This section of the library's roof was torn away in order to exterminate termites (duck ants). It has not been repaired. - RICARDO MAKYN
WHILE MOST MODERN libraries are moving towards embracing 21st century technology, little has been done to upgrade the Cedar Valley Branch Library in St.Thomas.
Although most have been outfitted with computers, this branch library has seemingly been forgotten. Library assistant, Barbara Ballen, mans the library alone and says this branch is treated like the Jamaica Library Service's (JLS) 'ugly step-sister'.
The library is adjacent to an old, abandoned building and one could easily mistake this for the library since the sign stands on the same property. The actual library is at the back and is a small, one room. Though the library is open regularly, inside still has a musty smell.
Some sections of the roof, towards the back of the room have been torn off and Ballen says this was because a pesticide unit had come to get rid of 'duck ants' that had infested the building. That work has already been done, but the roof has not been repaired. Ballen also spoke of the fact there were not enough chairs in the library and that some students had to sometimes sit on the floor.
The library has a telephone, but Ballen mentioned that it was only recently restored and that they had been without service for sometime. She also lamented the poor filing system that is in place at the library, and said she did not have enough cabinets to store things such as newspaper clippings.
The building has also been targeted by thieves who Ballen say made off with several bathroom fixtures. "They stole the face basin and toilet bowls. I have to attach a hose from outside to get water, but everytime I do that, the bathroom get flood out." For this reason, she says, she encourages the children to go home if they need to use the bathroom."
Ballen says the library is very important to the community and added that young people use it as a community centre and a place to meet up. "I had to demand attention. The library is important to the community and we need to have it fixed." Because the library does not have computer or Internet services, and it is not open on Saturdays, students must travel 17.5 miles to Morant Bay. Ballen says she wants the JLS to "visit the library, see to it that things are fixed and kept in order and not wait until things fall apart. If they want A-1 service, they have to give A-1 supplies." She feels it is important to preserve the library as it serves several communities.
When contacted, a repre-sentative from the JLS said they did not own the building that houses the library, but said they did have intentions to effect repairs. She also added that "all our branch libraries will have computers, it's just a matter of process." She also said, "We are going to give some special attention to what can be done. We are going to put out a major effort to see to it that all our branches are up to standard and to make sure that everyone is on the same level."
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