On the occasion of the 40th anniversary from the founding of Malta’s Central Public Library in Floriana, Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici inaugurated the first phase of renovation works of the library, with an investment of €340,000.
Works during the first phase of this project included the restructuring of the ground floor section; namely new ceilings and floors, the restoration of apertures, a modern glass partitioning system which creates a dynamic space for different functions and several interventions to ensure complete accessibility to the building.
Minister Owen Bonnici explained that, over the past ten years, Malta Libraries’ services have undergone substantial upgrades; namely the shift to a computerised system which nowadays serves over a hundred libraries, be they public, parastatal as well as private, and the introduction of the free electronic book service for members of all ages.
“We are investing directly in the renovation of the building itself which serves as the administrative base for the entire Public Libraries Network,” stated Minister Bonnici, whilst praising the hard work being undertaken.
The National Librarian and CEO, Cheryl Falzon, reiterated that they have always recognised the great potential of the library and the services it offers. Therefore, over the years, a plan was drawn up and works started being implemented to upgrade both the services and the building itself.
She explained that the second phase of renovation works have started in the adult library section and, in the coming months, aside from shelving with books in the traditional formats, the space will include reading hubs, a makerspace where the public will be able to experience 3D printing as well as Virtual and Augmented Reality and regular educational and recreational courses and activities.
For the day, Malta Libraries has organised a programme of events for the public in collaboration with Heritage Malta’s Digitisation Unit, Saving Our Blue Campaign and the National Literacy Agency.
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