The National Library Service is not daunted by technology like the Kindle, but it is taking the fight for literacy to another level.
The service is seeking to reach Barbadians even before birth by promoting reading to unborn children through interacting with expectant mums at the polyclinics.
Yesterday, after a donation of 22 Notable Books by the United States Embassy, acting senior librarian at the Bridgetown branch, Grace Haynes, explained that although the library was still a popular place for children, adults and even senior citizens, library personnel felt the need to promote reading from the “baby stage”.
“We believe that a child needs to get accustomed to hearing a voice reading from early so that it gets accustomed to reading even while inside the uterus,” she stated.
Haynes, disclosing that even as she spoke, a team was at the Sir Winston Scott Polyclinic speaking to pregnant mothers, noted the library service had a Leap Into Reading Programme for children from one to five years old.
“Even when we go to the polyclinics and we see children there with their mothers, no matter how young they are, we find that they are grabbing at the books. They like the reading,” she stated.
Collecting e-books Director Annette Smith said while the Library Service had started collecting the e-books to keep up with new technology, she did not feel that new sources like the Kindle could take away from the joys of sitting quietly in a library and reading or “having that personal book in your hand”.
The Kindle is the popular new e-reading electronic device that allows readers to purchase books and read them without the hassle of turning pages. It can store over 3000 books.
Smith used the opportunity to welcome other donations from corporate Barbados, adding that books were very expensive and had to be properly maintained.
“Government cannot do it all. Sometimes the cheapest book is almost $30,” she said.
While she could not state at the time how many persons the National Library Service catered to, she was certain there was a need for more volunteers.
“Right now we have a very small staff and what we really would love are some volunteers to help us read to the children, persons who are willing to give of their valuable time wherever possible,” she stated.
The director also expressed the need for a library bus, which could be used to take literacy into the various communities, especially during school holidays.
US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Brent Hardt presented the books as part of National Library Week, being celebrated in the United States.Among books presented were The Lost City Of Z, The Convalescent, The Hawk And The Dove, The and Born To Run, all listed on the 2010 Notable Books list.
