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| Sunday, 1 January 2006 |
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Rehabilitation of Andaragasyaya Primary Vidyalaya Library by Premila Gamage Most of the libraries in the eastern and southern coasts were either totally or partially destroyed by the tsunami. The Sri Lanka Library Association (SLLA) took an initiative to rehabilitate four libraries representing the southern and north-eastern regions. The main objective of the SLLA's Library Rehabilitation Project was to develop these libraries into 'model libraries' providing them with modern information tools in addition to the conventional sources until now held by these libraries. The library of the Andaragasyaya Primary Vidyalaya is the latest one included in the SLLA project. Although SLLA was very keen on rehabilitating this schools library under its project, it was not possible due to the limited funds. However, through the kind intercession of Jody Miller, an Associate Professor of Criminology at University of Missouri - St. Louis, a friend of mine who came to Sri Lanka in late July, additional funding was received from her University to rebuild this library. Jody Miller's visit was primarily to support Thambiluvil Vidyalaya Library in Thirukkovil which is one of the SLLA projects through her university. However, during her stay in Sri Lanka, she was able to visit the Andaragasyaya Primary Vidyalaya and very clearly understood the importance of rebuilding its library. Funds were transferred to the SLLA account. SLLA started the project in early August and managed to complete the first phase of the project within 2 and half months. The library building was repaired and repainted. Since, the library did not have electricity, arrangements were made to supply the electricity. The library was furnished with the specially designed colourful furniture in keeping with the children's library standards. The collection was developed with a considerable number of books which includes children's literature, dictionaries, atlases and other eye catching informative reading material. The whole collection was catalogued and classified according to international standards. With the intention of maintaining a computerised catalogue, the whole collection was entered into a database. In order to train the librarians in managing the rebuilt library, the SLLA has already sponsored the two volunteer teachers who are responsible for maintaining the library, to follow the SLLA's Diploma in Library and Information Science Course. In addition, two weeks training is scheduled to be held in SLLA Headquarters in mid December to train them with basic IT skills. The first phase of the project was completed on 15 October 2005. Even if visitors are rare parents of Andaragasyaya too feel the need to expand their horizons, for their children to learn. It is the responsibility of all of us to give them a helping hand. |
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