Efforts to establish library services across every inhabited island in the country have officially commenced, the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage revealed. Practical construction work has begun in Addu City and Fuvahmulah City, operating under a broader governmental project aimed at constructing regional branches of the National Library.
A policy paper detailing the development of these libraries was recently approved by the Social Council, confirming that providing citizens on every island with access to library services remains a key administrative target, Shukurulla Shakeel, the State Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, noted during an appearance on the PSM News programme ‘Raajje Miadhu’.
"That is a highly significant objective for the government," the state minister remarked. "Efforts are currently underway to pave the way for this endeavour. The intention is for services to be accessible across every inhabited island in the Maldives."
The policy framework was finalised with the guidance of more than 100 consulted parties, Director General of the National Library Fathimath Shiham explained. A survey of local councils helped officials identify the specific architectural and operational models required.
"The library is a vital institution," she observed. "It provides children access to reading materials, whilst enabling the public to seek information." To mark the 81st anniversary of the National Library, the government launched an ‘Online Digital Report Collection’, a repository consolidating reports into a digital platform.