From Mr R. Mizzi

There have been several discussions in recent years about what should, or should not be built on the ruins of the Royal Opera House. The Malta Library and Information Association (MaLIA) issued a press release last month proposing that this site is developed into a Cultural Centre that should include a state-of-the-art public library, among other facilities.

The rationale behind such a proposal is, in reality, quite simple. Malta, despite being a country rich in culture is still lacking a proper Cultural Centre that offers various facilities for the promotion of our culture and at the same time a state-of-the-art public library in our capital city. The site where the Royal Opera House once stood is considered an ideal location for such a project, as it is right in the middle of our capital city and could indeed become a landmark for locals and foreigners visiting Valletta.

MaLIA’s vision, based on existing best practices abroad, is that this new Cultural Centre should include the following facilities:

• A modern public library with a rich collection made up of books, CDs, DVDs, digital collections, and so on. Ample reading areas with natural light should be available together with an environment conducive to promoting education, recreation and satisfying the information needs of all users.

• A Lifelong Learning Centre with organised classes for adult education in various areas including information literacy and social inclusion.

• An exhibition hall with a permanent display about the building and the history of the Royal Opera House.

• Designated areas suitable for presenting various cultural activities.

• A Tourist and Community Information Centre

• A Multimedia Centre

• A cafeteria that could also be part of the public library (no, I am not a lunatic thinking the unthinkable – food/drinks in public libraries is a modern reality).

The above-suggested facilities are a tentative list to stimulate discussion. Way back in the early 1990s, several known architects had submitted architectural plans for the site and a good number of them had included a public library. As an association promoting the important role of libraries in today’s society (yes, they can still be relevant even in the 21st century, trust me), including the promotion of knowledge and literacy and the provision of information, MaLIA believes that a state-of-the-art public library, in its changing role as urban hangout, meeting place and arbiter of information, has a fundamental role to play in the development of a knowledge-based society.

As stated in the press release, MaLIA is fully aware that such a project entails a massive capital expenditure but feels that this investment will have an impact on the cultural and educational development of current and future generations in Malta and Gozo. MaLIA strongly believes that it would indeed be something to be proud of if this Cultural Centre is up and running by 2018, the year when Malta will be hosting the European Capital of Culture event.

As part of its campaign in favour of this project, MaLIA has launched an online petition to gather support from people who believe that this project should be carried out. We encourage all citizens that have culture and libraries at heart to sign this petition by going to our website at www.malia-malta.org.

Robert Mizzi

Chairman

MaLIA