enhances education, builds community connections, and fosters the next generation of Armenian thinkers, creators, and leaders.

See the detailed budget of the project.

Your Impact

A donation to Gradarak's Nahapetavan Library Project means you’re contributing to:

• Access to Knowledge: 750+ books in Armenian, English, and Russian, educational games, and resources.
• Community Connection: A library as a community hub for events, workshops, and collaborative learning.
• Future-Ready Youth: Developing 21st-century skills through workshops, events, and inter-community activities.

Join Us in Creating a Place Where Dreams Can Grow

By donating, you’re helping bring to life a place where Nahapetavan’s children and community members can gather, learn, and dream. Be a part of building a library that stands as a beacon of hope, knowledge, and unity in Shirak. Join us in creating a brighter future for Nahapetavan — one book, one game, one child at a time.

Donations from Russia

For donations from Russia or via Russian cards, you can use the following Sberbank account:

Account Holder: Arusyak Zeynalyan

Card Number: 2202 2026 8007 0517

Contact Us 

We would love to hear from you! If you have any questions or suggestions, please reach out to us. 

Email: gradaraklibraries@gmail.com

Phone number: +374 77 01 18 14

Follow us on social media as we plan to be more socially active in 2025:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gradarak
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gradarak_libraries/?hl=en

Thank you for your interest in supporting the creation of a new Gradarak library and fostering a love for reading, dreaming big, and creating positive change locally. Together, we can make it happen.