Seria to get new public library
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

Hj Abu Bakar, the acting director of DBP

A budget of one million dollars for the construction of a new public library in Seria town has been approved. This is in line with efforts to make the pursuit of knowledge more accessible to members of the public, as well as to provide a way for them to spend their leisure time meaningfully.

A handing-over of the project to the selected contractor was held on December 31, 2003 at the site location, which is near the town's post office.

The ceremony was witnessed by the acting director of Brunei Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) Hj Abu Bakar bin Hj Zainal and several officers from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

The construction of the new library is set to begin and its target completion date will be by the end of October.

Hj Abu Bakar said the objectives of the new public library in Seria was to inculcate a reading culture in the local population to increase their knowledge, to invest in educating and training people, and to take advantage of new technologies for acquiring and disseminating knowledge.

He added that the aim of constructing the library was to create an environment for people to enjoy a healthy and creative life through the culture of reading.

"The most basic capabilities for human development are to lead long and healthy lives, to be knowledgeable, to have access to the resources needed for a decent standard of living and to be able to participate in the life of the community.

"The new public library is a significant step to producing a dynamic and innovative population. It will also help individuals to become more useful, effective and productive to fill the nation with knowledgeable people," he added.

At present all districts have public libraries including a small branch in Seria.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin