Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono recently inaugurated an exhibition of 702 new books to mark World Book Day at the Gozo Public Library in Victoria.

This first consignment of new books, worth €4,386, paid from funds annually allocated to the Gozo Public Library by the ministry, are to be distributed among the Public Library, the Lending Library and the General Hospital Library in Victoria as well as to 11 branch libraries in various villages. These books cover a variety of subjects, ranging from primary to tertiary levels. Also on display are 180 new Melitensia books received through the Legal Deposit Act of 1925 as well as other publications regarding the introduction of the euro.

Ms Debono spoke about the important role libraries play in the education of children. After stressing the benefits of reading, she said that last year 8,177 people used the internet installed at the Gozo Public Library in 1999; the service is now also available at the Gozo Lending Library.

The minister said that last year 798 people had enrolled as new members at the public library and a total of 121,149 books were issued for home reading from both the Gozo Lending Library and other local branch libraries last year, exceeding the previous year's figure by 3,268.

The exhibition will remain open till Saturday.

The Gozo Public Library is open Monday to Friday from 7.30 a.m. till 1.30 p.m. and on Saturday from 7.30 a.m. till 1 p.m. From October till May it is also open on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. till 6 p.m.

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