Africa-Press – Seychelles. Following the invitation of the Secretary General of the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts, Mr. David André, the program specialist within the Organization Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), Mrs. Quiterie de Roquefeuil, carried out an assessment mission in public libraries in Seychelles from 16 to 18 August 2023.
The visit is part of the support project that the OIF is carrying out with the National Library of Seychelles for the book acquisition program and the development of reading. After several visits to Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, Mrs Roquefeuil met the local press yesterday morning at the Town Hall of Victoria to take stock of their mission.
An action plan was signed between Seychelles and the OIF as part of the Francophonie summit in Djerba in 2022. “This action plan aims to strengthen French alongside the other official languages of Seychelles – Creole and English. As the opening of the national library is close after several years of closure, in this context the OIF was asked to see to what extent we could contribute to strengthening the collections in French in the various public libraries of the Seychelles. I was working with the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts, and the National Library and we visited all the public libraries in Seychelles and met the librarians and the public they serve. The purpose of the mission was also to make a selection of the types of books that we are going to put in the premises,” explained Ms. Roquefeuil.
As in any library in the world, we are sure to find books for all ages.
Speaking about the state of our libraries, Ms. Roquefeuil shared that here in Seychelles, we are very lucky. “The librarians are dynamic and motivated and they had a long list of books that they would like to have for their public. There are also a lot of activities that are organized and the libraries have a good collection,” she said.
During this mission, Ms. Roquefeuil, in collaboration with the librarians, made a selection of books and in the coming weeks, the list will be finalized. “The OIF buys and sends new books and they all have solid covers so they can be read and re-read. They will be accompanied by games and also a digital kit to accompany readers. The idea is to meet the demand of the public and schools. There will be documentary books, youth albums, novels among others, ”said Ms. Roquefeuil.
Ms. Roquefeuil recalled that about ten years ago, the OIF had donated the books to the Seychelles.
Ms. Anne-Mary Robert, head librarian, added that currently libraries do not have many books in French. “At the moment we are filling the libraries and we would like to have more. The books are dated about ten years ago,” Ms. Robert said.Mrs. Robert shared that the national library started getting book donations and they also bought quite a few books from Logos Hope, the largest floating library.
The Secretary General of the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts, Mr. David André pointed out that the major works at the library have been completed and the departments have started their move. “We think that by the end of September the library will be ready to welcome visitors. As we go, we will complete the layout of the library.
“All the services offered by the library were going to resume and there will be new rooms for activities, and even spaces dedicated to small children, young people and adults,” explained Mr. André.
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