New Zealand individual contributions in addition to continuous investment by Government will boost Fiji’s libraries.
Ministry of Information, National Archives and Library Services permanent secretary, Ms Sharon Smith-Johns today received a donation of FJD$20,000 worth of books by Ms Jill Bess, a New Zealand public librarian.
PS Smith Johns commended the huge donation by Ms Bess.
“It is an extremely generous offer from an individual to be able to give Fiji all these books. We know through library services how much books will be appreciated out there in the rural areas and outer islands,” Smith-Johns said.
“This is one of the main aim of Government; to raise literacy levels for our people. We want to make books like this available to every Fijian citizen especially in rural areas,” Ms Smith-Johns said.
PS Smith-Johns said the 8,000 library books sent by Ms Bess is the result of contributions by libraries and publishers like Geckos Press, Random House New Zealand and the United Book Distributers.
“This is Ms Bess’s second donation consignment to Fiji. The first one was last year for the Suva City Library,” Ms Smith-Johns said.
PS Smith-Johns said in the last 10 years capturing children’s imagination through books have changed for the better.
“Unlike in the old days, new books these days are helping kid’s alot. Children are learning without even realising they are,” the permanent secretary said.
PS Smith-Johns said the 8,000 library books will be distributed in the next fortnight to public libraries and municipal libraries throughout Fiji.
Public Libraries are in Labasa, Sigatoka, Lautoka, Nausori, Suva and Rakiraki while municipal libraries are located in Lautoka, Rakiraki, Tavua, Savusavu and Suva.
-ENDS-