Ngaraard Elementary had a very organized library with a lot of books, but there was room for improvement. Principal John Ngiratiou and Librarian Rully Hideos were interested in updating the room in order to make it more appealing and user-friendly for the kids.
When the Rotary Club visited the library several months ago, it became apparent that most of the books were never being touched. The standard shelving units held many books, but they were all packed in and difficult to see. A particular book had no chance of catching the attention of a young reader because none of the book covers could be seen. When asked if the children ever went into the shelves to look through the books to find something to read, the Rotary Club was told that it “never happened.”The Rotary Club decided to re-model the library to make it more accessible and interesting for kids. Standard bookcases were replaced with display-style shelves. Each book is now displayed so that young readers can see the book covers and choose one that looks interesting. New books replaced the old, because new, colorful, contemporary book covers are more likely to catch the attention of young readers. Small tables and chairs were also added, so that the students have a comfortable, functional place to sit and read.”Today, books have to be able to compete with television, the internet, and other technology,” explained Rotary Club Vice-President Thomas Schubert. “If books aren’t presented in an interesting manner, kids won’t pick them up and read them. That was what motivated the Rotary Club to undertake the Ngaraard Library renovation project.” The Rotary Club owed many thanks to CAT Tsgt Randy Bray, Shane Merchant, and Steven Fadden for coming out on a Saturday to help out. “Tsgt Bray played a huge role in getting this project done,” said Palau Rotary Club President Tina Salii. “He arranged for moving all the furniture up to Ngaraard, took the lead in all the renovation work, and proved to be a master painter. We couldn’t have done this without his help, and the help of the other CAT members who assisted him.”Thanks also due to the carpenters. The display bookshelves and reading tables were all built by Perry Hideo’s crew from the Construction Technology Department of Palau High School.It wasn’t all work, though. The kind people of Ngaraard hosted a beautiful lunch for the volunteers. Many thanks are owed to cook Freda Harvey, teachers Loreta Riviera, Fermeria Donatus, Jonera Besebes, Rozella Tochi and Megumi Silva, and drivers Hermas Renguul and Mitsuhide Sabris for their efforts and hospitality. The food was a feast fit for a king.Last year, the Rotary Club of Palau, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Utsunomiya ( Japan ), began undertaking school library renovation projects in Palau . They worked on Airai last year, Ngaraard this year, and they hope to be able to continue these projects in the years to come.The Rotary Club of Palau is a non-profit organization dedicated to undertaking charitable work in promotion of literacy, child welfare, and health.
