The Guyana Book Foundation presented four new children’s books to the National Library yesterday.
Administrative Supervisor at the Guyana Book Foundation, Ms. Violet Wills made the presentation at the National Library.
The four children’s titles , published by the Guyana Book Foundation, include The Village Movement 1839-1889, which documents one of the most important episodes in the history of Guyana; Children of the Sun, a narrative recalling a number of myths and traditional stories of the indigenous peoples of the Guiana region of South America; In the Garden, the first book in the Steps to Reading series; and Guyana’s Independence, which tells of Independence in pictures and prose, written especially for children.
Accepting on behalf of the National Library, Personnel Officer, Mrs. Annis Blair-Craig, assured that the reading material will be incorporated into the library system as soon as possible.
She said, “This is a tangible donation that will encourage children to read more Guyanese literature.”
Thanking the Foundation for its generous donation, Craig expressed the hope that other private institutions will take note of the gesture and assist the National Library in its quest to promote literacy in Guyana.
Craig added, “Reading is a weak area in Guyana, and the library has embarked on a series of activities to promote literacy; however, we need the support of the Private Sector to strengthen our services.”
The Personnel Officer took the opportunity to express gratitude to Ansa McAl and Banks DIH for their support over the years.
Other initiatives being undertaken by the National Library to realize its goal of promoting literacy include the Champion Reader programme and Book Club which will target adults and children.
The Guyana Book Foundation’s publication of children’s books is part of a wider programme to provide children with locally written learning materials which are currently relevant, stimulating and enjoyable.
This programme is supported by the Canadian Organisation for Development through Education (CODE), and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).