Revitalising the Jamaica Library Service

THE EDITOR, Madam:

In August 2023, I visited the Porus Branch Library. The building, though modern and aesthetically appealing, housed an outdated and culturally irrelevant collection of books. This disappointing experience led me to buy and donate a dozen books to the library. It also inspired me to establish a non-profit to buy, collect, and donate new and culturally relevant books to the Jamaica Library Service (JLS). If our libraries are to become vibrant centres of knowledge for all ages, much more must be done. I offer a few recommendations to help reimagine and revitalise Jamaica’s libraries, which remain essential despite their deteriorating state.

First, the JLS needs structural reform. In 2019, O’Neil W. Grant, president of the Jamaica Civil Service Association, noted that the JLS’s current structure does not align with modern library services. He advocated for transforming the JLS into an independent executive agency, a recommendation I fully support. Such a change would ensure better governance and oversight. A 2020 audit by Auditor General Pamela Monroe-Ellis revealed that the JLS board of directors failed to meet regularly – a critical governance deficiency. One hopes that the audit has led to an improved board. Reforming the board with active and dedicated members could steer the JLS towards more strategic planning and improved service. This, of course, would require robust oversight by the Ministry of Education and the Parliament.

Second, the Jamaican government must invest more in the JLS. The current underfunding is staggering. In 2018, the JLS requested $1.2 billion to meet urgent needs but only received $124 million – a fraction of what was necessary. Friends of the Jamaica Library Service and other groups should advocate for increased funding.

Third, while government support is crucial, individuals and corporations must also play a role. Over a century ago, philanthropists like Andrew Carnegie funded public libraries in New York City. The JLS should partner with wealthy Jamaicans and corporations, launching an ‘Adopt-a-Library’ programme similar to the Ministry of Health’s ‘Adopt-a-Clinic’ initiative. This would encourage corporate entities and individuals to fund library renovations, purchase new books, and supply computers. A well-stocked library featuring works by Jamaican authors such as Mervyn Morris, Lorna Goodison, Roger Mais, Andrew Salkey, Kei Miller, Patricia Powell, Andrea Levy, Olive Senior, Opal Palmer Adisa, Claude McKay, Carolyn Cooper, and Marlon James would inspire national pride and support the development of Jamaican writers and literature.

Finally, libraries should expand their role as community literacy hubs. Beyond lending books, libraries could offer reading and writing classes, workshops on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and healthy living. Some of these initiatives may require additional funding, but much can be done with volunteer support.

The JLS is an indispensable cultural institution, deserving of respect and support. Librarians and staff work wonders despite severe budget constraints, and the time is ripe for transformation.

D. MICHAEL BRITTON, PHD