Highlighting the importance of literacy in today’s society and the importance of libraries as repositories of information are key objectives behind this year’s theme for National Library Week.
Minister for Education, Mr. Filipe Bole made the remarks at the official launching of the weeklong event at the Library Services of Fiji at Nasese on Friday night.
Titled “ Libraries – Fountains of Knowledge’’, the theme is the work of South African writer and professional motivator, Neal Petersen. A devoted and acclaimed sailor, Petersen attributed his sailing achievements to his days spent at the public library despite his racial indifference in the then apartheid era in the Rainbow Nation.
The launch coincided with the transfer of the Library Services of Fiji from the Education Ministry to the Information Ministry, which according to Mr. Bole is likely to have a more efficient broad based information service that will inevitably be available to the public.
‘’This shows government’s commitment to consolidating all information agencies to ensure that information is not only delivered efficiently but also accessible to the citizens of Fiji’’
The transfer is in accordance with the government’s desire to enhance and make Fiji a knowledge-based society as outlined in Pillar 9 of the People’s Charter.
Also present at the launch was the Director of the Fiji Library Services Sokoveti Tuimoala. A firm believer in the objectives of the National Library Week, Mrs Tuimoala is adamant on the change of parental mindset when it comes to teaching families on literacy values.
She also expressed her disappointment with the availability and misuse of library resources in most schools around the country especially in rural areas. According to her, the revival of Community Information Centres in various rural areas will not only enhance the appreciation of literacy awareness but also involve all members of the community.
The Fiji Library Service has been providing free services since 1964 and continues to provide these services to most municipalities, towns and rural areas in Fiji to meet its educational, recreational and cultural needs.