Queen Wilhelmina Library is revamping and modernizing

The Queen Wilhelmina Library has initiated a project to revamp and modernize its facilities. The project is financed by the Public Entity Saba.

Under the Community Learning Center at the Queen Wilhelmina Library project, different areas in the building will be reorganized. The books, both the adult and children’s section, will be placed in one area, creating room for an arts and crafts space, a kiddy corner, a reading lounge and a coffee corner.

The library will increase its opening hours. Once per month, the library will open on Tuesday evening, from 5:00pm-9:00pm, and also one Saturday morning per month, from 9:00am to 1:00pm. The regular opening hours are from 8:00am-12:30pm and from 2:00pm-5:30pm.

The library will have space in the near future for exhibitions, meetings and presentations. Activities such as an adult and kids book club are being planned. The e-books program has already started and people can sign up to read e-books. The library already offers three programs where children can get assistance with Dutch, English and homework, funded by the “Kansen voor alle kinderen” program. The computer corner, financed through the same “Kansen voor alle kinderen” program, is also a success.

In March, librarians Joanna Simmons and Tiffany Zagers will travel to the Netherlands to get acquainted with libraries there and to meet with several authorities, including the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW).

Once the reorganization is completed by the end of April, there will be a soft opening. The project, which is being supervised by Rosalyn Johnson of the Community Development Department, fits in the larger goal to get more people to come to the library.

Having a well-functioning library is important, said Johnson. “It is a family place, a place of learning. We encourage people to read.” Librarian Simmons said the library was open to suggestions and that there were opportunities for volunteer work.

GIS Saba