Liberia begins work on its only public library after the civil war.

The project will cost $1.5 million dollars.

Liberia commences work on its only public library after a devastating period of civil war in the West African country.

The design of the library is done by Canadian architect McCallum Sather, and it is being funded by a group of non-profit organizations led by a Hamilton, Ontario-based organization.

The project will be executed in three phases costing $1.5 million dollars, as it will be built on land donated by Paynesville, a suburb of the country’s capital, Monrovia.

With the funding obtained, the first phase will include a learning center, library, and hub for personal and professional development while the second and third phases will include a recreational facility and the renovation of a town hall conference center, respectively.

Moreso, the non-profit organizations will provide staff and be responsible for the center’s operating expenses for three years.

There will also be training on reading and computer skills organized by community groups for a population of 100,000 people. The public will also have access to use of computers, photocopiers, and projectors.

The library will have sound recordings, film, digital materials, books, and periodicals.

According to the lead architect on the project, Willems Ransom the building was designed for sustainability, as its roof forms a large south-facing surface to harvest solar energy and rainwater.

He said, “by necessity, this will be a very green building, it will produce its own power, store and treat its own water on-site”. He also added that local labor and building materials would be used.