St. Clare's Library Expands

St. Clare's Library Expands

(Written by Lydia Lenegwesi, a student in Form 4.)  

In 2007, Madam Madeline Horrigan, a volunteer from the United States dedicated a small room as a library for St. Clare Centre for Girls. Madam Madeline and her friends donated hundreds of books to this library and it has served us well.

But the population of St. Clare has grown to over 300 students and so we need to expand to a larger space.  The library expansion was planned by many well-wishers. Our Dominican Sisters believe that St. Clare Centre should have a spacious library where girls can sharpen their reading skills.They shared this idea with other Dominican sisters from the United States.  God guided one of these sisters, Sister Judy Byron, who brought the need for the library to her family. Sister Judy’s sister and brother-in-law were blessed to have Danielle, a sunny joyful child, with blonde hair. Sadly, God called Danielle when she was just seventeen.

Danielle’s parents decided to contribute to St. Clare’s library. Because of their support, a more specious room was set aside to become the library. Danielle’s parents donated money to provide paint for the walls, shelves and other furniture and books. Danielle’s family requested that the library be named after their daughter.

St. Clare students are very happy. Through learning using different books, girls get many ideas, which bring growth and change.

The library is still in the process of expansion.  Several books have been bought with more books and teaching aids to be purchased. The library is under the care of Madam Maureen Jumba, who is our librarian. Some of the girls and Sister Maureen have taken the time to cover the books, which are attractive and more appealing. Madam Maureen hopes that all the library resources necessary for a primary-secondary school will soon be available. In addition, she urges that time be given for students to make good use of the facility.  We are so proud of this gift from Danielle’s family.