Education

El Salvador's National Library: opaque Chinese funding, mostly Western holdings

To inaugurate the library they touted as the 'largest and most modern in the region,' organizers had to borrow shelves from another library.

Aerial view of El Salvador's National Library (BINAES), a project funded and constructed by China in San Salvador’s historic center. [Marvin Recinos/AFP]
Aerial view of El Salvador's National Library (BINAES), a project funded and constructed by China in San Salvador’s historic center. [Marvin Recinos/AFP]

By Gaby Chávez |

SAN SALVADOR -- A new detail has emerged about the November 2023 opening of El Salvador's National Library (BINAES), touted as the "largest and most modern in the region": officials borrowed shelves from the University of El Salvador to ensure the facility opened on time.

These shelves had been in storage, awaiting installation on campus, university rector Juan Rosa Quintanilla revealed in mid-February.

"The minister of public works (Romeo Rodriguez) said BINAES was set to open, but the supplier couldn't deliver the furniture on time, so they asked us to lend ours. Of course, we signed a letter of understanding," Quintanilla told digital media outlet TVX.

His statements have intensified doubts about the project's planning and execution. China funded the library with a $54 million donation, and Chinese company YanJian Group handled the construction.

A themed exhibit inside El Salvador's BINAES featuring statues and artwork inspired by popular Western franchises such as Star Wars and DC Comics. [Gaby Chávez]
A themed exhibit inside El Salvador's BINAES featuring statues and artwork inspired by popular Western franchises such as Star Wars and DC Comics. [Gaby Chávez]
A 'The Lord of the Rings' themed book display inside El Salvador's BINAES showcasing J.R.R. Tolkien's works alongside decorative elements inspired by Middle-earth. [Gaby Chávez]
A 'The Lord of the Rings' themed book display inside El Salvador's BINAES showcasing J.R.R. Tolkien's works alongside decorative elements inspired by Middle-earth. [Gaby Chávez]

Secrecy and closed doors

El Salvador's government has classified all information about BINAES, which President Nayib Bukele formally opened to the public November 14, 2023. Construction of the building began in February 2022.

Officials have justified withholding financial details by claiming that revealing them could "endanger national defense and public safety," according to a report by Citizen Action, an organization that requested access to the information.

"The little that is known about this project comes from a note on the Presidency's website, stating that China funded it with an estimated $54 million donation," Citizen Action noted in its October report.

A seven-year confidentiality period applies to all information about the library's renovation, citing an agreement between the China International Economic Cooperation Agency and El Salvador's Ministry of Culture under the BINAES Construction Assistance Project, the Ministry of Culture told Citizen Action.

This secrecy has sparked alarms and fueled suspicions about possible misappropriation of funds during construction.

Western culture

BINAES stands as the first library in El Salvador to offer 24-hour public access, drawing hundreds of visitors daily.

Its striking structure in the heart of San Salvador captivates both locals and tourists. Yet a notable paradox emerges within its halls: China funded its construction, but almost all books, documents and resources reflect a deep Western influence.

Entire sections celebrate American culture, showcasing Marvel superheroes, Star Wars novels and New York Times bestsellers like Marissa Meyer's series of novels, The Lunar Chronicles.

Themed exhibitions highlight sagas such as Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, featuring life-size character figures and other symbols.

Meanwhile, Chinese literature remains almost entirely absent among the library's 360,000 physical books and 9 million digital titles.

The most popular section caters to young visitors and reinforces the library's strong Western cultural focus.

Even as authorities deepen diplomatic and economic ties with China, Salvadoran society and its educational institutions favor Western literature.

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Hopefully, China will demand that the government of El Salvador repay the investment made there, since the investment was tainted by embezzlement of funds and Chinese money cannot be used solely to finance the promotion and support of a decadent culture, among other things made in the USA.

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