The United States first celebrated National Library Week in 1958 with the theme “Wake Up and Read.” Today, children around the globe continue to honor this special occasion. National Library Week encourages young readers to find inspiration in books and bring their favorite characters to life. During this week, children share their beloved book characters and explain their significance.
Schools across the nation hosted their own celebrations for National Library and Literacy Week, culminating in an official closing event led by Selina Kuruleca, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education, at Uluda Holdings Grounds in Rakiraki. This year’s theme was “Ready, Set, Library,” while the upcoming International Literacy Day in 2024 will focus on “Advancing multilingual education: Literacy for fostering mutual understanding and peace.”
In her closing remarks, Ms. Kuruleca referenced a Biblical verse, Proverbs 9:9, stating, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” She noted that this week celebrated literacy in various forms, with students engaging in school activities that emphasized the significance of National Library and Literacy Week.
Ms. Kuruleca highlighted the students’ enthusiastic participation in activities such as poster displays, oratory contests, impromptu speaking competitions, poetry readings, and a book character parade aimed at encouraging the reading habit among children.
Addressing the perceived obsolescence of libraries in the age of smartphones, she reminded attendees that libraries serve to connect people, offer resource access, and uphold principles of fairness, inclusivity, and the freedom of information.
She expressed gratitude to school leaders, librarians, educators, students, parents, and supporters for their role in making the 2024 Library and Literacy Week a success. Ms. Kuruleca praised their efforts for creating memorable experiences and reinforcing the importance of lifelong learning.
Finally, she urged everyone to view libraries not merely as physical spaces but as vital centers of knowledge, inclusivity, and hope, wishing all ongoing success in their pursuit of innovation, knowledge, and progress.