Death of Chief Librarian of the Guyana National Library

Author: Michel Outridge

Title: Chief Librarian Gillian Thompson dies in road accident
Source: Guyana Chronicle Online
Date published: Dec 24, 2013

URL: http://guyanachronicle.com/chief-librarian-gillian-thompson-dies-in-road-accident/

Abstract:

The news article reports on the death of Gillian Thompson, the Chief Librarian of the Guyana National Library. Outlined are some details about the circumstances leading to her death. Biographical details are also reported about her life. The reporter also captures the emotions of a staff member of the National library, Margaret Eastman, Coordinator of External Activities. Also reported is the statement released by the Ministry of Education offering condolences to the family as well as providing further biographical details about Gillian Thompson. 

Excerpt:

Thompson served as Chief Librarian for the past nine years after pursuing post-graduate studies in Library Science at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus.
Many staff members bemoaned the loss of a person who they considered to be “a good boss.”Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

 Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education expressed sincere condolences to the family, friends and staff of the National Library, on the passing of Ms. Thompson.

 The Ministry in a release said Thompson worked at the National Library for just over two decades, beginning on November 1, 1991. In 2004 she became the Chief Librarian and worked tirelessly until her untimely passing on December 24, 2013.

 “A consummate professional who dedicated her time, energy, and professional training in library science towards the advancement of reading in Guyana, Gillian would be dearly missed not only by her family, but by her colleagues and friends at the National Library and those from within the education fraternity,” the Ministry said adding: “May her soul Rest In Peace!.”

National Library of Guyana turns 103 years old

Title:  National Library is 103 years old
Source: Stabroek
Date: Tuesday, September 18, 2012
URL: http://www.stabroeknews.com/2012/news/stories/09/18/national-library-is-103-years-old/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+stabroeknewsguyana+%28Stabroek+News%29


Abstract:
This article features the history of the Guyana National Library. Mentioned in the article are important milestones in how the library came into being, including key historical persons behind the library's existence.

Excerpt:
 After over a century of dedicated service to the Guyanese populace, the Guyana National Library has achieved another significant milestone, celebrating its 103rd birthday on September 9 last.
Although founded in 1909, the groundwork for the establishment of the then Carnegie Free Library actually began in 1907, after entrepreneur Andrew Carnegie provided a grant of £7,000 towards its construction. After several name changes along the years, in 1972, the Library Ordinance was amended which resulted in yet another name change from the Public Library to the National Library. The library now had dual responsibility for National and Library Services.

National Library of Guyana launches commemorative stamp

Author: Michelle Gonsalves

Title: National Library launches commemorative stamp

Source: Guyana Chronicle

Date: December 16, 2009

URL: http://www.guyanachronicle.com/ARCHIVES/archive%2016-12-09.html#Anchor-----------------47912

Abstract:
Article reports on the launch of a special commemorative stamp by the National Library of Guyana as part of its centennial celebrations. It is done in collaboration with the the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC). A description of the stamp is given, and the purpose for the launch of this stamp is expressed.

Essentially, the launch is a public relations or marketing exercise for National library. The hopes and aspirations for the stamp is to serve a means of stimulating people to know and want to know more about the institution.

The article also provides insight into the mission of the National Library of Guyana. Chairman of the National Library Committee Mr. Petamber Persaud, also recounts in brief, a part of the history and origin of the library.



Excerpt:

"The National Library continued its centennial celebrations with the launching of a special commemorative stamp yesterday, at its Church and Main Street, Georgetown, location.

Commemorative Stamp on display yesterday at the National Library.

Addressing attendees at the event, Post Master General Mr. Henry Dundas stated, “Documentation of such information on a stamp no doubt translates into informing persons throughout the world of our National Library and the fact that it has been in existence for a century now”.

Other attendees at the special occasion included Chairman of the National Library Committee Mr. Petamber Persaud, Chief Librarian Ms. Gillian Thompson, and Governor of the Bank of Guyana Mr. Lawrence Williams."

Guyana's President tours National Library of Guyana

Title: President tours National Library during centenary anniversary

Source: Government of the Republic of Guyana: Office of the Prime Minister

Date Published: Thursday, 20 August 2009


URL: http://opnew.op.gov.gy/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=677:president-tours-national-library-during-centenary-anniversary&catid=34:bulletins&Itemid=70

Abstract:

The article reports on the President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo's visit to the National Library of Guyana. This visit was a part of the celebration of the library’s centenary anniversary. The article reports some of the activities of the President during the visit, including his giving his own ideas for improving the work of the library and promoting interest in Caribbean literature.

The article also reports on a brief history of the National Library of Guyana as well as the activities that are currently a part of the centenary anniversary celebrations.


Excerpt:

The Guyana National Library is celebrating 100 years of existence this year with a calendar of organised activities that included a visit by President Bharrat Jagdeo...

The President’s visit was not part of the calendar of activities but was welcomed anyway and brought smiles to the faces of the Library’s staff who were elated to provide him with a tour of the facility.

Accompanied by Chairman of the National Library Committee Pitamber Persaud, Personnel Officer Annis Craig and Jillian Thompson, the Head of State inspected and met staff of the building’s various departments.

National Library of Guyana's readers competition finals

Author: Vanessa Narine

Title: 62 in National Library’s readers competition finals

Source: Guyana Chronicle Online

Date Published: Monday, 10 August 2009

URL: http://guyanachronicleonline.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4568:62-in-national-librarys-readers-competition-finals&catid=2:news&Itemid=3#Scene_1

Abstract:

The article reports on the National Library of Guyana's reading competition. According to the article, a total of 62 individuals, teenagers and young adults, competed in the finals of the National Library’s Champion Readers Competition. Some of these participants speak about their experiences in the competition and the personal gains that resulted from competing in the programme. Among the gains of participation in the competition is the new exposure that it gave participants to books and the world of literature.

The perspective of the judges is also represented, giving another perspective as to expected or intended outcomes of the competition. Also captured is background information about the event, including the theme of the competition, the dates of the competition, its prizes and the age range of competitors.

The library's perspective is also covered, as more than one library personnel suggest goals of the programme. One of the primary goals that Ms. Jillian Thompson (the Chief librarian) pointed out is that the competition aims to promote literacy in Guyana. Other goals are also stated.


Excerpt:

A total of 62 individuals, teenagers and young adults, competed in the finals of the National Library’s Champion Readers Competition, Friday, an experience they lauded as one that helped them to look with new eyes at books and the world of literature.


The competition is one of the many events of the National Library’s centenary celebrations, held under the theme ‘Empowering the Nation through literacy’.

Chief Librarian Ms. Jillian Thompson pointed out that the promotion of literacy in Guyana was primary in the list of objectives that the competition sought to achieve.


Among the other objectives of the Champion Readers’ Competition was the need to:


* Encourage reading as a stimulating past-time among children and young adults;


* Stimulate a thirst for information through the printed medium;


* Nurture a lifelong love for reading; and


* Develop reading and comprehension skills of participants.