Wednesday, 13 October 2010

NEW YOUNG MARINE EXPLORERS CORNER LAUNCHED AT NAFC LIBRARY

The library at the NAFC Marine Centre, which already holds a wealth of materials on all aspects of marine science and maritime matters, has recently expanded to include a section for much younger members of the community.  The new Young Marine Explorers Corner was officially launched on Friday (8 October) with a 'Bookbug' session run by Margaret Cheriyan of Shetland Library.  NAFC staff family members were joined by a group of children from Hame fae Hame and all enjoyed a lively session with stories and songs.

The new special section of the library is home to a great selection of books suitable for children from infants up to older primary school age.  There are story books and facts books all with a common theme of the sea, boats and marine life.  Stories about fishermen, whales and island life rub shoulders with guides to the seashore and detailed books on crabs, sharks and clown fish.

This development is a joint initiative between NAFC library staff and the Marine Science and Technology department.  Head of Marine Science and Technology, Dr Martin Robinson, said: “We were keen to create an area that would both increase local access to the Centre and encourage an interest in Shetland's rich and diverse sea life, and in life at sea, among the youngest members of the community.  This colourful and exciting new area of the library is a great way of doing exactly that and we hope to see lots of young marine explorers visiting and borrowing the books.”

Librarian Ruth Priest added: “Although primarily a resource supporting the work of staff and students at the NAFC Marine Centre, our library is also open to the community.  We would very much like to see parents visiting with their children to borrow books.  Visits are welcome from nurseries, toddler groups and primary classes, as well as families and child minders.  As there is not always a member of staff on duty, though, it is best to phone ahead and check before you call along.”

Further information:

For further information, please contact: Ruth Priest, NAFC Marine Centre, tel 01595 772350, email ruth.priest@shetland.uhi.ac.uk or visit www.nafc.ac.uk

Or, Louise Rosie, Shaw Marketing and Design, tel 01595 692465, email louise.rosie@shaw-online.com or visit www.shaw-online.com