GREAT BAY--Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Melissa Gumbs says construction of St. Maarten’s new library is beginning to take visible shape, as work continues on the long-awaited facility.
Gumbs said activity at the construction site can now be seen through the fencing, offering the public an early view of the progress being made on the new building.
The project has an estimated construction period of approximately 14 months. Gumbs expressed hope that the community will be able to return to a completed library facility next year as work continues according to the project timeline.
While construction progresses, the Minister reminded residents that library services remain available and that the public does not have to wait for the completion of the new building to access books and other resources.
Residents can obtain a library card at the library’s current location and use the Libby digital reading application to borrow electronic books directly on their phones and tablets.
The service allows library members to access reading material digitally, providing another option for residents while the permanent facility is under construction.
Gumbs said the library is also exploring partnerships with other libraries in the region, the Netherlands and potentially the United States as part of efforts to expand the range of books and other digital material available to St. Maarten library users.
Such partnerships could significantly broaden the digital collection available through the library, giving residents access to material beyond the library’s existing catalogue.
The Minister encouraged residents to continue making use of the services presently available while following the progress of the new building.
The reconstruction of the library is expected to restore a permanent home for one of the country’s key educational and cultural institutions, while the expansion of digital services is intended to ensure that access to reading and learning resources continues during the construction period and beyond.
Gumbs said the visible progress at the site represents another step toward returning the community to a dedicated library facility, with the approximately 14-month construction period remaining the timeframe guiding the project.
