GINGERLAND, Nevis – DEMONSTRATING its continued commitment to literacy development, the Gingerland Public Library held a Read-a-Thon on Tuesday (Dec. 8) under the theme “Promoting Literacy to create a Foundation for Future Success”.

Sonita Daniel, Director of Nevis Library Services, and Joseph Wiltshire, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Library Services, were present for a ceremony to officially declare the competition open.

In a press release disseminated yesterday (Dec. 9), Librarian Evette Liburd said the Gingerland Library was interested in forming partnerships with schools to assist students in their development of literacy skills. She spoke passionately about the role her institution could play in enhancing the lives of Nevisian children.

“The library sees a critical need to reach out to children, parents, teachers and other stakeholders to help them make reading and books an important part of every child's life.

“It is very important that we demonstrate the importance of literacy and how to integrate books and reading into children's lives. By doing so, the library will help to ensure that children are much better prepared to succeed in today’s world,” Liburd reasoned.

The librarian stressed the importance of reading as a “critical tool” for learning, and underscored the library’s dedication to ensuring that children received the requisite skills to function in modern society.

 “Children must not only read to learn about history, literature and many other subjects; they also need to develop the tools to be lifelong learners. The library seeks to help these children strengthen their literacy skills so they can read and understand their school subject materials and recreational reading books. 

“The Gingerland Public Library is committed to ensuring that children develop the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills they need to fulfil their potential. We want children to be inspired to become expressive, imaginative, creative and productive citizens.”

Principal Education Officer, Lornette Connor, Advisor in the Premier’s Ministry, Christine Springette, and Advisor in the Ministry of Health, Patricia Hanley, participated in a story-telling exercise immediately following the opening ceremony.