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Focus on literacy as National Library celebrates 100 years
The National Library
The desire to read books has notably diminished over the years among young children, but is a practice that must be reinforced.
This is according to employee of the National Library, Margaret Eastman, who is currently carrying out the functions of Coordinator for the Education Committee as the Library celebrates 100 years of existence.
The National Library, situated in Georgetown at the corner of Main and Church Streets, next door to Hotel Tower, came into being in the year 1909 and is one of Guyana’s most outstanding historic landmarks.
Eastman pointed out that the library is in fact the country’s longest standing literacy lifeline.
Ever since the library opened its doors to the public, Eastman said, a wealth of information was unleashed even though it was restricted to some extent.
According to her, in the inception, members of the public did not have direct access to the materials within the library but rather they were able to make requests for the information they desired.
But as the years went by and society incorporated changes, the library was not willing to be left behind and started to evolve with the times.
In addition to offering hands on access to the public, adding Internet Services and expanding the actual building to better accommodate both the public and staffers, plans were also put into motion to expand the library service to other parts of the country.
Today, Eastman noted, the Library has branches in Anna Regina, New Amsterdam, Corriverton, Linden, Bagotsville, and Ruimveldt.
However, with the passage of time, Eastman explained, it has been observed that many users of the library, primarily the younger generation, have more of a passion for using the internet rather than delving into books that could provide in-depth information.
And so as part of celebrating 100 years of existence, Eastman said that efforts will be geared at highlighting the importance of the public service the library offers.
Under the theme ‘Empowering the nation through literacy’ the National Library has been celebrating its long-standing presence in the society since last month. The observance, according to Eastman, commenced with a church service and was emphasised on Republic Day when the entity participated in the Float Parade depicting the library as the literacy lifeline of Guyana.
A Quiz competition for primary and secondary schools has also since started in which students are being questioned about the History and Geography of Guyana, the History of the National Library, and the Guyana Prize for Literature.
Eastman said that through the quizzes it is hoped that the young people will learn more about the National Library; recognise the library as one of the main information centres in Guyana; become more knowledgeable about their country’s rich history and its geography; develop a love for and loyalty to their country; become familiar with the names of Guyanese and Caribbean writers and their works, and develop enthusiasm for creative writing.
Among the primary level of schools that have been proposed to participate in the competition are St Agnes, St Angela’s, West Ruimveldt, Winfer Gardens, Stella Maris, St Gabriel’s, North Georgetown and F. E. Pollard. Slated to compete in the secondary level are Tutorial, Brickdam, Christ Church, North Ruimveldt Multilateral, North Georgetown, Charlestown, St Joseph, and Richard Ishmael.
In addition to the quiz, there will also be a debating competition, both of which will be held at the National Communications Network.
According to Eastman, all of the students who emerge champions at the competitions will be featured in a special magazine which is intended to show the progress of the National Library over the years.
Among the several other activities which will be engaged is a photographic exhibition, hosting of school tours of the library, a health walk and day of sport.
The observance, Eastman said, is slated to culminate in the month of September at which point persons who have worked for 10 years or more with the National Library will be honoured.
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