The Rotary Club of Portsmouth officially opened a new container library at the Savanne Paille Primary School on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
The library, originally commissioned in 2019, was made possible through a collaborative effort between the Rotary Club of Portsmouth, the Rotary Club of Bracebridge, Hands Across the Sea, the Ministry of Education, and numerous generous sponsors.
Principal of the Savanne Paille Primary School, Ms. Juanita Carbon, highlighted the significance of the new facility.
“A library is more than just a room filled with books. It is the heart of any school. It is a place where ideas come alive, where budding writers emerge, and where the love of learning is nurtured. This new library represents our school’s commitment to creating an environment where every student has the opportunity to explore, imagine, and discover. This space is here to serve and uplift every learner in our school.”
Ms. Carbon expressed heartfelt thanks to all involved in bringing the project to fruition.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who helped bring this vision to life—our dedicated staff, generous sponsors, the Rotary Club of Portsmouth—our main sponsor for this occasion, our volunteers, and of course our students, whose excitement and energy remind us daily why we do what we do.”
She also noted that there is still more work to be done to fully realize the library’s potential, including the appointment of a full-time librarian.
Meanwhile, President of the Rotary Club of Portsmouth, Mr. McNamara Joseph, remarked that while the club has undertaken many projects at Savanne Paille Primary—having adopted the school several years ago—this library initiative holds special significance.
He extended appreciation to all who contributed to the project, including Rotary Club District 710 (which encompasses clubs from St. Kitts to Suriname) and Rotary Club District 7010 in Canada, particularly the Rotary Club of Bracebridge.
Mr. Joseph reminded students of the power of reading, quoting Walt Disney: “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.”
The students were thrilled to enter their new library and were visibly delighted by the welcoming and imaginative space.
