Antigua's National Public Library reopens

Author: Kadeem Joseph
Title: Library opens again
Date published: September 1, 2014  
Source: The Daily Observer Ltd.
URL: http://antiguaobserver.com/library-opens-again/



Abstract:
The article announces the reopening of the National Public Library of Antigua. The Director of the Public Library, Ryllis Mannix, is further reported as indicating that while the library is opened for access to books for research purposes, the library operations are being hampered by inoperable computers systems to support the circulation process. The article also reports Mannix as outlining some of the other challenges that the library faced in getting ready for reopening. The article further provides information pertaining to the new facility and the services that the library offers, as well as it opening hours.






Excerpt:
After waiting decades, the public can now access the National Public Library, which will be officially opened today, albeit limitedly.


Director of the Public Library Ryllis Mannix told OBSERVER media while the library will not be “100 percent operational,” the public would be able to, at least, access books for research purposes.
Since the automated borrow-and-return system is not yet working, Mannix said her team is working towards creating a manual record keeping process, in order to enable loaning of books to the public.
Library officials are hoping to establish a manual record keeping process, in lieu of the computer system, which they hope will be functional as early as today.


The 70 to 80 computer systems for public use are still not operational, however, the library chief said technicians are working to address these issues soonest.

Antigua and Barbuda gets new building for national public library

Title: A National Library at last
Date published: April 10, 2014
Source: Government of Antigua and Barbuda
URL: http://www.ab.gov.ag/article_details.php?id=4758&category=38

Abstract:
The article reports the re-opening of the new building for the national public library of Antigua and Barbuda. The previous location is noted as is the length of the construction process leading to the new building. The report also reports, from the opening ceremony, speeches from both the Minister of Education Dr. Hon. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro and the Minister Dr. Hon. Baldwin Spencer about the process and about the national importance of the library.

Mentioned also are the rooms that the national public library will offer including a children’s library and reading room, adult reading rooms, a modern conference room, a research and reference library, newspaper and periodicals section, staff and lobby areas, a cafeteria and a gift shop.

Excerpt:

After four decades since the public library was damaged by an earthquake, construction of the new national public library of Antigua and Barbuda has been completed. The work which was started in the 1990's has been completed under the United Progressive Party administration signaling another campaign promise fulfilled by the “People First” Government. The 20,000 square foot multi-level complex building located on Hails Prominard Road is a replacement for the nation's first library which was damaged by an earthquake in 1974.  The country has operated a ‘temporary’ library on Market Street since.

Minister of Education Dr. Hon. Jacqui Quinn-Leandro is the fifth Education Minister to preside over the library construction project. On Wednesday, moments before the ribbons were cut to open the doors of the building, the minister noted she was cognizant of the challenges her predecessors in the ministry faced, but that she was determined that the project would be completed under her watch.

Construction delay for the National Public Library of Antigua & Barbuda

Author: Rory Butler 
Title: No Public Library by year-end

Date published: Thursday, November 24th, 2011.
Source: Antigua Observer.com
URL: http://www.antiguaobserver.com/?p=67741


Abstract:

The article reports on the inability of the governing administration to honour a commitment to complete the new library building site for the National Public Library of Antigua and Barbuda for 2011.The delay is reportedly caused by a lack of funding. Executive Secretary of the Board of Education (BOE) D Gisele Isaac provides further detail of the source of funding and the reasons for the delay. The article also reports that construction materials to be manufactured overseas are required. The cost of the construction project is also mentioned. In addition what the building will house and some of its amenities and facilities are also mentioned.

Excerpt:

St. John’s Antigua- Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer is not going to be able to keep his commitment to Antigua & Barbuda to have the National Public Library completed in 2011.

Executive Secretary of the Board of Education (BOE) D Gisele Isaac confirmed yesterday that a 2011 completion date is out of the question.

“Oh absolutely not. Today is the (23rd November). No, of course it can’t be completed this year. The first thing we need to get is overseas materials, so even if I were to place the order today there is no way they are going to get here for us to complete anything before year-end. So, no it’s not going to happen in 2011,” Isaac said yesterday.

In January this year Spencer categorically stated, “The public library must be completed and operationalised by 2011, whatever the situation.”

Spencer at the time said his administration was taking full responsibility for the inordinate delay in the completion of the facility, “but it must be done.”

Upon completion, the 20,000 square foot multi-level complex building will be fully air-conditioned and host between 70 and 80 computers.

It will offer several rooms, including a children’s library and reading room, adult reading rooms, a modern conference room, a research and reference library, newspaper and periodicals section, staff and lobby areas, a cafeteria and a gift shop