National Library Week Launched

THE National Association of Libraries and Information Professionals (NALIP) Saint Lucia, launched its annual National Library Week, under the theme “Libraries and Information Centres Transform”.

The ceremony took place on Monday at the National Archives Authority of Saint Lucia. The annual week seeks to highlight and to also celebrate the work of librarians and other information workers,

The brief ceremony brought together many librarians, records managers, other information workers and invited guests. The Association’s president, Ms. Daisy St. Rose delivered opening remarks on behalf of NALIP Saint Lucia in which she expressed her appreciation to the attendees for their support of the Association and said that the theme sought to increase public awareness of the valuable impact of the services libraries and information centres provide.

She called on the public to help the Association showcase the transformative nature of today’s information centres and amplify its voice for advocacy of information through increased participation in the recently launched ‘Libraries Transform Campaign”.

The president highlighted that library and information centres add value in education, in employment, empowerment of our people and in engagement.

Writer and librarian, Mr. John Robert Lee, who also serves as an editor in the association, read from his new collection of poetry, City remembrances. Among the many invited guests was Mr. Marcus Edward, Chief Education Officer at the Ministry of Education who commended librarians for their commitment to the field during this technological evolution. He also gave some key advice to librarians given the transformation of libraries to foster information literacy especially in the schools and reiterated the ministry’s support of libraries and information units.

Ms. Dawn French, the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, who was the guest speaker, challenged librarians to reform libraries in order to continue to meet the needs of the communities and institutions that they serve.

The ceremony came to a close with a musical rendition by local musician Mr. Dien Thomas and a prize give-away from one of the Associations’ sponsors this year, Fast Cash St. Lucia Ltd., followed by the vote of thanks delivered by Oliviann Weekes of the Marchand Public Library.

Library Week continues from with the following activities:
Thursday March 17: Patron Appreciation Day at all Libraries
: Literary Night at Central Library
Friday March 18: Community Outreach Day
: Visit to retired ( shut- ins) librarians
:TheBocage Secondary School
Saturday March 26: Boat ride to Martinique- Wave Riders.