Smiles Return to George Town

Although it will be a while before everything settles down for the George Town Library, some form of normalcy was experienced this week when pre-schoolers returned for the first post-Ivan Story Hour at the new location.

Toddlers from Little Angels Pre-School thoroughly enjoyed the experience and sat wide-eyed as the library's Children Services Officer Mrs. Virginia Foster, read them a story about a hermit crab looking for a new shell.

"I am delighted to have the children back. It is so important that we teach our children to love books," said Mrs. Foster, also fondly known as Aunty V by her young audiences.

Mrs. Foster asked pre-schools to contact her if they want to visit the library for Story Hour: "Many telephone numbers have changed since the storm, and I lost contact with some of the pre-schools. I would appreciate it if schools could call me and make an appointment."

The Public Library's original location in downtown George Town received extensive damage to its roof and over 6,000 books and materials have been damaged, especially the Caribbean collection, biography section and children books suffered considerable flooding. The Bodden Town Library building also received a lot of damage, losing over 5,000 books and materials and will remain closed until further notice. North Side Library is undergoing a cleaning process and will re-open as soon as work is completed. East End Library re-opened in September.

Library staff has received many calls from people who want to donate books. However due to a serious lack of storage space, Chief Librarian Benedicta Connolly encourages cash donations instead.

"Many of the books we were able to rescue are still in boxes under heavy plastic at the old George Town location. Monetary donations will enable us to replace damaged books as well as update our collections catering to the needs of our readers."

People are invited to visit the Public Library in George Town at its new location in the Commerce building (formerly known as the Jennett building) on Dr. Roy's Drive in George Town. The building is opposite The Village Plaza. The library is located in Unit #1 on the ground floor next to Changes Beauty Salon.

Although small, the library has a reading room as well as a reference section.

Mrs. Connolly asks everyone who borrowed books before Hurricane Ivan to return them even if they are damaged. If books have been lost, this should be reported too in order for library staff to take accurate stock and adjust library records.

The public can bring the books to the new George Town location or drop it off at the normal book drop at the old location across from Hero's Square.

Opening hours will be as usual from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm weekdays. For more information call the Public Library at 949-5159.