Today marked the 85th anniversary of the Belize National Library Service and Information System. In almost a century, the library service has branched out throughout the entire country and has several events during the year to promote reading among children. While there was no grand celebration this year, the Minister of Education, Francis Fonseca, made a special effort to be at the small ceremony that was held. It happened at the Turton Library here in the city - but only the press office was invited, not the independent media. Here's what he told the state media:
Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
"Our national library service is critically important to the future growth and development of our country in terms of education and culture. Even though I've just been on the job for 2 weeks, I wanted to make a special effort to be here to share with them my support to send a very clear message of support from the highest levels of the ministry of education and culture and also to deliver a message to them that this is a new day, a new opportunity for us to work together to collaborate. I want NICH and the national library service to work together to collaborate. I think there is room for a lot more collaboration and as I said I want our libraries to be cultural centers, community spaces - cultural spaces where our Belizean artists and writers and musicians feel that they are welcomed, that their work is being supported, that their work is being prioritized, that it is being highlighted for the Belizean people. So that is I think my reason for being here this morning."
