New Technology and Cool Air Transform St Thomas Parish Library
ST THOMAS, Jamaica — The St Thomas Parish Library has undergone a much-needed transformation, bringing relief and renewed digital engagement to its users. Thanks to the generous donation from the JN Foundation, facilitated by the JN Circle Morant Bay chapter, the library has received seven up-to-date computers and an air conditioning unit, modernizing the space and making it a hub for learning and digital literacy.
Kiara Millwood and Kevaughn Stone, students from Morant Bay High School, were among the first to utilize the new facilities. They joined Simona Spencer, the acting senior librarian, and Norman Hinds, president of the JN Circle Morant Bay chapter, in celebrating the newly refurbished computer lab.
For years, the library struggled with outdated technology and unbearable indoor temperatures, which posed a challenge, especially for seniors who were eager to learn but found the previous conditions prohibitive. “We had no functioning air units, and the computers didn’t work,” said Spencer. She emphasized the need for a comfortable space where not only seniors but also young adults and other community members could access technology.
Now, with new computers humming and cool air making the space inviting, the library has quickly turned into a center for digital learning. Spencer expressed her excitement about the transformation and highlighted the immediate positive feedback from the community. “It’s a cool space now, and they’re enjoying it. We’ve even set up classes to start in October for both juniors and adults,” she added.
Leon Burke, senior library aid, pointed out the importance of such an upgrade in a world where technological literacy is increasingly crucial. “We live in a technology world, and this project will really impact the users, especially the seniors who were previously afraid of computers. Some had never even used a mouse before,” he noted.
Despite initial hesitations, seniors have made remarkable progress, learning to navigate the digital space effectively by typing, sending emails, and using basic software. “It’s really appreciated, especially by the seniors who are now able to join our community and navigate the digital space,” Burke shared.
The initiative, spearheaded by a proposal from the JN Circle Morant Bay chapter to the JN Foundation, sought to enhance the library’s offerings and create a welcoming environment. Robert Powell, a member behind the initiative, reflected on the inspiration. “We envisioned this project simply to improve the environment for our seniors. It was hot, cumbersome, and the equipment needed to be upgraded. With the help of the JN Foundation, we were able to provide the necessary resources,” Powell explained.
President of the JN Circle Morant Bay chapter, Norman Hinds, acknowledged the critical role of the library in serving the public. “What prompted us to do this project is the need that we saw for our seniors and our children who do not have access to a computer at home,” he stated.
Claudine Allen, general manager of the JN Foundation, praised the initiative as a vital step toward bridging the digital divide in St Thomas. “The St Thomas Parish Library is, for me, breaking the mould in the sense that [they] are facilitating the computer literacy of seniors intentionally,” she remarked.
Through this dynamic partnership and community engagement, the St Thomas Parish Library is setting a standard that may well inspire similar initiatives in other regions, fostering a culture of digital literacy across generations.
