PHILIPSBURG–The online catalogue of Philipsburg Jubilee Library now number some 1,000 books, thanks to support from Island Gems Charity Foundation. The all-women organization provided funds for the library to purchase some 200 titles of mainly essential school books along with novels for children and young adults.
Island Gems has always supported the library and has in the past supplied book carts and had outfitted the Baby and Toddler Room of the now closed location on Vogesstraat. The group took the library’s temporary location into consideration when deciding in what way it should continue its support for knowledge and education.
A conversation between Island Gems President Alita Singh and Library Board Treasurer Joseanne Peterson resulted in a request from the library for support for its digital catalogue. Island Gems approved the project deeming it the best solution as digital books are more or less hurricane proof. After a storm, once electricity and internet are available, library cardholders can still access books whether or not there is physical library location.
To access the digital collection, cardholder simply have to visit the library at its temporary location in the Adolphus Richardson Building, across the street from Sundial School on W.J.A. Nisbeth Road to request sign-in details. The books are available via the “Libby” app. The app and sign-in details can be used across various devices.
Non-library cardholders are encouraged by Island Gems to sign up as library members. The annual fee is NAf 25. This membership does not only open up a world of books; it ensures access to knowledge and adventures as well as a safe place to read and study.
Island Gems members recently visited the library where Interim Director Irmin Hughes gave an outline of the library’s goals and plans. Library IT specialist Francia Housen demonstrated the use of the Libby app and guided Island Gems through downloading the app on their devices. This led several members renewing their membership to the library, a task they had not attended to since Hurricane Irma. Other Gems signed up anew.
“Island Gems are ferocious readers. Support for our library is a natural fit for us. We are happy to be a part of the storm-proofing of this centre of knowledge and encourage others to do the same,” said Island Gems President Alita Singh.
The library can also expand its reach into the community if it has a mobile library. The bookmobile is no longer road-worthy. It has moved on to new phase of its life as a temporary stationary library in the yard of the Hillside Christian School in St. Peters.
Island Gems Charity Foundation is the non-profit organization that supports foundation and associations on both sides of the island. It is the only one that crosses borders and has been rendering help for four decades. The foundation raises money at its annual costume gala dinner, its only fundraiser for the year. This year’s gala, themed Trashion – Turning Trash into Fashion, was held at Emilio’s restaurant in April.
