Promoting literacy through library services, increasing membership, and promoting the cultural heritage database, are some of the objectives to be achieved as Library Week 2015 is observed from April 19 to 24.

Activities to mark this year’s celebrations are being held under the theme, Creative Ways of Depicting Libraries: Through Art, Music and Storytelling. The community will also be informed about the value of a public library and the services and programmes it offers.

In his Library Week Message, Minister for Education and Culture, Honourable Myron V. Walwyn, encouraged residents to visit one of the five libraries located throughout the Territory namely on Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Road Town and East End.

Minister Walwyn said, “I urge you to become a member of the library and obtain a new library card from the Road Town Public Library. Also, encourage your children to use the library and see it for the important institution it is in our Territory.”

Meanwhile, Chief Librarian at the Library Services Department, Suzanne Greenaway, said this year’s activities will be centred on storytelling, music and art.

Mrs. Greenaway said, “Storytelling helps children to acquire vocabulary, develop good reading habits, and improve their listening and critical thinking skills. Music helps to improve our verbal memory, listening and critical thinking skills.”

She added, “Through libraries, art is exhibited in one form or another as pottery, paintings or sculptures and these reflect cultural heritage. In various types of documents or books, art and coloured illustration help to tell the story and help the readers to visualize the actions.”

The Library Services Department has various activities planned for Library Week. These include art activities with students at the various primary schools in the Territory, storytime at the Road Town Public Library with Miss BVI, Jaynene Jno Lewis, entertainment for Virgin Gorda seniors by Leon and the Hot Shots, and an Open House on Friday, April 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at all libraries.

The Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to improving literacy and to providing the resources for lifelong learning which can be found at the library.