IN a bold step toward re-imagining public libraries as safe, modern spaces for youth empowerment, the GrassROOTS Community Foundation and the St James Parish Library have unveiled Jamaica’s first-ever podcast room housed within a public library. This ground-breaking initiative was made possible through support from Desmond Technologies, which donated state-of-the-art podcasting equipment and travelled to Jamaica for its installation.

Launched on July 29 in Montego Bay, the podcast room marks the first phase of a five-year national initiative led by GrassROOTS to renovate three public libraries across the island. The goal is to transform underutilised public libraries into vibrant, inclusive literacy hubs where young people can find mentorship, build digital skills, and access safe creative outlets.

“We believe libraries are the soul of a community,” said Dr Janice Johnson Dias, president of GrassROOTS Community Foundation. “When young people have safe spaces to explore, express, and educate themselves, we reduce the risk of violence and create more opportunities. The podcast room is just the beginning of our commitment to empowering Jamaica’s next generation.”

Marvetta Richards, director of the St James Parish Library, said the podcast room is more than a space.

“It’s a statement,” she said. “It shows that we believe in the talent and voices of our youth. With the support of GrassROOTS and Desmond Technologies, we’re re-imagining what a library can be: a place of creativity, inclusion, and possibility.”

Fully equipped with professional-grade soundproofing, microphones, headphones, and editing software, the podcast room provides youth with the tools to tell their own stories, build confidence, and develop essential digital literacy skills. The space will also host workshops on media production, storytelling, and content creation for teens and young adults.

The St James launch is the first of three planned library transformations led by the foundation in partnership with local stakeholders. Future renovations are slated for libraries in St Catherine and St Ann.

The idea was sparked by a question asked by Dr Johnson Dias, an expat, scholar, and native of Retreat, St Mary, on whether libraries can help address youth crime and literacy challenges in Jamaica.

GrassROOTS is an international public health and social justice organisation which works to improve literacy, mental health, and gender equity by investing in youth, especially girls. In partnership with Dr Johnson Dias’s daughter, Harvard student Marley Dias, founder of the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign, the foundation has donated more than 25,000 culturally relevant books to schools, libraries, and communities across Jamaica since 2016.

The podcast room at St James Parish Library.