"Service" - Library Service

It was an interesting session of library service today. As there was no library service last weekend, there were many books to be placed back to their designated shelves. Hence, it took me and my group around 15 minutes to organize the books. Next, a meeting was held regarding the fundraising for the Jaffna Public Library. The previous idea about planning a movie night was cancelled after a analysis of the success of previously carried out movie nights. Hence, the new fundraising plan is to set up a drinks stall at the "Battle of the Bands" programme. This program is planned by the Cleft Palette service group in order to raise funds for operations of infants suffering with cleft palette. It is to be held on 26th of November 2011 in the auditorium of The Overseas School of Colombo. Also, It is estimated that more than 500 people will be attending this program in which many local as well as school bands will be performing. Hence, by providing drinks to the people at the show, we (the Library Service team), will be able to help another service group to be successful in accomplishing their good deed, while raising funds for the Jaffna Library as well.

I feel that this fundraiser is very important as it engages with an issue of global importance and carries positive ethical implications with it. The Jaffna Library was inaugurated in 1934. It became one of the most flourished libraries in the world, gaining recognition as one of the best libraries in South-East Asia. However, the Jaffna Library was burnt during the ethnic war in Sri Lanka in 1981, and restored slowly. Now, even though it is now completely renovated, the library requires some enhancement in its infrastructure. A library is an important institution in a society. Some quotes about the role of this institution presented in simple words but with deep morals are:

"A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life."
Henry Ward Beecher

"A library is the delivery room for the birth of ideas, a place where history comes to life."
Norman Cousins

Hence, the fundraising for this library is a very crucial for the growth of ideas in Jaffna.

I am now looking forward to this event on the 26th of December. Also, as the Book week (28th November -  2nd December) is approaching, it will be fun to be part of the team that organizes programs that promote reading and encourage the use of the library in the school community.