When a library is named after you, you know you're doing something right.

There's a library and technology center located in Danli, Honduras, that bears the name of local Rotarian and East Hempfield Township resident Dave Lawrence. Biblioteca Dave Lawrence was dedicated in the waning days of last year.

"When I first found out about it, I was totally shocked and surprised," said Lawrence. "They tried to keep it a secret. No one mentioned anything to me. It'll be there long after I'm gone. The people who I've met down there are friends now."

In cooperation with the local Rotary Club in Danli, the library and technology and education center was named in Lawrence's honor to recognize his overall altruistic contributions to the area, his direct efforts in constructing the library and the $12,000 donated by the Lancaster Sunrise Rotary Club, of which Lawrence is a member, to fund the project. The library was built right next to a school in Danli that serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

"We basically focus on water, medical, dental needs and construction," said Lawrence, a 68-year-old third-generation Rotarian. "These kids have nothing. The only hope for their future is education. The health care helps. But this is something happening in their village, and when they find out about it, it's like 'How can I help?' It's awesome to see. I don't speak Spanish, but I've always been able to communicate, especially with the kids."

A native of Vermont, Lawrence moved to Lancaster County in 2012. His involvement with a Rotary Club there has continued through Lancaster Sunrise Rotary Club.

This month, Lawrence will be making his 16th mission trip to Danli, accompanied by a handful of other local Rotarians.

"They're all community improvement-type projects," said Lawrence. "I just call it a grounding experience because it shows you the difference between what you want and what you need. These people have nothing, but they have great attitudes. There's just something to it that makes me want to go back every year."

"We've gone back to schools we built earlier and put additions on," he added. "It's kind of doing the same things every time, but with different people and different projects. I look at it like, 'What else can I do? Just tell me what to do.'"

Operating under the motto of "Service Above Self," the Lancaster Sunshine Rotary Club, which meets Thursdays at 7:15 a.m. at Bent Creek Country Club, 620 Bent Creek Drive, Lititz, sponsors a wide variety of service projects - both abroad and domestic - including Manheim Township's Students of the Month.

"This is just some of the good that Rotary does around the world," said Lawrence. "People don't know what Rotary is because Rotary is not good at bragging. Rotary is a great organization that's well run and well organized."

"I really enjoy helping people," Lawrence continued. "They're very appreciative. It makes you feel good when you make other people's lives better. It's almost like being Santa Claus."

For additional information about the Lancaster Sunrise Rotary Club, go to http://www.lancastersunriserotaryofpa.com/.