TTUTA: Need to regulate Library

“There is a need to regulate what is happening at the library” agreed TTUTA President Trevor Oliver, as certain activities have been occurring within the past few months that are unhealthy for a place of learning.

However, he is not in agreement with schools being labelled, as it provides society with a bias against the students attending these institutions. Oliver was speaking to Newsday on the matter of a ban being implemented by the National Library which prevents students of six schools in and around POS, entry into the facility unless they are being accompanied by an adult or teacher. While he is in agreement with the need to regulate what is going on, Oliver believes that dialogue between the school principals and library authorities can help to solve some of the problems. He described the library as a place where people can “sit quietly and read,” in addition to accessing computers. Oliver stated that he was happy that it “was not a total ban,” but admitted that the request by the authorities at the facility was a reasonable one.

Some degree of discipline can be instilled in students using the facility, stressed Oliver, so that the educational development of these persons will serve enhance the library’s reputation. When Newsday contacted principals of the schools who were “blacklisted,” we were told that they were not willing to comment on the matter or that they were not speaking to the media. When Newsday contacted Debbie Goodman, Public Relations and Marketing Manager at the National Library, she would only confirm that the ban had been implemented.