Launch of National Library Week 2016...

The National Association of Libraries and Information Professionals (NALIP) Saint Lucia, launched its annual National Library Week 2016, under the theme “Libraries and Information Centers Transform”. The ceremony took place on March 14th, 2016 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 ceremony began with the introduction of the Master and Mistress of Ceremonies, Mr. Travis Weekes (lecturer) and Ms. Melissa Moses (librarian at the National Archives Authority). This was followed by welcome remarks by the host venue head, Mrs. Margot Thomas, Archivist. The Association’s president, Ms. Daisy St. Rose delivered opening remarks on behalf of NALIP Saint Lucia. Ms. St Rose expressed her appreciation to the attendees for their support of the Association and said that the theme seeks 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 public can participate by emailing their stories and “Libraries Transform Because… Statements” to nalipslu@gmail.com or posting on our facebook page National Association of Libraries and Information Professionals – Saint Lucia or you can connect with us via twitter @NALIP_SLU

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. Mr. Edward, in his remarks, 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 at the Office of the Prime Minister, was the guest speaker for this ceremony. Ms. French 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 giveaway 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.

The association expresses its gratitude to all sponsors of the 2016 National Library and Information Week of activities such as Fast cash, Consolidated Foods Limited, Dr. Atef Daniel of Caring Touch Dental, La Bordes Gym, Digicel and Computer World. These sponsors continue to provide much needed support to the development of the profession.

Library Week continues from March 14- 19th 2016 with the following activities:

Tuesday March 15th, 2016: Library Dollar Day: Kids Give back @ All Schools

:Lunch time Poetry: Men/ Women in Poetry at Central Library

Wednesday March 16th, 2016: Libraries and Information Workers Day-Most libraries will remain closed

Thursday March 17th, 2016: Patron Appreciation Day@ all Libraries

: Literary Night at Central Library

Friday March 18th, 2016: Community Outreach Day

: Visit to: Retired( Shut- ins) Librarians

:The Bocage Secondary School

Saturday March 26th, 2016: Boat ride to Martinique- Wave Riders.