Moneague College Stages First Book Fair

The campus of the multi-disciplinary Moneague College in St. Ann was abuzz with activity on Thursday, September 12, as students, teachers, parents and community persons attended the institution’s first annual book fair and sale.

There were displays of texts, reading books and other educational material from some nine providers, including the Jamaica Information Service (JIS).

Vice President  for Student Affairs at Moneague College, Jacqueline Thames, in declaring the event officially open, thanked the participating companies for their involvement in the event.

“We are all in the business of awakening minds and enlightening spirits, and therefore we are very happy that you found it necessary to partner with us in this very extremely important exercise,” she stated.

Quoting writer Charles Elliot, who stated that books are the quietest and most constant friend, the most accessible and wisest counsellors, and the most patient teachers, Miss Thames urged all in attendance to “find that friend, that wise counsellor and that patient teacher.”

Principal of the Moneague College, Howard Issacs, who is now on secondment to the Council of Community Colleges of Jamaica, described the book fair as an excellent initiative.

“The fair itself is clearly catering for students, who are actually in school, but in walking around I have observed that there are books and texts and materials that are there for the entire family.  It’s an excellent initiative and I am hoping that the college will continue these initiatives as we reach out to the community as we serve them here in Moneague, St. Ann,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Librarian at the St. Joseph’s Teachers College in Kingston, Jackie Morris, said the event was useful for the students “to actually see what each book store holds and what they have on display, and what material they can get to support their curriculum”.

“I think it is a very interesting book fair and it is something that I would want to adopt also,” she stated.

Librarian at the Moneague College, Theresa Reid, explained to JIS News that the event was held to enable students to access material for their courses.

“As you would imagine, with the economic situation, the libraries are not necessarily able to provide all the resources that the students need, and so based on demand we would want to encourage our students to get their own resources for their classes,” she stated. She said the aim was to make the book fair an annual event.

First year student in Primary Education at the Moneague College, Kishann Stewart, told JIS News that she found the event to be very useful as she was able to access books she needed for her courses.