Press Releases

American Room Grand Opening at State Library

In the spirit of friendship and cooperation between the American and Basotho peoples, the U.S. Embassy in Maseru and the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, and Culture are proud to officially open the American Room at the State Library of Lesotho.  This grand opening will take place on Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 6:00pm.

It is our hope that this room and its materials will serve as a resource for Basotho students, readers, and all those who desire to enhance the long-standing and heartfelt relationship between the American and Basotho peoples.  This room will be used not just as a library, but as a center for the sharing of ideas, culture, and enjoyment between our proud nations.

“Books for Africa,” a U.S. non-governmental organization based in St. Paul, Minnesota, donated the roughly 20,000 books in the American Room.  The Ministry of Tourism, Environment, and Culture provided the room at the National Library.  The furniture, decorations, and coordination were supplied by the U.S. Embassy in Maseru.

Books are delightful society.  If you go into a room and find it full of books - even without taking them from the shelves they seem to speak to you, to bid you welcome.  ~William Ewart Gladstone