A Barbadian political party blamed for National library's neglect

Author: (TY)
Title: BLP blamed for library's neglect
Source: Barbadian Nation News
Date Published on: February 3, 2010
URL: http://www.nationnews.com/story/HOUSE--Todd-knocks-Eastmond-copy-for-web


Abstract:
In a debate in Parliament over the Archives (Amendment) Bill 2010, the opposition's political party was criticised for its neglect of the National Library of Barbados, that lead to poor working conditions and the exposure of library materials and publications to harm ad possible devastation. The article also reports on the view expressed by a Member of Parliament about the value of the National Library to the nation.

Excerpt:

"I would hope that the original free library in Coleridge Street can be cleaned and put back to perfection because it is part of our culture.

"It brings nostalgia to a lot of us who used to go in there and we have to get the type of expertise that can restore that free library to its former glory."

Branch library workers go door to door in Barbados

Author: (YB)[Yvette Best?]
Title: Branch workers going door to door
Source: Barbados Nation News
Date published: October 24, 2009
URL: http://www.nationnews.com/news/local/COMMUNITY-library-canvas-copy-for-web


Abstract:
The article outlines the new marketing strategy for the Barbados Public branch library to increase the use of its library services. This involves canvassing the community like politicians.

The librarian outlines how this strategy will be undertaken, and the rationale behind it. One of the obstacles to the use of the new library facility is also articulated. The acting library directory also indicates a plan to overcome that obstacle.

The article also gives the age of the Barbados Public library service and reports on its current expansion and improvement in infrastructure.


Excerpt:

STAFF OF the Barbados Library Service are preparing to hit the road.

Acting Director of the Barbados Library Service, Avonda Callender, said she and her staff would be canvassing the districts in St Joseph to get people to use the new facilities at Tamarind Hall in the Eric Holder Jr. Complex.

"We're going out there, foot to foot. This is the first time the library will do it. It's a new marketing strategy we're introducing and we are going to do it in St Joseph.

Barbados library service needs more personnel

Author: Khalil Goodman
Title: Island’s library service needs more personnel
Source: The Barbados Advocate
Date Published: October 22, 2009
URL: http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=6863

Abstract:
This article outlines the plight and plans for personnel to staff the Barbados National Library Service. The Acting Director of the Barbados National Library Service outlines that the need for more personnel is required to aid the Library service in its expansion of services to nation.

Information is also divulged about the Tamarind Hall Branch Library, and the services that it expected to deliver to the community.

The Minister of Community Development and Culture is also cited as outlining his vision for the National Library service in its upgrading of its services. The Minister also agrees with the need for emphasis on meeting the manpower and human resource need to the library's success in offering new services. He highlights several human resource development plans for the Barbados National Library Service towards achieving this.




Excerpt:

The Barbados Library Service has continued to expand its range of services to meet the Barbadian public’s needs in the 21st century. Unfortunately, the service needs more staff so that these services can be provided consistently.

“Presently we have 38 posts and we need additional staff to help provide services more efficiently,” said Evonda Callendar, Acting Director of the Barbados National Library Service.
She spoke to the Barbados Advocate after the opening of the Tamarind Hall Branch Library in St. Joseph, at the Eric Holder Municipal Complex. This branch brings the number of libraries of the service to eight.

Barbados National Library's 2009 Literacy Fun Day and Summer Programme

Author: (DB)

Title: Creative writers in the making

Source: Barbados Nation News

Date Published: September 6, 2009

http://www.nationnews.com/news/local/National-Library-Service-Literacy-Fun-Day-copy-for-web

Abstract:

Article highlights the Barbados first National Library's Literacy Fun Day event as well as the library's summer programmes held across the island. These events featured activities for children that encourage the development of children writers and their literacy development and skills. The events allowed for children to produce 31 books and share their original creative writings through the reading of their work to the public. The Literacy Fun day also saw a puppet show to entertain those who attended.

The article also contains comments by the children service librarian, Jennifer Yarde, regarding the rationale behind the library's events and activities.



Excerpt:

"YOUNG WRITERS came out to show off their creativity and skill at the National Library Service's first ever Literacy Fun Day at Queen's Park, St Michael, yesterday.

Under the theme Literacy Beyond The Vision, librarians from all the departments came out to lend their support to the future writers of Barbados, some of whom were as young as seven years old.

"At the Library we encourage children to read and write, so that they can improve their literacy skills," children's librarian Jennifer Yarde said.

The youthful scribes came out to share their stories and books which they had written at the recently concluded summer programme held at the various libraries across the island."