East End Library Renamed For Lynden Smith
The East End Public Library is set to be officially renamed the H. Lynden Smith Public Library in honour of veteran educator H. Lynden Smith. The Ministry of Education announced the tribute during the territory's annual Reading Is Fun Week festivities.
The East End Public Library will be officially renamed the H. Lynden Smith Public Library in honour of one of the Virgin Islands' most dedicated champions of literacy and education. The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports announced the decision during the annual Reading Is Fun Week observance.
Lynden Smith's lifelong devotion to fostering a culture of reading across the Territory. As the founder of both the BVI Reading Council and Reading Is Fun Week, Mrs. Smith spearheaded initiatives that have connected public and private schools for decades, instilling an enduring passion for books and personal growth in generations of Virgin Islands students.
Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro, emphasised that the honour reflects Mrs. Smith's lasting educational legacy and the profound impact of her work. Minister de Castro noted that it is fitting for a public library, a space dedicated to knowledge, exploration, and lifelong learning, to carry Mrs.
Smith's name so her service can continue inspiring the community. She expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the Territory for Mrs. Smith's devotion, adding that her contributions remind the public of the lasting difference a committed educator can make across generations. The announcement served as a major highlight during Reading Is Fun Week, which was observed across the Territory under the theme "Read More, Know More." Schools throughout Tortola and the Sister Islands engaged in dynamic literacy activities, including storytelling sessions and book presentations designed to nurture reading appreciation beyond classroom requirements.
Officials stated that renaming the East End branch cements Mrs. Smith's legacy within the community, ensuring that future generations of readers recognise the foundational work that helped shape the modern educational landscape of the Virgin Islands.
Primary source: Guavaberry