Tribute to former library staff Lilliane Bellard |30 September 2022

Miss Bellard

The management of the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts, that of the National Library and staff have paid tribute to a former staff member who has passed away.

Lilliane Erisena Bellard worked for the Seychelles National Library from March 1, 1979 to December 31, 2005. During her time in employment, she worked for the Praslin branch libraries.

Miss Bellard was described as hardworking and friendly to the public. She was passionate about the library and strived to promote it to the best of her abilities.

Miss Bellard started her career as a library assistant in 1979, and being new to the library field, she had to undergo on the job training at the main library on Mahé before taking up her post at Grand Anse Praslin branch library. She also had the responsibility of supervising the Baie Sainte Anne Praslin reading room.

Based on Praslin, she had to work without the direct supervision and guidance of a librarian or other senior officers, which as stated by the then chief librarian of the National Library, Flavie Jackson, was not easy. She was “to a large extent responsible to herself. However she has shown initiative, keenness to learn and willingness to do her job well”.

This attitude served her well in her career progression with the National Library where she was promoted up to assistant librarian, a post she held until her retirement in 2005.

The management of the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts, the management of the National Library and staff would like to express appreciation for the years that Miss Bellard has given to the community and also extend heartfelt condolences to her family.

Contributed