Displaying certificates for their contributions. From left: Althea Gracia-Hodge, Ms Marriet Nibbs Smith and Ms Beverly Donavon, Acting Principal Mr Wade W. Tobin and others who played a key role in coordinating this morning's activity. Photo: VINO

Some students who participated in a drama depicting the importance of reading. Photo: VINO

Dr Allison Flax-Archer listens to one of the students give the correct answer to one of her questions. The student won himself a gift voucher. Photo: VINO

The guest speaker for the opening ceremony of Library Week was Mrs Andria Flax, who is author of the book 'The Way We Were'. Mrs Flax reflected on the 'good old days' when there were no electricity and the gadgets of today, which left them in those days no choice but to find comfort in reading books. Photo: VINO

A section of the audience at the opening ceremony of Library Week 2013 at the Elmore Stoutt High School today, April 22, 2013. Photo: VINO

The ESHS Jazz Band had the crowd in loud cheers. Photo: VINO

Underscoring the importance of reading in relation to the theme "Libraries - A place where books come alive", Secretary General of the BVI National Commission for UNSCO Dr Allison Flax-Archer highlighted what her office has been doing in the promotion of reading.

Dr Flax-Archer said that on April 22, 2009 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, UNESCO and 32 partner institutions launched the World Digital Library, a web site that features unique cultural materials from libraries and archives from around the world. The site - located at www.wdl.org - includes manuscripts, maps, rare books, films, sound recordings, prints and photographs.

According to Dr Flax-Archer, the site provides unrestricted public access, free of charge, to this material. One of UNESCO’s main mandates is to promote the free flow of all forms of knowledge in education, science, culture and communication. The Organization therefore promotes education, research and exchanges through the improved and increased availability of content on the internet.

"To this end, it collaborates with a number of partners on the creation of digital and other repositories. Hopefully in the not to distant future the BVI National Commission for UNESCO will be able to assist the Elmore Stoutt High School with getting an online database and e-book library running, which will in turn assist with unlimited online research at school making you the best students that you can be," said Dr. Flax-Archer.

It was underscored that libraries are the local gateway to knowledge, provide a basic condition for lifelong learning, independent decision-making and cultural development of the individual and social groups. The UNESCO Manifesto proclaims belief in the public library as a living force for education, culture and information, and as an essential agent for the fostering of peace and spiritual welfare through the minds of men and women.  UNESCO therefore encourages national and local governments to support and actively engage in the development of libraries and commends the department of Education for refurbishing the library in June 2012.

"On that note, I would like to close by congratulating Mr Tobin on supporting the libraries services of this school and also to Ms Mathavious for being a stalwart in this area for years and; to you teachers and students for listening and will encourage you all to continue increasing your knowledge by reading and taking care of your library so that others that come after will be encouraged to do the same," concluded Dr. Flax Archer.

Two students who answered questions correctly from Dr. Flax Archer's presentation won themselves gift vouchers.

The guest speaker at the opening ceremony of Libray Week 2013 is author of the book 'The Way We Were', Mrs Andria Flax, who spent some time reflecting on the 'good old days' when there were no electricity and the gadgets of today which left them in those days, no choice but to find comfort in reading books. While acknowledging the new trends of accessing books online, she said that whenever a new book is out that speaks of the culture or anything about the Virgin Islands, she does the "old fashion thing" of purchasing a hard copy as opposed to the online style.

She, like others, also stressed on the importance of reading and challenged youths to make reading a part of their everyday life.

Mrs Andria Flax was the Valedictorian of the then BVI High School's Class of 1972.

Library week observances this year is dedicated in memory of the late Barbara Turnbull who was a Geography Teacher, Assistant Teacher of the then BVI high School. She is said to have been instrumental in the early development of the School's library as she was an avid reader.

The week is also dedicated to the Late Sheila Hyderman Wheatley, who was a poet, and played a "great role" in the setting up of the school's library.