Private libraries turn page in Cuba: Book lenders offer variety, draw scorn of Castro regime

Chicago Tribune ^ | February 10, 2002 | Laurie Goering-Tribune foreign correspondent

[Cincinatus' Wife]

HAVANA -- The faded tomes of Rogelio Traviso's independent library spill out of two small bookcases in his home's tiny back office, sharing space with an ancient Olivetti typewriter and a decrepit love seat piled with out-of-date foreign newsmagazines.

"I'd like this to be bigger but I don't have the money for more shelves," the 55-year-old political dissident said.

Since 1999, Traviso has been welcoming neighbors, fellow opposition members and anyone else who is interested into his home to borrow books--the ones that he says Cuba's public libraries do not offer.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Feb. 8, 2002, 1:32AM Democracy, rights must be embraced, U.S. envoy tells Cubans (recognizes dissidents) [Excerpt] On another issue, Huddleston said members of Cuba's political opposition should not be underestimated.

"The human rights activists represent those people who would like to be part of the world," Huddleston said. "The independent journalists represent all the people who want to speak out."

Seven dissidents met briefly with Mexican President Vicente Fox during his visit to Cuba Monday.

The meeting, Huddleston said, was "very, very important" because it provided the dissidents with recognition.

"Those dissidents represent the Cuban people and their hopes," she said. [End Excerpt]...Vicki Huddleston, chief of the U.S. Interests Section.

LINKS to Casto's Cuba