– mission is to get books in every Guyanese household by January 2017

TWO years after it embarked on its mission to get books into every household, Bookland, formerly the Georgetown Reading and Research Centre, continues its efforts to help promote literacy in Guyana with a more specific objective: “Getting Books in Every Household by January 2017”.Bookland’s Managing Director, Mr Rupert Hopkinson, also noted that 2017 would mark twenty years of the organisation’s work; and in light of its new mission, Bookland will offer between 30 percent and 50 percent discount on all books, and will give between three and 20 books free to purchasers of more than $1,000. Hopkinson said the hope is that some of the free books will be donated to others, particularly to those in the hinterland areas, so they can own books and therefore read more.
“I believe that books in the home create an academically enabling environment, particularly for children. Children must grow up seeing books around them. This belief is partly framed from my own experiences. I believe books in the homes are a psychological preparation for education,” he said.
Hopkinson said the Bookland project is about helping to create and maintain that enabling environment in the home, which can help “our children”, who are always inquisitive, to explore, discover and develop early interest in reading, and, by extension, education.
Hopkinson said that, in 1997, he received letters of support for his work from former Education Minister Dr. Dale Bisnauth and the Office of the President, and he has been commended by the Ministry of Education in June 2010 for creating an environment “most conducive to the promotion of literacy, a major focus of the Ministry of Education”.
In a letter to the Minister of Education, Hopkinson applauded the Ministry’s accomplishments in enhancing literacy, and sought the ministry’s continued support for his organisation’s work.
The Georgetown Reading & Research Centre (Bookland) was established on January 2, 1997 first as a library. Many former card-bearing members, which include at least two serving Government ministers, are attached to major institutions nationwide, according to Hopkinson.
Now with a new name, Bookland, the organization, located on a 38,000 square foot complex at the corner of Woolford Avenue and Albert Street, has a garden and play park where persons can sit and read under the benabs.
Hopkinson says Bookland has expanded its focus to promote social and intellectual growth and discovery. This is a new direction the organization is pursuing to develop another income stream to help fund its work in enhancing literacy. Bookland now hosts social events on its lawns and garden.