A library with a larger and better-equipped space that offers new opportunities for reading, learning and educational and recreational activities
The Msida Public Library now has a new location within the Msida Primary School, in a larger and more modern space that offers an environment suitable for reading, studying and various educational and recreational activities, both for students and the entire community.
The new location was inaugurated by the Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri, and the Minister for Local Government and Public Works Alison Zerafa Civelli, together with the Mayor of Msida Charles Selvaggi, during an event also attended by representatives of the Local Council and the educational community of Msida Primary School.
The relocation of the library from the Local Council building was carried out after the need for a larger and more adequate space was identified. Through collaboration between the Local Council and the school administration, an agreement was reached for the library to be moved to a room within the primary school that had already been specially designed for this purpose.
This change is allowing the library to go beyond the traditional book lending service and become a more dynamic space, where children, youth and adults can read, study, conduct research and participate in educational and social activities.
Minister Byron Camilleri stated that this initiative is an example of how educational spaces can be used in a way that offers more opportunities to both students and the community.
“We should start nurturing a love of reading from the earliest years of education. When we create an environment that encourages children to discover books, explore new ideas and develop their curiosity, we are investing in their educational and personal development. This library is also an example of how our schools can continue to open their doors to the community, so that the resources we have can be used for the benefit of more people,” said Minister Camilleri.
For her part, Minister Alison Zerafa Civelli stressed the importance of collaboration between local councils and educational institutions so that communities have access to better public services.
“Public libraries are an important part of community life, as they provide a space where people of all ages can learn, develop their skills and spend time in a positive environment. Through this collaboration between the Msida Local Council and the school administration, we are breathing new life into this service and ensuring that public facilities continue to serve the community better. This is a concrete example of how, when we work together, we can create more accessible, inclusive and beneficial spaces for all,” said Minister Zerafa Civelli.
The Mayor of Msida, Charles Selvaggi, said:
“Today is a wonderful occasion as we inaugurate the library in its new location in Msida. This project is the fruit of collaboration between the Local Council, the school and the Ministry for Education and Sport, and will benefit the present and future generations of Msida. This library will be a space where both adults and school children can approach reading and enjoy a selection of books in Maltese and other languages.”
The Head of Msida Primary School, Graziella Vassallo Theuma, said:
“It is a great pleasure for us that today we are inaugurating the library in its new location within our school. This beautiful and welcoming space will benefit our school community, which includes around 500 students and their families, as well as the entire Msida community. Here, everyone will have the opportunity to enjoy the books we have and continue to foster a love of reading.”
The new facilities allow for the organisation of reading sessions, educational activities for children, games and puzzles, as well as recreational activities for adults, including chess and draughts. The space also offers an environment suitable for individual study and research.
As part of the preparations for the relocation, books were transferred with the help of Local Council workers, new informational signs were installed and aesthetic improvements were made to make the library more functional and welcoming.
The library, which has been operating from its new location for the past few weeks, is open to the public three times a week. In agreement with the school administration, it is also being accessible during school hours, so that students and teachers can make use of its services and borrow books regularly.
During the inauguration, a reading session was held with the school’s students. The visit continued with a tour of the school, during which the Ministers had the opportunity to closely follow various educational, creative and sporting activities in which the students were participating.
Photos: MES/MLGP
