Costa Rican-North American Cultural Center inaugurates newly renovated Mark Twain Library -

From left, U.S. Embassy Counselor for Press and Cultural Affairs Mary Daschback, Costa Rican-North American Cultural Center board President Allison Wanamaker, CCCN Executive Director Karl Schmack, and library coordinator Betsy Zuñiga inaugurate the newly renovated Mark Twain Library at the Costa Rican-North American Cultural Center in San Pedro, east of San José, on Thursday, July 31, 2014. After weeks of work, the library has a new image, more space and added services for visitors.

“In recent decades, the world’s libraries have had to evolve and reinvent themselves to stay relevant and fulfill their role in shaping society,” Schmack said. Among the library’s new services are “EducationUSA,” a program that helps students who want to study in the U.S.; “Career Success Center,” a program that helps people looking for a job; and “Pruebas Internacionales,” a global English-language certification program. The library is open Monday to Saturday at the Center’s 5 different locations in San Pedro, La Sabana, Cartago, Heredia and Alajuela.