35 years of service to young readers

One of the first children's libraries on the island, the Duchesne Children's Library was opened on April 15, 1969, and it can really be described as a dream come true. Sr Tessie Agius rscj, who as a child "read all that she could lay her hands on", believed strongly that reading is invaluable and that children should be introduced to books at an early age. She was determined to instil and nurture the reading habit in the pupils under her care and to create a welcoming reading environment where they could discover and explore the world of books.

This vision was clearly mapped out in Sr Agius' mind. But how could an initial library stock be funded? Thanks to a generous donation by an uncle of the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Heart and the frequent fund-raising activities undertaken by Sr Agius, it became possible to buy the first lot of books.

Still, where could such a project be located? Several ideas passed through Sr Agius's mind until eventually the idea of transforming the old farmhouse and stables on the property of the society took off and the Duchesne Library was born.

Physically the library is really quite unique. The features of the farmhouse - stone water troughs and mangers and a charming yard - give the library an atmosphere that makes an impression on anybody who visits it for the first time. From the very beginning no effort was spared to give the library an attractive appearance. The small blue tables and chairs still make the youngest of members feel at ease while handling books.

From time to time refurbishment has of course taken place, the major one being that of 1994. The library was then given a facelift, when, as a result of the late Sr A Zammit's initiative, the last available space of the original farmhouse was cleared up. Some structural works were undertaken and new rooms were created, decorated and furnished to accommodate the ever increasing shelving for more and more books.

The library keeps attracting more and more members. Looking through the membership record it is interesting to note that the library registered its 1,000th member in April 1983. Twenty years on it has welcomed its 5,000th member. Membership now stands at 5,070. In the last 10 years the library has registered an annual average of 130 new members, 75 per cent of whom join in July/August.

Over the last 15 years the library has seen a change in the way it is used. The peak season is in fact summer. Nowadays, as most schools at all levels have well-stocked libraries, children tend to make use of their school libraries during term time. Besides, with the strengthening of the Public Library Services especially in the recent past, the Duchesne Library now shares its role with several libraries. Still, we can proudly say that the Duchesne Library, which satisfied a long-felt need in the 1960s, is still highly regarded.

A characteristic of the library which is much appreciated is its caring attitude. All members are known by name and given that individual attention when it is needed. Children are professionally guided to choose books according to their age, ability, interests and needs. The library has always been very child-friendly - for apart from handling and borrowing books children have also enjoyed peering through the windows of a small doll's house, fiddling about with the favourite swinging monkey on one of the shelves or setting in motion a mechanical gadget in Barbie's house. Most enjoyable have been the storytelling sessions.

Care is taken to keep the stock comprehensive and up to date. The society has been investing in quality books to satisfy any need. Rag books, board books, picture books, videos, several fiction genres and award winners have delighted hundreds of children over the years. Reference books and non-fiction books have proved invaluable to meet the increasing demand by children working on projects.

One can without hesitation say that the library has seen many of its earliest members slowly go through babyhood to motherhood. The library really has something for everyone, parents included. It is a real pleasure to see some of the first members returning to the library to enrol their own children as members and to start them off at an early age on the road that promises success.

On the last Saturday of April, a number of children experienced a different sort of visit to the library. Not only did they borrow books but they stayed on to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Duchesne Library. They made beautiful cards with suitable messages for the occasion and some read poems and other texts. A reading marathon was launched inviting members to read for 35 minutes non-stop.

The library was really en fête! Balloons brightened it up and several new books were added to the shelves, making a colourful display which promised the members more joy through reading. The highlight of the afternoon was the cutting of the cake by the founder of the library, Sr Agius.

While marking the 35th anniversary of the Duchesne Library it is hoped that more and more generations of children will go through delightful learning experiences which the library continues to offer.

The library is at 14, Sacred Heart Avenue, St Julians. Membership is open to all. A one-time enrolment fee of 75c is charged, and borrowing a book costs 2c.