Helping Out Fiji's Libraries

In November of 2006, Philip Calvert, Senior Lecturer at Victoria University and Jill Best, APLM Member and Manager: Libraries, Tauranga City Council, visited Fiji to make recommendations on the future of Fiji’s public libraries.

Being concerned at the run-down state of libraries caused by years of under-funding, and aware that the effects of the coup were likely to depress local government budgets for years to come, Jill decided to provide some immediate practical aid as well as the long term plan.  

Jill sent out word through library networks for donations of books.  A week after the first appeal, Labasa Public Library lost most of its books in a huge flood, so the need became even more urgent.  In 8 weeks, 14 libraries had responded with over 4000 books.  Shipping costs were met by the Commonwealth Local Government Pacific Project.  Half of the books - all from Christchurch City Libraries - went to restock Labasa Library.  The remainder were shared among Nadi, Ba, Nausori, Suva, and a new library about to be opened at Nasinu (part of greater Suva, serving about 100,000 people).  The Nasinu Library opened on 30 May 2007 with these books as the backbone of their collection.

Since this appeal, 37,000 books and 75 computers have been distributed to Fiji libraries, including 3 new libraries.  Most of the libraries now have IT centres for the public to use internet.  Shipping costs have again been met by the Commonwealth Local Government Pacific Project and the Neptune Shipping Company.  It is supported by LGNZ and the Mayor of Tauranga, Stuart Crosby.  "There are not a lot of projects LGNZ gets involved with that provide international support.  But this is one that clearly adds value to the people of the islands - adults and children".

Jill has now been asked to extend the project to the Solomon Islands.  She will be reviewing the library in Honiara in November 2010, and working out what practical help is required.  Consignments of books from Tauranga, Dunedin, and Noosa Libraries will start the ball rolling.

Donations are requested from New Zealand libraries for anything not more than 5 years old.  Reference and children's books are particularly needed.  Contact Jill to arrange shipment.

Thank you to all the libraries who have taken the time to select and pack good materials for the project.  It is making a positive difference.