MONROVIA – Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon has assessed ongoing construction works on a library project worth over US$75,000 in Monrovia, with a call on Liberian students to improve on their research skills to become better citizens in the future.
By Obediah Johnson
He made these comments when he toured a library project worth over US$75,000 in the Tubman High School Compound in Sinkor, Monrovia on Wednesday, May 6.
The library project, which is being constructed in the compound of Tubman High School in Sinkor, Monrovia, is funded from national budgetary allocation under Legislative Support Projects and implemented by the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE).
Senator Dillon also provided additional funding for the upgrade of the project to meet modern standards.
The parcel of land hosting the project was made available by the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS), through the office of Montserrado county Superintendent.
Speaking shortly after the tour, Senator Dillon observed that for too long, Montserrado county, which is one of the original counties of Liberia, has been without a public library.
“I remember 2006 President George Bush came and we can overlook that thing. We always looking for huge donation, contribution and support from the US. But George Bush came here and said we will donate one million text books. For the fact that we don’t have public library for the students, people, residents and visitors in this county, it has bothered me. Reading makes a ready man, but research makes a real man.”
Senator Dillon disclosed that the library would be turned over to the Ministry of Education, with direct monitoring from his office.
“I contacted the Superintendent and told him about my allocation in the budget, through LACE for some projects in the county to consider something that will benefit everybody. We discussed and concluded on a public library. This project is for the people of Liberia and Montserrado in particular and so, we will do everything to modernize this place.”
According to him, the library would be opened free of charge to the public. Senator Dillon disclosed that a fast speed starlink internet would be installed to enhance e-learning and research purposes at the library.
He noted that pledges are being made for the donation of books for the library.
He added that a complete assessment would be carried to maintain stable electricity supply at the library and support the numerous air conditions that would be installed at the facility.
Senator Dillon expressed the hope that students, both from private and public schools would take advantage of the library upon its completion.
He, however, commended Superintendent Bryant and LACE for the supervisory and monitoring roles played to ensure the completion of the project by a Liberian contractor.
He pledged to work with the office of the Superintendent to ensure that additional three libraries are construction in other regions in Montserrado.
“If we get four of this project placed in four regions in Montserrado, it will be really good. As a lawmaker, you don’t put your hands in almost everything; you will succeed at night. Grab one; and your see how I grabbed rehabilitation?”
Also speaking, Supt. Bryant pointed out that a management team would be put in place to properly managed and safeguard the library.
“The time and energy that we put into this project we will not sit and allow just anybody to come to manage this project. We are not going to give anybody this job on a sympathy, but on your readiness to get the job done. You can rest assure that this place is going to be well taken care of.”
He said the library would be modernized to attract foreigners and tourists to carry out research.
He added that upon completion, the project would discourage students from going from one destination to another in search of text books to do their assignments or finalize their research works.
Supt. Bryant noted that young Liberian students would use the library to improve their comprehension skills.
He, however, warned against the misuse of the internet and other facilities that would be installed or placed at the facility.
