December 20, 2014 http://guyanachronicle.com/preserving-our-literary-heritage-we-couldnt-spend-christmas-together/
A Tribute to Gillian Thompson
On Monday December 15, 2014, The National Library held ‘a time of remembrance’ in honor of the late Chief Librarian, Gillian Thompson. The outpouring of tributes was a tremendous blessing to all present, forming part of a healing process due to the lost of a loved one. The outpouring of tributes, one year later, matched in intensity, the outpouring of grief one year ago. The only difference between the two occasions was then; it was mass hysteria and now, solemn reflection mixed with light moments and some tears. Sterling tributes came from Management Committee, Chief Librarian, members of Central Library staff, staff of the library branches, members of a member of the Thompson family, representative of the Ministry of Education, member of the Bedford Methodist Church, a former Chief Librarian, colleagues and friends, all of whom were touched by an angel. Tributes came in poetry and songs. One of the songs was written by the Gillian Thompson Foundation* titled ‘we couldn’t spend Christmas together’. All of the above expressions were buttress by a slide show and photographic exhibition of Thompson’s sojourn.
When the National Library designed and executed a number of activities, in an ongoing celebration, of the work of the former Chief Librarian, Gillian Thompson, the institution was honoring a person who made a difference to the community, to Guyana, to the region and the world.
Thompson died in a road accident on Christmas Eve of 2013. She died on duty while on the way distributing gifts to staffers, colleagues and friends. Such a caring person she was – adding a personal touch to her administration of goodwill. Thompson died while planning many future events, for instance, she died in the midst of planning the commemoration of the birth centenary of A. J. Seymour. Interestingly, all the activities concerning the centenary celebration were well received especially the ‘See More Poetry’ festival which was a resounding success.
Now fittingly, one of the activities to commemorate her contribution is a road safety essay writing competition.
Another suitable activity in tribute to Thompson was the renaming of part of the library’s children literature which is now the Gillian Thompson Young Adult Collection. The following is part of what I said at the renaming ceremony which was attended other librarians and custodians of books.
Guyana would be a better place to live if there were more persons like Gillian Thompson who loved to work with young adults. Young adults are at a critical age of their development – at this stage they are most receptive and also most vulnerable. Gillian Thompson used that information to tap into that potential, that dynamo of human resources in order to make the bigger picture better.
Guyana would be a better place to live if there were more persons like Gillian Thompson who knew the value of literacy and reading. She knew how critical reading is to the development of a rounded human and her efforts are not unfounded, if we take the time assess her legacy.
Guyana would be a better place to live if there were more persons like Gillian Thompson who showed the dedication, commitment and persistency to reach out to others. She was a caring person, equipping others with the tool to fish instead of spoon feeding them, helping others help themselves.
Guyana would be a better place to live if there were more persons like Gillian Thompson who exhibited the tenacity to plan and work her plan, and to see projects to the expected results.
Guyana would be a better place to live if we had more persons like Gillian Thompson who was a person not given to many words and she did not waste words instead, she was more attuned to getting things done. She was also a woman of action but she was rarely seen in the forefront instead she excelled best at directing the show from the background. So it is easy to see why we are dedicating this area to Gillian Thompson.
During her tenure as Chief Librarian, Thompson had opened new vistas for the institution. Some of those innovations included taking the library to institutionalized homes of senior citizens and allowing inmates of correctional facilities to be part of the reading competitions. She even took literacy to the roads by outfitting floats for Mashramani. Another signal initiative of hers was ‘A Dip into Literature’ introducing literature to students moving from primary to secondary school.
To put the above into perspective, it would be useful to know more about Ms Thompson. She read for a degree in English at the University of Guyana and later she studied library science at the University of the West Indies. She served the National Library in various capacities starting as a Junior Library Assistant in 1991, working her way to the top as Chief Librarian in 2006. She served the library for over two decades, nine of those years as Chief Librarian. All the while exhibiting a passion for libraries and working tirelessly to enhance the delivery of a high standard of library services. She was an exceptional custodian of books. She was a member of the Guyana Library Association and a member of the Management Committee of the Guyana Prize for Literature. Her other interests included reading, listening to music, cooking, church activities especially teaching Sunday School. Gillian Thompson was soft spoken, demure, unassuming but dynamic. Above all, she was a consummate professional dedicated to empowering the nation through literacy.
(Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email:oraltradition2002@yahoo.com)
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