-As He Tours the Project
By Laymah Kollie
Monrovia, Liberia — Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon has toured an ongoing public library project in Sinkor, describing the initiative as a major step toward improving literacy, research, and digital learning opportunities in Liberia.
The modern facility, currently under construction near William V. S. Tubman High School on 12th Street, is intended to serve as a fully equipped public learning center for students and the general public.
Speaking during the inspection, Senator Dillon provided a detailed breakdown of the project’s cost and scope, emphasizing transparency in the use of public funds. According to him, the initial construction phase cost approximately US$67,000, covering contractor fees and structural work. However, he noted that design improvements and quality upgrades required an additional US$20,000.
“We are not just building a structure; we are building a modern facility that will stand the test of time,” Dillon said. “Every dollar spent here is for the benefit of the Liberian people.”
The total cost of the project has now exceeded US$90,000, with finishing works—including electrical installations, fittings, and interior enhancements—still ongoing.
Dillon clarified that the project is a completely new construction and not a renovation, adding that the library will include reading halls, research spaces, and digital learning infrastructure. Plans are also underway to install high-speed internet, possibly through satellite connectivity, to enable access to global academic resources.
Highlighting the broader vision behind the initiative, Dillon stressed the importance of combining reading with research.
“Reading makes a ready man, but research makes a complete man,” he remarked.
The Montserrado lawmaker further assured the public that the facility will operate free of charge, underscoring its purpose as a public service rather than a profit-making venture.
“No one will pay to use this library. It is not for private profit—it is for the public good,” Dillon emphasized.
Upon completion, the library will be handed over to the Ministry of Education for management. However, Dillon indicated that his office will maintain oversight to ensure standards are upheld.
He also disclosed plans to recruit a professional management team based strictly on merit.
“This will not be about sympathy or connections. It will be about capacity and readiness to deliver,” he stated.
Liberia continues to face a shortage of functional public libraries, a challenge that has limited access to academic resources for many students. Dillon noted that the project is intended to address this longstanding gap.
“This project is a response to a real need. Many of our young people have never had access to a proper public library,” he said.
The Senator acknowledged calls for similar projects in other districts but stressed the importance of a phased approach.
“You cannot do everything at once. You start, you succeed, and then you expand,” Dillon added.
The library is expected to be completed within two months and opened to the public shortly thereafter. Once operational, it is anticipated to serve as a hub for academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement in Liberia.
