Rotarians working to extend Brac library

(CNS): The Rotary Club of Cayman Brac is hoping to add an extension to the Cayman Brac Public Library. According to Club President Brian Enright, an estimated $80,000 is needed to get the project going, but only $5,000 has been raised so far. There has been a fund established for the extension, The Rotary Club of Cayman Brac Library Fund, and there are more fundraisers being planned to increase funds for the project. Enright said that the construction of the extension was a long term goal of the club and that it could take a few years to accomplish. The proposal for the extension was made by John Elliot, who served as club president from 2007-2009. 

Immediate Past President Andrea Stevens said that fundraising efforts for the project have been ongoing for a few years and that the formal architectural plans for the project would be submitted to the Planning Department for approval when enough funds have been raised. While no time frame has been set for construction work to begin, the new president said he was hoping that volunteers from the construction industry would build the extension, which would cut costs substantially.

The current library building was built by the Brac Rotary Club and was officially opened in 1995. While Rotary retains ownership of the building, the library falls under the Ministry of Education, Training, Employment, Youth, Sports & Culture and the government paysstaff salaries and purchases books.

Members of the public can help by donating money to the cause. Cheques can be made payable to either the Rotary Club of Cayman Brac or the Rotary Club of Cayman Brac Library Fund or cash can be given to any Brac Rotary Club member in a sealed envelope.

“Our hope is to build an extension to the library, so it can continue to meet the needs of Cayman Brac,” said Enright. “This project could be one way that the Rotary Club of Cayman Brac would be able to support the increased emphasis on literacy in the Cayman Islands.”

Enright took up the post of president at a Rotary changeover ceremony on 2 July. After being installed in his new position, Enright promised to continue the work started by Past President Stevens and set his theme for his time in the position: “Pulling together in one direction for the common good of the Brac”. Rotary Assistant Governor Rosie Jamieson travelled from Grand Cayman to install new club members.