Interact Clubs of Rotary District 7030 have donated over 150 books to the Antigua and Barbuda Public Library, strengthening access to educational and cultural resources for students and the wider public.
The presentation took place at the Antigua and Barbuda Public Library and was led by the District RYLA Chair, along with local Interact Clubs:
• Antigua Grammar School & Antigua Girls’ High School Interact Club
• St. Anthony’s Secondary School Interact Club
• Christ the King High School Interact Club
• Antigua State College Interact Club
The books were collected through a regional community service initiative called Books Across Borders, which formed part of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) held in November 2025.
Over 13 territories participated in the project, with youth delegates representing countries from Antigua to Suriname. Each territory contributed books as a symbol of regional cooperation and youth-led service. The collection includes books on local and regional history, folk tales, and tourism.
In her remarks, RYLA Chair Evangeline Allen, speaking on behalf of District Governor Soraya Warner-Gustave and the RYLA participants, said the initiative reflects a shared belief in the power of education. She noted that “each book you see here today has travelled across borders, physically and culturally, to reach this library,” and added that “by donating these books, we are not only sharing resources, but we are sharing encouragement, opportunity, and connection.”
She also emphasized that the project reflects Rotary’s commitment to literacy, education, and service, and the spirit of young people leading with purpose and global awareness.
Director of the Antigua and Barbuda Public Library, Ms. R. Mannix, welcomed the donation and stated that the books will be a valuable addition to the library’s collection. She noted that the donation will significantly support the library’s mission to provide and promote open access to information resources and to support lifelong learning, while continuing to foster literacy. She also expressed her appreciation for the initiative and for the efforts of the District 7030 student representatives who made the project possible.
The Books Across Borders initiative stands as a practical example of youth leadership in action and regional cooperation turned into lasting community impact.