We confess trying to get over the great honour of being chosen by staff at the Bermuda National Library along with my book "CHAMP! The One and Only Alma Hunt" to feature in what amounted to a public christening of the Library's new Bermuda History and Cultural Studies Room at week ago.

Actually Premier Dr. Ewart Brown, formally opened the Room on February 22. At that time he had high praise for the Head Librarian Ms. C. Joanne Brangman and the Local Studies staff for their most interesting initiative. The staff are Local Studies Librarian Ms Ellen Hollis; Local Studies Supervisor Mrs. Kenisha Shakir; and temporary Local Studies Assistant Mr. Kieron Hall, who are responsible for maintaining the collections and displays in the room.

Ms. Brangman explained that at this time, the main service offered is a loan collection of Bermuda books, and a small reference collection plus some exhibits."There are plans to increase services in the future; we will provide access to Bermuda music and films and to digital copies of Bermuda materials," she added.

"The Bermuda History and Cultural Studies Room contains a circulating Bermuda book collection – something we have not offered since 1997 due to concerns over loss of materials. This new circulating collection, and the new ready-reference collection, was partly made possible by kind donations from the Bermuda Maritime Museum and the assistance of Horst Augustinovic at The Barn, who allowed the Library the opportunity to purchase books from their Bermuda book collection that were no longer readily available in stores.

The Cultural Studies collection is a new collection for the Bermuda National Library and we have great plans for its continued expansion and development. The Head Librarian wants the public to note

"This room will always be a work in progress as the collections grow. We also plan to have several displays or exhibits throughout the year, focusing on Bermuda's culture and history."

The displays and exhibits in the room reflect part of Bermuda's shared heritage and story, with items on loan from the Bermuda Maritime Museum, The St. David's Community; Ronnie Chameau, Eddy DeMello, Geneveve Escolastica, Barbara Fuller, Ron Lightbourne and Cromwell Shakir. The room also displays other forms of local art including prints from the works of Adolph Treidler and those from modern photographer Keith Caesar.

Other cricket displays in addition to the "CHAMP" book there are items loaned by the Somerset Cricket Club; the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control; noted Cup Match icon Austin (Cheesy) Hughes and Mrs. Sherlyn Swan-Caisey, widow of the late cricket administrator Oliver Caisey.

Future plans include collaborations with other cultural associations and historical groups as the room lends itself beautifully as an intimate lecture hall. It is the intent of the National Library staff to that the Bermuda History and Cultural Studies Room be used as a small screening room for local films, music or other art presentations in the future.

And also under consideration is a proposal that a monthly, or quarterly, afternoon tea and lecture series be established utilising this newly available room for the community to share knowledge about Bermuda's diverse cultures and shared history.