Leading for Literacy Now! 2016 launch
May 5, 2016
Authors, literary enthusiasts told how to care for their materials
May 10, 2016
“Read and get a life!” were the words of the Honourable Maxie Cuffie, Minister of Public Administration and Communications as he addressed children, teachers, principals and all others gathered to celebrate the occasion of the commissioning of the new NALIS South/Central Mobile Library. This new mobile library, which will service the rural areas of South/Central Trinidad, is the third custom built vehicle in the NALIS fleet.
NALIS’ Executive Director, Elizabeth Mahadeo gave a brief history of mobile library services in Trinidad and Tobago which dates back to 1942 and 1951 respectively. She said, “Up until 2007, mobile libraries were locally assembled vehicles." She revealed that “In accordance with NALIS’ Collection Development Policy, the mobile library will provide a wide collection of print and non-print materials which reflects the cultural diversity, needs and interests of the communities it will serve. Additionally, the collection will support persons who are engaged in instructional programmes as well as vocational and life-long learning classes offered at community centres.”
Gwyneth Morris-Alexander, Deputy Director, Community Development Division, Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts gave remarks on behalf of the Dr. Honourable Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts. NALIS has collaborated with the Ministry to identify the communities to be served and to establish mobile library stops at community centres.
The South/Central Mobile Library will provide scheduled service stops to schools. These will include:
| Claxton Bay Junior Anglican | Doormans's Preeschool |
| Flanagin Rc School | La Quesa ECCE |
| La Quesa Servol | Longdenville Presbyterian |
|
Tabaquite Early Childhood Care & Education Centre (ECCE) |
Nestor Patrick Preschool |
| Presto Youth Camp | Waterloo Preschool |
Additionally, mobile library service stops will be made to communities/community centres. These will include:
| Ben Lomond Community | Tabaquite Community Centre |
| Chickland (Three Roads Junction) | Todds Road Community Centre |
| Flanagin Town Community Centre | Warrenville Regional Complex |
|
Mayo (opposite Community Centre) |
Waterloo Community Centre |
| Macaulay Community Centre | Whiteland Community |
The newest Mobile Library in the fleet will be operated by NALIS’ professional and friendly staff and will carry a stock of approximately 5,000 items, which will consist of print and non-print (DVDs and CDs) for children, young adults and adults. The service is accessible to persons in wheelchairs via an automatic lift and caters to persons of varying educational levels.