The above building in Major Bay will house the public library in East End after a move from its existing location in Long Swamp, government stated. (Photo: GIS)

The public library in East End is moving from Long Swamp, and it will reopen on Sept. 4 at its new location in Major Bay, the government announced Monday.

Chief Librarian Suzanne Greenaway said the move will allow for improved space and an expansion of the services offered to the public.

“Some of the benefits of this new location include improved user space for seating and bookshelves; interactive computers; improved display spacing; improved operational space; access for printing and digital resources; online access and e-books,” Mr. Greenaway said.

She added that the branch will continue to offer its usual services, including access to fiction and non-fiction books, the EBSCO database, and the reading programme offered at schools.

Dr. Marcia Potter, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, said the move is in keeping with the ministry’s mission of “providing information and other resources to meet the educational; historical; recreational and cultural needs of the public across the territory,” according to government.

The East End branch is to remain closed until the new location opens after the move.

Other branches

Meanwhile, the community libraries in Virgin Gorda and Anegada are still open and available to the public during service hours, according to government. The main branch in Road Town, however, has been closed since early 2016, when the former Flemming Street location was shuttered due to mould and other issues.

A new facility was being constructed at the former Clarence Thomas Limited building in Pasea, but after Hurricane Irma it was repurposed for use by students from Elmore Stoutt High School.

Officials have not provided any recent updates on their longstanding promises to build a new library and national archive in the capital.
For more information, email libraryservices@gov.vg or call 468-9750.