The Cayman Islands Public Library Service has received hundreds of new books and DVDs for patrons to enjoy thanks to the generosity of Health Services Authority (HSA) Dental Specialist, Dr. David A. Chernin.  He is the author of A Sourcebook of Dental Medicine, the Executive Director of the American Academy of the History of Dentistry in Brookline, Massachusetts, and an avid reader himself. He firmly believes in the importance of reading and has supported the efforts of the Public Library Service by donating exceptional, high-quality reading materials each year since 2015.

The gift of books that the Library Service has been receiving includes award-winning novels, first edition publications as well as popular fiction and non-fiction books in many genres.  The books and DVDs are selected for donation by Dr. Chernin and Katie Kircher, Assistant Editor of Horn Book Inc., which is a company that publishes the Horn Book Guide-the quintessential resource for reviews and news about children’s and young adult books published in the United States.  The books are shipped from Miami to Grand Cayman thanks to the generosity of Jacques Scott/Island Supply Company.

Ramona Melody, Director of the Public Library Service, states that “As a result of Dr. Chernin’s and Ms. Kircher’s generosity and continuous support for literacy, each of our library branches now has more varied and interesting reading materials available for our patrons.”

The Library staff is now processing the newest donation of books and hopes to have all the materials on the shelves within the next few weeks. The new collections include beautifully illustrated children’s books such as Jamal’s Journey by Michael Foreman and Cleonardo, the Little Inventor by Caldecott Honor Winner, Mary GrandPre.  The library is also in the process of adding many more biographies and memoirs such as Jack London and the Klondike Gold Rush by Peter Lourie and Mighty Be Our Powers, written by Nobel Peace Prize winner, Leymah Gbowee.

Mrs. Melody and the entire Library staff are deeply grateful to Dr. David Chernin and Ms. Katie Kircher for their wonderful contribution and for helping the Public Library Service to fulfil its mission of providing meaningful and entertaining literature to people of every age in every district.

Honourable Juliana O’Connor-Connolly shared her gratitude, “As the Minister responsible for Education, I am most appreciative for the significant contributions that Dr. David Chernin and Ms. Kircher have made to our country’s library branches on an annual basis. The generosity of community members and citizens from abroad who are passionate about literacy helps to ensure that our children will continue to thrive and maximize their potential when they visit our libraries.”

There are currently six Library branches located within the Cayman Islands; George Town, West Bay, Bodden Town, North Side, East End and Cayman Brac. The Public Library invites you to take the time to visit and see what’s new.