October 26

Leo Bradley, Senior, A.L.A., M.B.E., J.P. (1926-2001).
Born in Caye Caulker, Belize, on March 25, 1926, Leo Bradley received his early education at Holy Redeemer Primary School and St. John’s College. After serving in various departments of the Government of Belize, he was transferred to the Jubilee Public Library in 1950. In 1954 he earned the degree of Associate of the (British) Library Association, and completed further library studies at the University of Sheffield in England, and at the College of Librarianship in Wales. His appointment as Belize’s first Chief Librarian in 1954 cemented his career, as he subsequently made a tremendous contribution to the development of Belize’s public library service. 

Leo Bradley was instrumental in establishing the National Archives in the 1960s. In literary circles he excelled as a poet and short story writer, his works being published in no less than five books. He also became one of the most knowledgeable scholars of Belizean history. In his honor, the headquarters of the Belize National Library Service was named the Leo Bradley Library. 

Alice Gibson, A.L.A., Meritorious Service Award. (1923 - )
Born in Belize City on September 3, 1923, Alice Gibson received her early education at St. John’s Primary School. As a social worker she was involved in gathering information on poverty levels, teenage pregnancy and unemployment on south side Belize City. Becoming involved with library development in Belize, she worked at the Jubilee Public Library where as Assistant Librarian to Leo Bradley she conducted training courses, contributed to rural library development, and assisted organizations in setting up libraries. 

Alice Gibson became qualified as a librarian in 1961 when she achieved the degree of Associate of the (British) Library Association. Having acted as Chief Librarian on several occasions, she herself was officially appointed to that position in 1976, until her retirement in 1978. Always deriving a great deal of satisfaction from providing information through books and reading, she in subsequent years became the Librarian at Pallotti High School, where she also taught Music Theory. 

Lawrence Vernon, A.L.A, J.P. (1937 - )
Born on May 19, 1937, Lawrence Vernon was educated at Ebenezer Primary School and Wesley College. He became employed with the Public Library Service in 1956, rising through the posts of Junior Assistant Librarian and Assistant Librarian. He obtained the degree of Associate of the (British) Library Association in 1963, and was appointed Chief Librarian in 1978 until his retirement in 1992.

In February of 1992 Lawrence Vernon was offered the post of Associate Librarian at the University College of Belize. He went on to hold the post of Library Director from 1993 to 1996, and Associate Librarian from 1996 to 2003. In 2003 he resigned to take up the position of Principal Librarian at the Belize National Library Service. Apart from being a career librarian, his interests include writing short stories, some of which have been published. His research interests are on the history of Belize’s political parties and cultural groups, on which two books have been published.

Joy Ysaguirre, B.A., M.B.A. Born in Belize City, Joy Ysaguirre attended Wesley College, and after stints as a public officer and as a teacher, traveled to Jamaica to successfully pursue a course of study in Library and Information Science at the University of the West Indies from 1979 to 1983. On her return she was posted at the Belize National Library Service as Principal Librarian, and then seconded to the University College of Belize as Library Director from 1989 to 1992.  

Returning to the Belize National Library Service, Joy Ysaguirre was appointed Chief Librarian in 1992; and went on to achieve progress in enhancing library legislation, advocating for a National Library structure, training of personnel, working towards a National Information Policy, and making information available to users all over Belize. Mrs. Ysaguirre remains committed in continuing to make every effort to implement strategies and acquire resources to channel the public and national library systems in the right direction. 

 Courtesy: Mr. Lawrence Vernon, former Chief Librarian, member of Editorial Board, Journal of Belizean Studies, Principal Librarian, Belize Library Service.