The Duchesne Library in St Julian’s was one of the first children’s libraries on the island when it opened in April 1969. Photos: Paul Zammit Cutajar

It is half past three on a Saturday afternoon in July and my daughter is waiting eagerly by the door of our flat with a backpack stuffed with books parked neatly on the floor next to her.

We are getting ready for a 20-minute drive to the library in the scorching afternoon sun. The only respite is the hot breeze from the open windows because our car is very modest. The thrilling anticipation of the weekly visit to the Duchesne Library however placates all the possible reasons why we should be indoors enjoying a refreshing drink.

We arrive, park the car and scuttle to the narrow door at the end of the road. We are welcomed by a sweet, musty smell unique to this vernacular farmhouse which houses the library. Unassuming but gracefully poised behind the desk is the librarian, a dedicated and seasoned educator who heartily welcomes all those who stop for a fresh refill of books.

This is one of the unfading recollections of my daughter’s childhood and teenage years – a Saturday afternoon drive to the library and good books to read to while away the lull of the long summer months. Books amazingly served to strengthen the bond between me and my daughter, but thanks to Duchesne Library, the bond forged is still strong.

The library caters for different learners too

As a child, the passion for reading was inculcated in me by my father who always loved the company of a good book. As a mother and later as a teacher, I did my utmost to instil a love for books and reading, both in my daughter and in the many young girls and boys I taught.

I strongly believe in the power of the written word, and its effect on transforming an individual into one that can think and therefore be. Yet, to harness this power, one needs to have an excellent source of books and people who are truly dedicated to their teaching mission like the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Heart who have been offering the library service for the past 45 years.

Kofi Annan, the former United Nations Secretary General claimed that “literacy unlocks the door to learning throughout life, is essential to development and health, and opens the way for democratic participation and active citizenship”.

This was precisely Sr Tessie Agius’s vision several decades before the above words were cited. She converted the farmhouse on the grounds of the society into a children’s library and opened its doors to the community in April 1969.

Back then, the Duchesne Library became one of the first children’s libraries on the island and since then has faithfully served its numerous members who seek in it the joy, knowledge and wisdom which can be reaped from books.

The library invests in books of various genres for children of all ages and is regularly stocked with the latest bestselling books by award-winning authors and children’s laureates.

Above all, the library offers personalised assistance; members are not just names and numbers on a card, members are friends who are cherished and cared for. The library caters for different learners too, and stocks books for reluctant readers and those with learning difficulties.

In summer, in the peak of the holidays, the library hosts a number of activities for its young, budding members. These interactive activities include storytelling, puppet shows, treasure hunts and poetry sessions. Young children are invited to recite their own poems and share good reads.

The little rooms with small chairs and tables provide an opportunity for parents to spend some relaxing time sharing a big book, or doing paired reading with their son or daughter. This quality time enhances bonding between parents and children and also enables young girls and boys to explore the world of print in a secure and friendly environment.

As a parent, I always read the books that my daughter brought home. I did so for two reasons. One was to encourage discussion with regard to the characters, the plot, the setting and the genre, and the other was to make sure that she understood the setting, especially if the story was based on historical events. Later on in life, this experience gave her an edge when it came to expressing herself in writing and appreciating literature.

I am looking forward to the summer months, even though my daughter is a young woman now. We both still love going to Duchesne Library, not only to borrow books but also to help and guide young readers who visit the library to discover the joy of finding time to sit and read and travel through different time portals and live through experiences that only the power of the written word can give.

I am also looking forward to the activities being organised to mark the library’s 45th anniversary and hope more and more children will discover the Duchesne Library to enjoy, like my daughter, a world of profit and delight through books.

About the library

The Duchesne Library is open on Saturdays from 4.30pm to 6pm from October through to April and from 5pm to 6.30pm from May through to September. To join the library there is a one-time enrolment fee of €12.

One can find English and Maltese fiction as well as graded readers in French, Italian and German, and reading schemes catering for starter readers,developing readers, confident readers and independent readers. There is also a non-fiction section.

For further information, send an e-mail to duchesne.library@gmail.com.

Anniversary celebration

Anniversary celebrations will run until the end of July. These will include storytelling sessions, library quiz, treasure hunt, shared reading experiences, a poetry festival and puppet shows.

Throughout this sum mer, visitors to the library will also be able to take part in an exhibition of some of the treasures of the library and a photo collage reflecting 45 years of service. Members are also being encouraged to take part in a reading marathon, details of which can be obtained from the librarian.