Turton Library mounts new exhibit

Most of us think of libraries as just places that house collections of books. But that perception is changing… and today one Belize City library opened a special exhibition that the staff is hoping will not only be educational, but enjoyable as well.

Jacqueline Woods, Reporting

The Turton Library on North Front Street not only holds the distinction of being the oldest library in the country, but through recent exhibitions it has been promoting the international trend where libraries are becoming more than just quiet places where people go to read books. This morning a Realia Collection of historical and cultural items depicting the everyday way of life of the Belizean people was officially opened.

Brian Plummer, Chairman, Turton Library Centre Committee

“This is very common in most developed countries. The library isn?t just about books; they have many exhibitions, artefacts, etcetera in it. Also, we thought that in our history, in these turbulent times, we need to help fuse the Belizean culture, the Belizean identity. Whatever ethnic group you?re from, you?re Belizean, and this is our history.”

The exhibition was sponsored by Belize Water Services under the company’s community service program.

Denise Palacio-Walker, P.R, Liaison Officer, BWS

“Definitely a sense of pride, because the items here on display represent our ancestors, the way they live, what they believe, their actual way of life. And what we want is for Belizeans and other visitors to the country to come in here, view the display and leave with a sense of appreciation for who you are and where you came from.”

The exhibition will remain open for an indefinite period of time.