News

Local architects have been given a chance to make their mark in the infrastructural history of Dominica as the Government of Dominica through the Ministry of Public Works and the Digital Economy launched an architect competition for the design of the new Dominica National Library.

The competition was launched on Monday, March 28 2022 at the Jungle Bay Resort and Spa.

The Roseau Public Library has served as an area to facilitate lifelong learning while assisting in the development process through the provision of reference and reading materials, the implementation of outreach programmes, and promotion of literacy and loans, leisure and recreation services for many years since its establishment as Reading Rooms in 1843. However it was destroyed by Hurricane Maria in September 2017, and has been lying in ruins ever since.

Minister for Public Works and the Digital Economy, Hon. Cassanni Laville stated that the Roseau Public Library has an important part to play in the story of the development of Dominica.

“The story of the library in itself speaks volumes to the challenges that we have had in Dominica’s development.  This building as we know was bettered by Hurricane David in 1979 and restored, only to be once again obliterated by Hurricane Maria in 2017, and no sooner eviscerated by two successive fires.    What we have now on Victoria Street are the scorched wooden remnants of a 1906 neoclassical gift from Andrew Carnegie that served thousands of Dominicans. This most special gift has its place in our history and culture and we must be proud of its significance and purpose,” Hon. Laville noted.

The Public Works Minister noted that the new library forms part of the Government’s mandate to build resilience in all sectors.

“While we accept this as the reality we have the equal opportunity and responsibility to build a new library suitable to purpose, need and emerging expectations. As a Government we have announced resilience. We mandated that by way of policy and we are keeping our promise each and every day by way of our actions. Today is truly special because it is resilience full circle. It is where education academia, history, culture, infrastructure, environment and socialization all meet.  This Architecture concept competition is part of this progressive story, whereas Dominicans we have opportunities our ancestors never did, where a Government necessitates and ensures participation of all,” Hon. Laville added. 

Minister for Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence, Hon. Octavia Alfred stated that a new library is necessary to advance the intellectual capacity of all its users.

“Efforts to provide a new library is integral in advancing our citizens to build resilience, become information literate and take socially responsible actions. The Ministry and certainly the Library and Information Service have long awaited this step in the process and look forward to the completion of the space that we will expect to captivate and create a major and positive shift in library and information service on the island. We look forward to advancing Government’s E-initiation and increasing the digital and intellectual capacity of library users,” Hon. Alfred noted.

Acting Chief Librarian of the Dominica Library and Information Service, Ms. Renata Charles told potential competitors that they should include modern amenities found in libraries around the world in their designs.

“This competition need not be difficult but consider the following straightforward factors which may contribute to the process. Libraries are tailoring their design and facility strategy to better accommodate the modern needs of users, increasing social approach to learning and studying. The newly allocated space typically includes retail space and cafe accompanied by relaxed food and drink restrictions, tired sitting for group discussions, an I-pad bar for digital access, an innovation area displaying new technology, a community room for assembly and all spaces with quality furniture for both studying and browsing,” Ms. Charles explained.

Meanwhile, Chief Technical Officer in the Ministry of Public Works And The Digital Economy, Mr. Emile Lancelot gave an overview of the competition which will run up till May 4 2022.

“This new structure will need to host he traditional library functions plus expanded services to include an innovation hub, cultural and learning spaces, meeting spaces, exhibition spaces, and a cafe and recreational area. Following the official launch, the competition will run from March 24 2022 to May 4 2022,” Mr. Lancelot added.

 At the end of that period all submissions received will be reviewed by a review committee made up of the Chief Physical Planner, an architect of the Ministry of Public Works, the Chief Technical Officer of the Ministry of Tourism, the Chief Librarian, Local Historian Lennox Honychruch a representative of the DAIC and the Chief Technical Officer of the Ministry of Public Works.