De Mazenod The De Mazenod College Library and Learning Resource Centre (LLRC) has a rich and evolving history, reflecting its continuous development to meet the academic needs of students and educators. Established during the tenure of Rev. Fr. Romould Fernando OMI, the library has undergone significant growth and transformation, particularly under the leadership of the De La Salle Brothers. In 1977, during the tenure of Rev. Bro. Hugo Anthony FSC as Director/Principal, the library was expanded and modernized, relocating to a new building strategically positioned facing the Brother Director's office.
In its early years, the library, initially supervised by Mr. Hiyu Opatha, served primarily students from Grades VI to XIII. During this period, students were permitted to use books for reference within the library, while teachers had the privilege of borrowing materials for further study. Over time, however, the library's role expanded to meet the evolving educational needs of the school. Classroom-based libraries were introduced to encourage a love of reading and improve academic performance. Additionally, a central library was established to serve students in Grades VI and above, with Mr. R.K.M. Karunarathne playing a key role in organizing the library space and resources.
Mrs. Victoria Perera, the second librarian, played a crucial role in enhancing the library’s services by allowing students to borrow books and ensuring regular acquisition and binding of new materials. She also introduced the position of Library Assistant, with Mrs. P.A.D. Shiroma Wasanthi becoming the first to hold this position in 1998. As the library continued to grow, the responsibilities of library management expanded, with teachers such as Mr. Edward Fernando and Mr. Calixtus Samaratunga stepping forward to oversee the library's operations.
In June 2014, the library entered a new phase under the leadership of the current Chief Librarian, D.R. Chandima Dissanayake, supported by Assistant Librarians Mrs. Shiroma Wasanthi and Mrs. W.R. Hemanthi Fernando. Today, the LLRC boasts a diverse collection of over 11,000 books, alongside a wide range of resources, including educational tour guides, moving library collections, audio-visual materials, and past examination papers. The library also provides access to newspapers, magazines, and online resources through the school's website, further enhancing its role as a comprehensive learning hub.
In recognition of its ongoing growth and commitment to educational excellence, the library's status was upgraded to Grade II by the National Library and Documentation Services Centre in 2015. Over the years, a variety of special programs have been introduced to engage students with literature and foster a culture of reading. These include book-writing competitions, book exhibitions, and art contests. Additionally, the library has facilitated workshops for teachers and librarians from the Negombo Zonal Education Office to enhance educational practices across the region.
The LLRC has also embraced modern technologies to enrich students' learning experiences. A key feature of the library is the Audio-Visual Unit, established during the tenure of Rev. Bro. Bertram Perera. This unit has become an integral part of the library, offering multimedia resources that support both teaching and learning.
Today, the De Mazenod College Library and Learning Resource Centre stands as a vital educational hub, continually evolving to meet the academic, technological, and resource needs of both students and faculty. Through its diverse resources, innovative programs, and unwavering commitment to academic excellence, the LLRC remains an essential pillar of the school’s educational landscape.
