Jaffna Library celebrates Children's Day in grand style

Priyanka Kurugala

The Jaffna Library authorities who pay their best attention to children's education and welfare conducted a series of programmes for its members to mark

International Children's Day, which fell on October 1.

International Children's Day this year fell on a Monday, which is the usual holiday for the Jaffna Library, hence, adding special significance to the day.

Among the many features conducted by the library authorities to mark this special day was an arts competition for children who are members.

The Jaffna Library was a hive of activity when we visited it. A large number of children were participating in the art contests, putting their artistic skills to the test. They were engrossed in their colourful creations, printed, drawings etc. Their innovative drawings were a treat to the eye. Using separate colours, they had drawn the same picture in many ways.

Dancing, musical chairs and story telling contests were the other major attractions. A special film show was also screened while chocolates and other goodies were also distributed among the children to mark International Children's Day.

The children were fascinated by the story telling contest. The story recited by the Librarian in charge of Children Section Narmada had really gripped their attention. It made everybody happy. Librarian Rahini Nadaraja and Assistance Librarian Ms Sriskandaraja had interesting stories to tell.

The Jaffna Library has the distinction of having a very rare collection of books.

Assistance Librarian Mohomad Nishath said the Jaffna Library has always given pride of place to child welfare projects. It conducts weekly drawing contests and exhibits the work of child artistes.

The library's Children's Section is rich in facilities. It has a very pleasant ambience, especially for children.

The Singapore International Foundation made a donation of Rs three million to the Jaffna Library on July 29, 2011.

Colourful desks and chairs adorn the building with computer facilities and many games for children available. A special corner has also been designated for parents.

The Children's Section has a membership of 975 at present. The library which comprises the Lending Section, References Section, Special Ceylon Collection, Archives Section, Children's Section and Periodical Section has about 1,454 lending members and 16,000 normal members. The library authorities plan to increase its membership by enrolling more Sinhala members.

The Jaffna Library which is of tremendous value to the country with its ancient and glorious history, suffered a severe setback in the past, due to the narrow-minded actions of extremist forces.

Children participating in the art and drawing contest held to mark Children's Day.

A wide array of rare books and publications on display.

But, good times are here again, and after the eradication of terrorism and dawning of lasting peace, the government took measures to rebuild the Jaffna Library, resulting in fruitful results. The library which can be described as a treasure trove of knowledge was saved from destruction.

Jaffna Chief Librarian Imelda Karunagara says the library provides a very important service to the people. The Children's Section, while serving its discerning readers, makes a vital contribution by helping nurture an educated, humane and caring younger generation.

Every citizen should be grateful for the services rendered by these dedicated officials.