Over 2000 books are to be donated to branch libraries across St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) from MacMillan Education Caribbean, in an effort to promote reading among Vincentian children.

Director of Libraries, Archives and Documentation Services, Michelle King-Campbell, emphasised the importance of this move when she spoke at the launch of the library caravan at the National Public Library on Wednesday, November 2,2022.

She said that books and other learning tools are available at libraries as the library services continue to offer flexibility in meeting the needs of readers.

King-Campbell encouraged parents to enrol their children in their community libraries as reading at an early age can foster growth and development. She thanked Mac Millan Education Caribbean for their continued support.

Marketing Manager of International Curriculum and Caribbean MacMillan Education, Amanda Naylor said the publishing entity has a rich history that spans more than a century and they will continue to adapt to meet the changing needs of the public.

Naylor expressed her delight at being part of the library project and promised to be present on November 19 for one of the library caravan events.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and National Reconciliation, Myccle Burke said Macmillan Education Caribbean continues to be part of the “education enterprise” in the region.

Burke noted that reading broadens horizons and imaginations where the reader can be part of a “whole new world”; this, he added can assist in children’s development.
Reading Ambassador, Hance John echoed these sentiments noting that the momentum in reading is building across the country.

And, Librarian of the UWI Open Campus, Patricia Baptiste urged parents to take responsibility in ensuring their children’s literacy is enhanced and strengthened, because the partnership between the education system, the community and the family will ensure that children become more interested in reading.

She also pointed out that reading advances fluency, vocabulary and connection.

The library caravan will operate on November 5, 12, 19 and 26 using the theme “Connecting Families and Communities through reading.”

November has been deemed Family Literacy Month in Libraries nationwide,dovetailing into the thrust to engage families in supporting reading.

MacMillan Education Caribbean, Flow, Hands across the sea, Gaymes Books Centre, the National Libraries and One St Vincent Group are all part of this national initiative (API).