Public Library Opened in Kulhudhuffushi City

Kulhudhuffushi City Council officially inaugurated the city’s first public library on Monday night, marking a significant milestone in promoting knowledge sharing, art, and culture in the northern hub.

The library, which opened with a collection of 2,465 books, is part of a broader plan to create a knowledge centre in the city.

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“Tonight, we haven’t just opened a building full of books; we’ve opened a treasure trove of information and knowledge,” Mayor Mohamed Athif wrote on Facebook following the event.

“This is a classroom to nurture our human resources, a torch of knowledge to light up our future. We’ve sown the seeds for the minds of our children and launched a ship on the path to modernity.”

The project, which involved renovating an existing building, cost MVR 2 million and includes a library space and three study rooms. The council said it aims to secure further funding to expand the facility by adding a museum, a reading park, and a dedicated mental health space, completing its vision for a comprehensive knowledge centre.

“A public library is an essential service for any community. A culture of reading is a cornerstone of a civilised society. This library will provide everyone, especially young people and students, with access to information, helping them to broaden their minds and expand their thinking,” a press release by the council stated.

The library and its study rooms will be equipped with wireless internet access, offering spaces for group study sessions, educational programmes, collaboration, and meetings. A wellness room will be dedicated to mental health, providing a private space for online consultations with mental health professionals.

The library will operate from 9 am to 3 pm and 4 pm to 10 pm on weekdays, with Saturday hours from 9 am to 3 pm. Membership is free for individuals under 18, while adults can register for a fee of MVR 50, with a monthly membership charge of MVR 15. Prospective members must commit to a minimum of three months, paying MVR 95 upfront.

Reflecting on the efforts behind the project, Abdulla Adam, Secretary General of the City Council, praised the hard work of the staff involved in the project.

“It’s easy to overlook the countless hours of hard work and dedication poured into making the vision of a public library come to life. Our incredible administrative staff from various sections of the office worked tirelessly, with unwavering passion and commitment, to bring this valuable asset to the Kulhudhuffushi community, and we owe them immense gratitude. Hats off to the entire team for their exceptional dedication in turning this dream into reality.”