Philipsburg
Jubilee Library
Ch.E.W.
Voges Street 12, Philipsburg, St Maarten, Netherlands Antilles
tel. +599 542-2970 / fax +599 542-5805
info@stmaartenlibrary.org
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“After the implementation, everyone on the island will be able to check our catalogue on the internet (www.stmaartenlibrary.org) on his or her own private computer. Members only can request extension of the loan period and make reservations for our material on their computer with the use of their library card. For new books and CDs (compact disks) and videos members still have to come to the library, as we do not have a delivery service.” The brand-new software-as-a-service system works without hardware, explains Koolen. “All connections with our supplier in the US go over the Internet. Our own two Internet lines continue to be sponsored by Caribserve.” Director Koolen adds that the website www.stmaartenlibrary.org is being kept up to date. It includes all activities at the institution and, very important, a listing of all non-profit organizations on the Dutch side of the island, which she proudly calls ‘unique’. “It’s a free service to the community.” A significant contributor to the library is Windward Islands Bank (WIB), which has donated $ 20,000 for the very necessary replacement of the floor tiles. The bank made this welcome gesture in connection with the recent lying of the first stone for the extension of the bank building. In the past, WIB made a large donation towards the repairs of the roof, which had been seriously damaged by hurricanes. AMFO has approved the Naf 508,000 project for the purchase of a new bibliobus. It will replace the old vehicle which is some 15 years old. Current bus driver Richard Nicolaas will also chauffeur the new custom-made vehicle with outreach program. “The new bibliobus will continue to visit the schools in the mornings and, in addition, we will start a district program for the benefit of our community centers and after school activities programs,” Koolen contends. She adds that this big new project will likely start in November with two afternoons to be gradually extended to include more or all weekday afternoons. SNAYDP funded Naf 11,000 for the library’s teenager role models project. “From January until June between 40 and 50 teeners came to the library to participate in this very successful project which included, among others, poetry and fashion.” Through the Dollar-a-Day program of the St. Maarten Timeshare Association the library received a $7,000 donation that was used to purchase seven new computers. The Representative of the Netherlands in St. Maarten donated the reading contest that was held at the library in March of this year. Island Gems Charity Foundation donated money for the upgrading of the Children’s Corner.
The library largely depends on Government subsidy to pay salaries, accommodation, keeping up of the book collection, maintenance and other major expenses. In addition, there are welcome donations for projects, book sales and book fees (a low Naf 25 per year for adults, and Naf 10 for secondary education students, but children up to 10 years do not pay a book fee). “Fees are kept low to allow everyone to make used of the library. We are very creative with financing our needs. We try to get as many donations as possible. But it is never easy.” Information |
Points of concern
remain the understaffing of the library, the financial position, non-returned
books and thefts, Koolen admits. “We have had the same number of employees for
ten years, while the activities have increased tremendously. This means that too
often we have to say ‘NO’ to schools, businesses or individuals, who wish to
include us in their activities or have other requests that tike time. She is
also concerned about the large number of books that are loaned out and never
returned, and with the sloppy, indifferent manner in which some of the members
treat the books. “Recurring theft of our material is another concern that is
very frustrating.”
