The community of Belle Vue on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD) recently celebrated a significant milestone. It opened its first public library.
The first of its kind Belle Vue Little Library [Photo: Aruna Faria]
The Belle Vue Little Library, as it is known, promises to be a beacon of knowledge and learning for not only the community’s residents but also those in the surrounding areas.
THE BIRTH OF BELLE VUE LITTLE LIBRARY
This library, the first of its kind in Region Three, is a testament to the power of community and the vision of one individual, Aruna Faria.
This library was founded in 2020, a year marked by challenges and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aruna, an employee attached to the Ministry of Health and a leader, was inspired to give back to her community. Her involvement with the Canadian charity Giving Health to Kids paved the way for a transformative idea.
THE ONSET OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
In 2020, she collaborated with the charity to procure 60 tablets and two laptops, which were distributed to children in Belle Vue, Patentia, Canal Number Two, and Stanleytown Primary School.
Furthermore, 20 tablets were also donated to less fortunate children, highlighting the pressing need for accessible educational resources.
Driven by a desire to create a lasting impact, Aruna envisioned a library that would cater to the educational needs of her community.
Her childhood memories of visiting the Stanleytown Public Library fuelled her determination to establish a similar space in Belle Vue.
PHILANTHROPIST AT A CRUCIAL TIME
A chance encounter with philanthropist Joe Persaud proved pivotal. He not only provided books but also connected Aruna with the Little Library in Canada, offering invaluable guidance.
The journey to establish the Belle Vue Little Library was not without its challenges. However, with unwavering support from friends, family, and the community, Aruna overcame each obstacle.
Renovations were undertaken, including ceiling replacement, rewiring, plumbing upgrades, and new doors and windows. Aruna’s personal investment in materials and labour, supplemented by donations, ensured the library’s transformation.
Renovations of the Library [Photo: Aruna Faria]
AT LAST – THE OPENING OF BELLE VUE LITTLE LIBRARY
The Belle Vue Little Library opened its doors to the community early last month.
According to Aruna, this achievement stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the impact of individual initiatives.
The Belle Vue Little Library [Photo: Aruna Faria]
She believes the library’s shelves, filled with books donated by the community and beyond, symbolise the limitless possibilities that education and knowledge offer.
It is a space where children and adults alike can access educational resources, embark on a journey of learning and discovery, and realise their full potential.
