Marking the third day of National Library Week (NLW) 2016, the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) announced the official commissioning of its newly refurbished Maloney Public Library, at the ribbon cutting and plaque unveiling ceremony held on Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at Willet Avenue, Maloney.

The Honourable Maxie Cuffie, Minister of Public Administration and Communications and the Honourable Camille Robinson-Regis, M.P., for Arouca/Maloney, each delivered keynote addresses. Other notable speakers included the Chairman of the Board of NALIS Neil Parsanlal and NALIS’ Acting Executive Director Elizabeth Mahadeo.

Community leaders, primary and secondary school students, library patrons, and NALIS staff were among the many attendees.   

The newly refurbished Maloney Public Library is in keeping with NALIS’ mandate “to provide for the development and coordination of all library and information services in Trinidad and Tobago.” The facility is also designed to improve service delivery to the Maloney community and environs. 

Upgrades include:

• The addition of a new Multipurpose Room for outreach activities.
• Increased seating capacity, with the inclusion of new study carrels and other furniture.
• Two Assistive Technology nooks, for use by visually impaired persons. 
• The addition of a Young Adult section and reading lounge.
• The refitting of the Children’s section.
• The replacement and addition of computers, allowing more access to online catalogues and research databases.
• Dedicated internet access, resulting in faster and more reliable internet.
• Wheelchair accessibility.
• Additional furniture such as paperback spinners, periodical display units and book bins.
• Renovated restroom facilities and work areas.
• Interior and exterior beautification.

The Maloney Public Library was closed for renovations in May of this year. With it’s reopening, a full suite of services are accessible to the public, including the lending of print and non-print materials (DVDs and CDs, e-books); photocopying and printing; wireless internet access; storytelling; lectures; exhibits; literacy classes and more.

For further information on NALIS’ services or to view the schedule of activities for National Library Week 2016, visit a library near you or browse the NALIS website.