Government Aims to Establish Public Library Services on Every Inhabited Island

The government is working to expand library services to all inhabited islands in the Maldives, State Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Shukuruulla Shakeel has said.

Speaking on PSM News’ Raajje Miadhu programme, Shakeel said the government aims to ensure that every citizen has access to library services, regardless of where they live.

advertisement

The government is also working to establish National Library branches in different regions of the country. Construction of library buildings has already begun in Addu City and Fuvahmulah City, according to officials.

National Library Director General Fatimath Shiham said a national framework for the development of library services has been formulated following consultations with more than 100 stakeholders.She added that a survey conducted among local councils across the country found that library services were highly valued and needed by the public.

Currently, the only publicly accessible library in the Maldives is the National Library in Malé City. Libraries are also available at various college campuses across the country, but these facilities are not open to the public.