User:Ndexxx/Gweru Memorial Library



= Gweru Memorial Library = Gweru Memorial Library is a subscription public library located in the Zimbabwe's third largest city and was established in 1898. The library boasts of a rich collection of rare published materials, fiction, non-fiction, romance novels, scientific and crime novels. This collection also includes geographic materials such as maps and atlases, encyclopedias, dictionaries, serial publications such as newspapers and research magazines. Academic materials from primary up to tertiary level are available. The library borrowing services recognises 5 groups of borrowers that include, adult section mostly for novels and leisure materials, junior library for kindergarten up to primary school, academic section for high school up to tertiary level, old aged and clergy specifically for senior citizens and church elders. lastly the book club category which comprises members who borrow materials for the purpose of reading as a book club and reviewing each book read. 

History
A number of memorials were set up by the Rhodesian Memorial Fund in 1896 with the purpose of commemorating those military and civilians who were killed in the Matabele Uprising, or First Umvukela of 1896. The funds had the aim of providing for those who were wounded, or made destitute and the wider aim of providing libraries, museums and hospitals. In an article in Rhodesiana No. 22 called Memorials, it is stated that there were four Memorials erected at outlying points in Matabeleland by the Rhodesian Memorial Fund and include Pongo (National Monument No. 33) near Shangani, Filabusi (National Monument No. 56, Mambo (National Monument No. 57 ), Fort Rixon (National Monument No. 58) south of Fort Rixon, sometimes called the Claremont Mine, or Cunningham Memorial, to the nine members of the Cunningham family. The Gweru Memorial Library is one of the institutions set up by the then settler government as part of a memorials in 1898.

Architecture
Established in 1898 the Gweru Memorial Library is one of the oldest institutions in the city of Gweru. The current premises are the third location for the public library having first being housed at number 68 along 6th avenue in the central business district of Gweru. The building is now occupied by Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe and is now known as ZIMNAT House. The library was located at these premises up until 1923 when it relocated to number 44 along Lobengula avenue and 6th street, now know as Colcom Shop. The current premises were officially opened for public use by the then acting Governor General of Rhodesia, Sir Robert Clarkson Tredgold on the 1st of September 1956. The building was built using red mortar bricks and is of Victorian architecture style. It is a single floor structure however the building was designed to accommodate another upper floor without any changes to the roof.

Gweru American Corner
American Corner (AC) also referred to as the Gweru American Corner is a partnership between the United States government and the Gweru Memorial Library. American Corners are open to everyone in the community free of charge. The Gweru American Corner, provides information about American society, culture, and politics. It also provides access to information on pursuing study and educational programs in the United States. The AC is equipped with computers, WiFi, literature and research materials. You can also find a monthly schedule of programs that take place in the Corner, such as English language learning, film screenings, STEM exploration, entrepreneurship, and professional development activities.

In Gweru, educational advising is carried out as follows:


 * Introductory Group Session: Last Wednesday of the month from 3 – 4:30 pm
 * Walk-in Inquiry: Mon – Fri from 9:30 am – 5:30 pm; and Saturdays: 9 am – 12:30 pm

Registration for U.S. examinations can be done through the Gweru American Corner. A lending library is available for the Education USA members which is a separate entity form the Gweru memorial Library collection. The American Corner conducts outreach programs and attend career fairs at local schools to inform students on the vast study opportunities in the United States of America.

Programs
The American Corner offers programs that encourage community engagement. These spaces also provides programs and resources designed to build understanding about the United States, its people, and its policies.
 * The Gweru American Corners conducts interactive programs that allow community leaders, journalists, professionals and concerned citizens to exchange their views with local and American experts in various subjects such as economics, culture, politics, and issues of current interests.
 * Gweru American Corner offers Food for Thought discussions, every Wednesdays, at 2 pm.
 * Gweru Memorial Library Book Club


 * Children Story Hour