The Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, earlier today inaugurated an exhibition of 702 new books to mark World Book Day 2008 at the Gozo Public Library, in Victoria.

This first consignment of new books, an investment of €4,386.68 (Lm1,883.20) from funds annually allocated to the Gozo Public Library by the Ministry for Gozo, are to be distributed amongst the Gozo Public Library, the Gozo Lending Library and the Gozo General Hospital Library in Victoria as well as to another 11 branch libraries in different villages across Gozo. These books cover a variety of subjects addressed towards the recreational, educational and academic needs of the general public and students, ranging from primary to tertiary levels.

Besides these, currently on display are also 180 new Melitensia books which were received through the Legal Deposit Act of 1925 as well as other publications that were published in view of the introduction of the Euro currency.

In her speech, Minister Debono spoke about the important role libraries play in the education of our children. After stressing the benefits of reading, Minister Debono said that as a result of the introduction of internet services at the Gozo Public Library in 1999, last year, 8,177 persons availed themselves of this electronic service which today is available both at the Gozo Public Library and the Gozo Lending Library.  Besides this, students and adult members of the general public are offered a personalised service.

Minister Debono also mentioned that in 2007 alone 798 persons had enrolled as new members and a total number of 121,149 books were issued for home reading from both the Gozo Lending Library and other local branch libraries, exceeding last year’s figure by 3,268 loans.  Minister Debono concluded by thanking the library staff for their endeavours and encouraged them to continue in their admirable efforts to provide the island and its inhabitants with quality educational services.

Also attending the event were Mr. Charles Cilia, Assistant Director within the directorate for Educational Services, as well as the Gozo College Principal Chev. Frank Gatt. Students from the Anton Buttigieg Qala primary school, the Aguis de Soldanis Girls’ Secondary school and the Ninu Cremona Lyceum Boys’ Secondary school also participated in the event.

Another two activities to commemorate World Book Day are also to be held at the Gozo Public Library in conjunction with the Literacy Unit within the Gozo College. These include a discussion on “The process of writing a book” on Thursday 24th April at 10.30 a.m. and Storytelling Sessions on Friday 25th April from 9.30 a.m. onwards.

This exhibition is to remain open until the 3rd of May and Heads of Schools, Local Councils and the general public are invited to attend. 

The Gozo Public Library is open from Monday to Friday from 7.30am till 1.30pm and on Saturday from 7.30am till 1.00pm. From October till May it is also open on Wednesdays from 2.00pm till 6.00pm. Those wishing more information are kindly requested to call on 21556200.