Public Libraries to be Repaired

A total of $45.1 million has been allocated in the 2007/08 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House, to carry out repairs and improvements to public libraries.
The funds will assist the Public Library Service with a number of projects for the period, including the implementation of a Local Area Network (LAN) system in regional libraries in St. James, Manchester, St. Ann, Portland, and St. Elizabeth; free access to ICT services, including Internet, in the public library network; design and implementation of programme for the recovery of overdue books; conversion of catalogue card to electronic format; and expansion and renovation of the St. Catherine Parish Library and the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Library.
Meanwhile, the Operation Phoenix project has been allotted $13 million to establish Youth Information Centres across the island. During the fiscal period, the Montego Bay Centre will be completed, and centres will be established in St. Thomas, St. Elizabeth, St. Ann, and Clarendon.