The Haynes Library has over 11,000 volumes, a large selection of educational software, an increasing global membership and in excess of 13,500 annual visitors. The library offers computer and internet access to children and adults, a variety of in house programs, and strong community outreach reflecting our deep commitment to the educational advancement of children and the sharing of knowledge and information with the community at large. Understanding the unique history of this beautiful building, and with a vision as to what a library could contribute to the community, Friends of the Library was formed in November 1994 for the purpose of the restoration and refurbishment of the library. With the support of the government and the community and through a number of successful fundraising events, the library was refurbished and the doors reopened in August 1996.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
- After School Homework Assistance, National Curriculum & Exam Support
- Computer & Internet Access, Internet Computer Classes
- Book Buddies Program, Saturday Morning Arts & Crafts
- Summer Program: daily activities for children age 6 to 14
CHILDREN’S COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS
- Read-All-About-It Program encouraging home libraries through the gifts of books
- Book donations to Eleuthera Schools and local libraries
- Bahamian student recommendations to the Island School
- Participation in Central Eleuthera High School Work Experience Program
- Governor General Student Community Award Program
- Grants awarded to Eleuthera Scholarship Fund, Royal Bahamas Police Force Summer
- Camp, Governor’s Harbour Development Association, Children’s Christmas Fund
- Christmas, Easter and Halloween Celebrations
ADULT COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS
- Lending Library
- Reference Resource
- Online Distance Learning
- Lecture Series
- Internet & Email Services
- Monthly Book Club
- Business Studies Seminars
- Adult Art Classes
- Art & Craft Exhibitions
- Community Coffee Mornings
AUCTION 2012 - Thanks to all supporters, volunteers, and The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve, Friends of the Library held another successful Annual Silent Auction on Saturday, March 17, 2012, at the Levy Preserve on the Bank’s Road in Governor’s Harbour. Over 140 people enjoyed wine sponsored at this popular event, the eighteenth Annual Auction, by Butler & Sands and Bacardi rum mojitos by Bristol Wines. Hors d’oeuvres were donated by one of the Library trustees. Around 200 items were auctioned including local art, historical photographs of the Bahamas, straw work and jewelry. The Silent Auction raised $19,500 for the Haynes Library and due to the generosity of our donors there were no expenses incurred by Haynes Library. Funds are applied to annual running costs as the Library relies on a Bahamas Government grant, membership, and fundraisers to keep the doors open.
ISPY - AN EXHIBITION OF 36 PHOTOGRAPHS FROM A DIGITAL CAMERA WORKSHOP JULY 2011 TAKEN BY JUNIOR MEMBERS OF THE HAYNES LIBRARY - Summer Program is a 4 week program held at the library every July, last year sponsored by Daniel J. Roberts and Nina Wheeler Roberts. 18 students, aged 10 – 15 years old attended a week long Digital Camera Workshop led by Jackie Miller a local photographer. Six Olympus 14 Megapixel Fe-47 Digital Cameras were purchased along with 18 memory cards. Jackie guided the children in techniques and subject matter with a short lecture each morning. The junior photographers then set out on field trips to Cupid’s Cay, Haynes Avenue, Banks Road, and other areas of historical Governor’s Harbour. The quality of photographs dramatically improved as the week went on. The 36 photographs of the ISPY exhibition consist of the 2 best from each of 18 participants. Photographs are 16”x20”. Frames are 27”x23”. The winner was Glenroy Rolle who received an Olympus camera as a prize and a week at Explorer Camp at the Island School in July. It is hoped that this exhibition will spark young people’s interest in photography, art, and culture; see the beauty around them in everyday objects; and draw attention to environmental issues. The collection will be on display at an exhibition at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas in August and September 2012.
FULL TIME STAFF MEMBERS: Rosalind Seyfert, Library Director, Althea Willie, Children’s Librarian, Tyika Sands, Assistant Librarian
VOLUNTEERS WORK ON A VARIETY OF PROJECTS: Adults, high school students doing community services, and undergraduate students carrying out research
Friends of the Library continues to administer the day-to-day operations of the Haynes Library, offering many varied programs for children on an ongoing basis. Success to date rests in commitment from our Board of Trustees, Operating Committee, volunteers, and our worldwide membership. Without their support and donations, a key cornerstone of our local community would be lost forever.