Liberia: U.S. Opens American Shelf at National Library
Maybury cut the ribbon with pride, officially opening the doors to the American Center along with the National Archives Director General, Emanuel Lomax
The Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, Joel Maybury, has dedicated an American Shelf at the National Library on Ashmun Street.
Maybury, who was accompanied by the Director General of the National Archives, Emanuel Lomax, stressed that the dedication marked a significant step in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
He added that the shelf provides a valuable resource hub for knowledge, innovation, and cultural exchange between Liberia and the United States.
Maybury further expressed his satisfaction with the choice of the National Library as the location for the American Shelf.
He emphasized the profound historical connections between Liberia and the United States, citing the shared democratic values that unite the two nations.
Maybury stated that the American Shelf would serve as a platform for fostering opportunities for Liberians across various spectrums, irrespective of age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.
"Liberia and the United States are the oldest two republics in the world that share common democratic values. We are in the business of building a future together," he declared.
Maybury also highlighted the potential of the American Shelf to act as a repository of information about the United States and the diverse programs offered by the Embassy.
He urged Liberians to maximize this unique space and its resources for personal and collective growth.
The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires encouraged the public to embrace the American Shelf not merely as a collection of books but as a gateway to a world of learning, exploration, and collaboration.
Maybury underscored the library's role in nurturing knowledge, innovation, and cultural dialogue, thereby contributing to Liberia's continued development.
Maybury acknowledged the historical significance of the building housing the National Library, which once served as the residence of Liberia’s first and seventh presidents, Joseph Jekins Roberts.
He pledged to conduct further research upon returning to the United States, aiming to enhance the collaboration between the American Shelf and the National Library.
For his part, the Director General of the National Archives, Emanuel Lomax, expressed his gratitude to the U.S. Embassy for its steadfast support in bolstering the National Archive and inaugurating the American Shelf.
Lomax revealed plans to leverage the National Archive's new site to elevate the stature of the National Library while also sharing exciting prospects for Liberians to partake in archiving and library-related training in Egypt.
"Thank you, and we hope that Liberia will have one of the finest public libraries within the region," he added.
Lomax observed that the dedication of the American Shelf at Liberia's National Library signifies a significant milestone in the enduring partnership between Liberia and the United States.
"The event, he said, marks the beginning of a new chapter in knowledge dissemination, cultural enrichment, and mutual collaboration, fostering a brighter future for all Liberians."