The Fiji National University (FNU) actively engages with communities to strengthen dialogue and collaboration with community groups and leaders.

On behalf of the University’s Office of Learning and Teaching (OLT), Library staff visited the community in Korotari, Labasa to hand over the books and conduct a workshop with the Lawaki community.

“It was a hive of activities, and we were honoured to have the books well-received by the community,” University Librarian Udya Shukla said.

“We provided training to the community’s women’s group who would be responsible for the operations of the library.”

“The hands-on training covered all aspects of library work, from receiving resources to accessioning, spine labeling, shelving, borrowing, and returning books.”

The University Librarian said this was aligned to FNU’s strategic commitment to providing services and training for the benefit of its surrounding communities.

“Libraries at FNU serve as hubs for community connections to services including broadband, computers, classes, and programmes, as well as to books, movies, and other media. But most importantly, libraries connect us to each other,” he said.

“Libraries connect people to information and people to people. They are safe spaces where everyone is welcomed, and everyone belongs.”

“They are safe havens for kids, providing after-school homework help and serving people of various backgrounds.”