Read to form your own opinions and not be swayed like chaff in the wind.
That’s the advice from Acting Education Minister Kelvar Darroux, at the official opening of Library Week 2014 at the Roseau Public Library on Monday. The week is being held under the theme: Read, Connect and Explore New Worlds at your Library.
Darroux pointed to the importance of reading.
“We hear it being lamented over and over again that Dominicans do not read,” he said. “And we are all the poorer because of it.”
He stated that those who read are more informed and “are better able to make informed decisions.”
“It has been said that the irony of the information age is that it has given us new respectability to uninformed opinions,” he stated. “But if we do not want to be considered as people who are easily swayed by others opinions or every opinion, then we need to get informed and take action that leads to growth of the individual, the community, the country. And that means we must read.”
Darroux also mentioned that plans are well advanced for the construction of a new city library.
Chief librarian, Magdalene Robin, stated that libraries offer more than just books.
“They hold a wealth of information in various formats and mediums and must be explored so that you can discover what you need. You may even discover something of interest that you didn’t even know that you needed,” she noted. “Some say libraries are obsolete, that everything we need can be found on the internet. So why should we celebrate libraries? Specifically why celebrate libraries in the information age and the age of technology?”
She however stated that libraries remain relevant despite the age of technology since “they serve as they always have to enhance education and literacy, while providing various resources including technology to the public.”
Also addressing the opening ceremony, MP for Roseau Central, Norris Prevost, said there is power in reading.
“I want to encourage all our students to read, read, read,” he said. “Reading can change your life for the better.”
Prevost additionally, noted that the present library building is a “very precious and historic building in the city of Roseau” and he hopes that it continues to be protected and preserved.
Meanwhile Dylene Valmond has captured the first prize of a tablet in a photography contest that was part of the activities leading up to Library Week.
Second place went to Hallie Bruney, who received a camera, and 3rd place went to Garner Harris. She received an SD Card.
The competition was held under the theme: ‘Explore new Worlds Through the eye of a Camera.’
The following is a listing of the activities for Library Week.
Monday, May 12
Roseau Opening ceremony
Portsmouth Short story competition (schools served by Mobile library)
Marigot Preschools – Reading and Book care
Grand Bay Youth Skills Students – Financial skills
Documentation Centre Preschool – Reading and Book care
Tuesday, May 13
Roseau Preschools – Reading and Book care;
4th formers – career choices
Portsmouth Elocution contest (P.S.S., DSDASS & St. John’s Academy)
Marigot 3rd formers – Financial skills
Grand Bay First form students and elderly interact
Documentation Centre SDA Primary – Sensitization session
Wednesday, May 14
Roseau 3rd formers – Financial skills
Portsmouth 4th formers – Libraries then and now
Marigot Library skills (WSS Primary)
Grand Bay 3rd form students – career choices
Documentation Centre St. John’s Academy – sensitization session
Thursday, May 15
Roseau Grade 5 students – Internet safety
Out reach to Operation Youthquake
Portsmouth Grade 5 students – spelling bee
Marigot
Grand Bay Grade 5 students – Poster competition
Documentation Centre ITSS – sensitization session
Friday, May 16
Roseau Primary schools – Library skills
Musical medley (afternoon)
Portsmouth Library skills (Thibaud Primary)
Marigot Reading competition (Grade 5 students)
Grand Bay Preschoolers – Reading and book care
The photos can be view at https://www.facebook.com/DominicaPublicLibrary
Keep up to date with library activities or browse the book collection at http://www.library.dlis.gov.dm
Good topics chosen. Libraries forever!
If more people would go to the library, get books and start reading rather than sitting and standing in the streets BS ing or doing nothing………maybe this place would have half a chance. You have to return the books too.
The three “R’s, “Reading, …Riting and …Rithmetic. The latter may no longer be as effective as in previous years.
However, do not mind them.
It pays to read and to develop a love for reading. Whatever you read, hopefully it is enhancing. What we read also makes for a good conversational piece.
Reading of course is educational and makes the mind knowledgeable. We are never out of something to say. I am informing you this may annoy some people who never have anything (good) to say.
Have you observed some people who speak very little (of course it may be their personality) and who never have anything to say or hardly ever? It could be attributed to lack of knowledge. While everyone possesses a different degree of intelligence, they should make it part of their life to love reading and to read more, intelligent information. This also develops the mind through the years.
Therefore, students, the PM has stated this previously and now your Minister, Darroux is informing you that reading is essential to education, growth, progress and success.
When you make a sensible statement or mention something newsworthy which may surprise others, you may be asked, “Where did you hear that?” The proud response would be: “I read it or heard it ‘from proper channels…'”
I remember my youth and my love for reading which was also attributed to my father, an educator who also loved reading and ensured that we read what was important to read and for our little minds. As I grew older I further developed this talent.
I recall those days when I would say to my mother, “Mom, I am going to the Library.” I would borrow books from the library to read. Many of us, children and adults did that.”
No matter what era we reside in and technological one, a country should never be without a library. It is still very modern and always will be to have a library.
God bless you young ones! As you read, have fun doing so during Library Week!
Opening is good but what an event it would have been if this would have been A New State of the Arts Library What is the use of this State Palace for the development of our students and the general public at large ? People change is a Must . Joan Symes
where can i view the pictures that won 1st 2nd and 3rd prize for this competition?
these activities are commendable. good job