Recently, I had the distinct pleasure of sitting and speaking with Jane Grell, Reference Librarian at the Anguilla Public Library. As I have always heard great things about the Library’s summer program, it was necessary that I sit down with her and discuss in great detail their plans for this summer’s program. It was obvious through our dialogue that there was much thought and reflection put into the central theme this year. The theme, “Shout it Everywhere, Freedom is Here,” is centred around the bicentennial of the abolition of the slave trade in Great Britain.

Jason Allen

Obviously, any theme that focuses on the abolition of slavery will have its roots in African culture, and this year’s program intends to explore the culture of many African tribes and make connections with those cultural practices in Anguilla and the region. Mrs. Grell explained that Africa is a place of civilization that holds many traditions and practices such as cooking, language, story telling, dance, and music. The organizers plan to focus on four tribes and will consequently put the children in respective groups according to those tribes. Although the four tribes have not been decided, Mrs. Grell did mention that the Zulu and Yoruba tribes would be two of the four.

In order to properly illustrate and teach African culture, there will be many activities such as arts and crafts, story telling sessions, theme songs, music, and dance. There will also be two field trips in which one will be theme related and the other a trip to the beach. Children will be engaged in doing various research projects on topics related to the central theme. There will also be an enormous exhibition at the end in which there will be an African market created within the library walls where there will be short performances (skits), African artefacts, and crafts will be displayed. The story telling section of the program is one of the most exciting. Adziko Simba will be travelling to Anguilla to spearhead the story telling. She is a facilitator provided by the Caribbean Development Board (CDB) under its Caribbean Technological Consultancy Services (CTCS) program.

The Annual library Program has been running since 1998 and has enjoyed rave reviews from the community. Children’s Library Annual Summer Program

(CLASP) will run from July 16-27 and will be from 9am-12pm Monday through Friday. The program is available for children ages 5-13. There is no fee per say, but parents are urged to make a contribution of EC $50. During the morning program, children will be provided with a snack and drinks. There is a limit of 80 children, however, so I urge all parents and children who are interested to sign up quickly. Should anyone have any questions, feel free to phone the library at 497-2441.

Mrs. Grell mentioned that there would be announcements made on the radio about the program starting this weekend. Radio Anguilla, Kool FM, and Heartbeat Radio will all be announcing more details. Moreover, organizers of the event want to make an appeal to all Africans or people with close ties to Africa living in Anguilla to bring in artefacts, information, photos, or come in person to take part in this event. Of course, this program would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors. This year, CCB, MAICO, Sunset Homes, ANGLEC, Social Security Boards, and St. Regis Temenos have all provided financial assistance and their participation is greatly appreciated. The funds will be used to provide T-shirts, materials for the crafts, snacks and refreshments, documentation, transportation, and a small stipend for various volunteers and resource persons.

The entire library staff is involved in the process, and they are to be lauded for their devotion to the children. Mrs. Grell said, “This year’s theme is very important and pivotal to our existence in the Caribbean as a people and we hope it will heighten awareness of our rich African heritage.”

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