The Dominica Library and Information Services (DLIS) marked the opening of Library Week with a ceremony on Monday 17 May, 2021. This year’s theme is ‘The Dynamism of Information Access: Today and Beyond the Pandemic’.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the awarding Mr. Roy ‘Dutchy’ Tonge for his contribution to the DLIS.
Mr. Tonge has worked at the Public Library for twenty six (26) years and is described as an honest, humble and knowledgeable professional. His duties included the general upkeep of the premises and assisting with library activities. However he was more than willing to akways take on other jobs not officially outlined in his job description.
His citation read, “His quiet and easy going disposition and eagerness to work made his relationship with members of staff a cordial one…He was reliable and professional throughout his stint”.
The US Embassy Bridgetown for the American Spaces was also awarded for making a significant contribution to the DLIS.
“The American Corner Dominica under the direction of the US Embassy Bridgetown, Barbados has over ten years cemented a creative, meaningful, innovative and strong partnership with the DLIS. Through this partnership the DLIS has benefitted through a number of initiatives such as grants, equipment, technology, supplies, literature and materials to a tune of over two hundred and fifty thousand US Dollars”. (Taken from citation read)
Chief Librarian, Mrs. Verlander Raymond outlined some of the major achievements of the DLIS as well as the path they hope to chart in the future.She said that over the years the DLIS has expanded to include the Documentation Center which serves as the research arm and repository for government publications, the Archives Unit which is a national repository providing access to records and the Mobile Library Service which serves schools around the island.”Our service continually transforms to adequately respond to the changing needs of users, advances in technology, the threats of disaster and certainly over the last year the challenges of the Covid19 pandemic”, Mrs. Raymond said.
Raymond highlighted some of the measures put in place as a result of the pandemic. Two of them were an increase in the loan period and an increase in the number of books which may be loaned at one time. These measures served to effectively reduce the need for frequent visits to the Library. According to her, the library also offers groundbreaking technological services including being able to view the entire collection online as well as being able to reserve books and register.
Raymond said that this years theme highlights the commitment to information provision even in the face of crisis.
She said further, “The DLIS looks forward to collaborating more with schools, offering free literacy programs to help all citizens, having more comfortable spaces for reading, working and relaxing; offering a broader selection of Ebooks and other online resources”.
She continued, “We look forward to a new Roseau Public Library and the opportunities that it will provide the DLIS in creating a major shift in Library services in Dominica. Within these walls, we excitingly await to engage you, all citizens, in information, media and critical thinking skills, health, reading and dancing clubs, with tech and media centers, free events and meeting spaces for adult lectures, cultural events, programs designed for children, teens and the elderly with access to the latest technology where citizens design new products and businesses, launch them online and communicate with their clients. Additionally, we hope to support the E-government initiative serving as a center to facilitate online payment of bills or other requests for services or for accessing E-banking platforms”.
Meanwhile, Minister for Education, Hon. Octavia Alfred says that she can confirm that Government is actively vetting plans to ensure that when the Roseau Public Library is rebuilt the natural aesthetic, history and culture will be preserved. She said that she is unable at this time to give a date when work will begin on the Roseau Public Library which was severely damaged during the passage of Hurricane Marica in 2017.
Library Week has been celebrated for the past 20 years in the month of May. This month was chosen as it marked the formal opening of the Carnegie Library that served as the Roseau Public Library and headquarters of the Public Library Services on May 11, 1907.
