On April 28, Beverly Williams, the National Library and Information System Authority’s (Nalis) director, Public Libraries Division conducted an informative session at a parenting workshop held at the Beetham Gardens Community Centre, Port of Spain. The event, which was an initiative of the Inter- Agency Task Force (IATF) “Hearts and Minds” Programme, was themed “Parenting through Partnerships”.

Williams, who spoke on the topic of “Empowering your Child to Read” talked about the impact of libraries on communities. She also presented information about library resources, services and activities that support parenting efforts. Chief among them were library and information materials on parenting techniques and strategies, which were on display for participants to peruse. 

Following the presentation, parents and other guests in attendance were invited to join the library in order to obtain free access to the wide range of lending, technology and reference services available for children, teens, adults and seniors. These include access to audio-video materials, books, the internet, literacy classes, clubs, research assistance, databases, eBooks, reading programmes, exhibitions, displays and more.

The event was also attended by Catherine Romain, Nalis’ Executive Director, Jesse Ann Bernard Library Assistant II and Devon La Touche, Library Assistant I of the Public Libraries Division, Nalis. Other workshop presenters included representatives from Sagicor, Digicel Foundation, North-West Regional Health Authority, Crime Stoppers T&T and guests from nearby communities.

The IATF workshop was intended to provide parenting skills, techniques and strategies to parents in communities located in East Port of Spain, enabling them to address issues of child care, healthy lifestyles, safety and protection.  NALIS as a national provider of reliable, equitable and inclusive library and information services, is a proud supporter of the project.