US-based Guyanese author donates books to National Library

Former journalist and overseas-based Guyanese author Whitney Persaud recently donated several of her published children’s fiction “Curious Kyrie and the Mouse in the House” to the National Library.

Deputy Chief Librarian Nadine Moore, who received the books, said that reading is fundamental and lauded Persaud for giving back to the country’s children through the arts. Moore said that the National Library promotes reading throughout Guyana.
The donation comes as Guyana’s Education Ministry has beefed up its efforts to attain success in literacy across the board.
“We know that this will go a far way, as we also promote literacy in Guyana. We desire to see people, especially children enjoying reading. We are happy to have these books, and they will help in our collection development and expanding it, especially in the Juvenile Department,” she said
Moore reiterated the importance of children being able to identify with their own culture, especially when it comes to reading. She emphasised the need for children to start reading early, whether it be e-books or paperback books.
Meanwhile, Ron D’Avilar, liaison to Persaud, who led the donation event at the National Library, said that the books come at a time when the need for success in literacy is essential in Guyana. He spoke of the setbacks in the world’s education system owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasised the need to get back on track where education is concerned.
D’Avilar stated the author’s desire to encourage early childhood reading, social inclusion, and the moral lessons shared in her book. Persaud details encounters in her book that sees children sharing, forgiving, and being kind to one another.
According to D’Avilar, Persaud has collaborated with several organisations in Guyana to ensure that children across the country will have a copy of their own.
In the coming weeks, ReCreation, in collaboration with the author, will host a children’s sip and paint and will see illustrations from her book being featured. Children in attendance at the event will receive a copy of the Curious Kyrie and the Mouse in the House.
The main character of the book, Kyrie, his brother Kaiden and sister Kaylee-Rose were all present at the book donation ceremony. D’Avilar said that Persaud has plans to see another two books being added to the series and will depict stories of her younger nephew Kaiden and her niece Kaylee-Rose.