26 April 2007 Rating 90% No Comment  

An exhibition of new books for Gozo Libraries was inaugurated yesterday at Gozo Public Library. The inauguration of the exhibition was held on the occasion of World Book Day, which is celebrated annually around the world on April the 23rd. On this occasion 600 new books were put on display prior to their being distributed amongst the chain of libraries in Gozo, the Gozo Public Library and the Gozo Lending Library, both in Victoria, the library at the Gozo General Hospital, and eleven other branch libraries in different villages around Gozo. The new books, which were funded through the Ministry for Gozo, will be a further enrichment to the collection of books available to borrowers at these libraries. The books cover a variety of subjects addressed towards the educational needs of the public at large and students ranging from primary to tertiary levels. Demand of services at all Gozitan libraries has increased in recent years with new members registering annually. During 2006, there were 760 new registrations for membership while around 5,900 persons availed themselves of the Internet Service, which is available following the investment in new IT equipment by the Ministry for Gozo the year before. A total of 117,881 books were borrowed in the past year while 135 children at primary level, attended story-telling sessions. Library orientation visits for school children together with their teachers and parents are also organised regularly. The Gozo Public Library, which is Gozo's main reference library, provided its services to around 3,000 people in 2006 alone. The implementation of E-Libraries system makes it now possible for all those who need information on books available by logging on to the library catalogue through the internet. Book renewals can also be effected through this system which also caters for reservation requests in the case of books already on loan. In a short address during the official inauguration of this exhibition, Mr Anthony Borg, Head of Secretariat representing the Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo, stressed on the importance that books should be given, notwithstanding the era of cyber-media and information technology in which we are living. Besides serving as a means of education and learning, the book is also man's friend. Classical literature together with books about history and culture enrich the reader instilling in him the qualities of a cultured person. He also mentioned the exhibits from the Melitensia collection at the Gozo Public Library, which was enriched by an addition of 759 books during 2006. Mr Borg referred to the tribute being given in this exhibition on the occasion of the first centenary of the death of Fr Manwel Magri SJ, who was an educator, an archaeologist and researcher. From 1892 to 1898, Fr Magri served as Prefect of Studies at the Gozo Seminary where he later also served as Rector for four years. Another tribute in this exhibition is given to Major Albert E Abela, who was considered as a 'great friend of the library' and who passed away earlier this year. Mr Borg commented on the fact that whilst moving along with the times, we must appreciate those who worked in the past for our islands to achieve the level of education and culture they enjoy today. The exhibition will be open up to the 26th May 2007. Another two activities to commemorate World Book Day are being held at the Gozo Public Library in conjunction with the Literacy Unit within the Education Department. On the 26th April 2007 two storytelling sessions will be held for Year 4 students attending the Bishop's Conservatory School in Victoria as well as for Year 3 students from Rosa Magro Primary School in Xewkija. On Friday 27th April 2007, the book 'Sqaq l-Infern', the first book in the 'Tal-Fiddien' Trilogy written by Simon Bartolo and Loranne Vella will be presented to an audience of Form 3 students from Ninu Cremona Lyceum Complex and Form 2 students from Bishop's Conservatory School.