First national library outside of Male’ in Fuvahmulah

The groundbreaking for the first National Library branch outside capital Male’ City was held at Fuvahmulah City on Tuesday.

The project was inaugurated as part of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to Fuvahmulah City on Tuesday.

The foundation stone for the building was laid by Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts Ibrahim Waheed (Asward) and lawmakers from Fuvahmulah City.

This marks the first branch of the National Library outside of capital Male’.

According to the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts, the project comprises of the construction of a two-floor building measuring 11,250 square feet. Each floor will measure 5,625 square feet.

The project was contracted to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) for MVR 15.18 million to be completed within 390 days.

Although the Maldives has a low readership rate, President Muizzu has pledged to establish libraries across residential islands. On some islands, local councils or non-profit organizations currently run libraries.