‘Learning should happen at every stage in life’ – MCAST Principal and CEO Stephen Vella

Members of the general public can now tap the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST)’s vast resources by borrowing books from its library, with CEO and Principal Stephen Vella saying the initiative “welcomes the community into a dynamic learning space.”

The “careful planning and investment” required to fulfil the College’s commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement, Mr Vella said, was “guided by our belief that learning should happen at every stage of life.”

“By opening our library, we ensure that knowledge is shared responsibly with all.”

The initiative now allows persons who are not staff or students to borrow from a collection of over 65,000 physical publications. This includes academic textbooks, technical manuals, professional reference works and research materials. The library also provides access to a wide selection of ebooks and online journals.

The initiative was launched during an event held on 17th December at the library at the Paola Campus, presented as MCAST’s Christmas gift to the public for 2026.

The event was attended by the President of the Board of Governors, Horace Laudi, MCAST management, staff, and students, as well as members of the Friends of the MCAST Library, who already use the facility.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Vella emphasised that MCAST is not just investing in buildings alone, but more importantly, in talent and people, in “those who come together in these spaces as learners, makers, and innovators, driven by the desire to make a difference.”

Deputy Principal Dr Tatjana Chircop said the initiative strengthens public engagement.

“By opening our library, we show that knowledge is for everyone. Knowledge should not be confined, but shared openly and responsibly. This is an invitation to dialogue between the institution and society. An institution’s true measure is what it contributes to society.”

The initiative builds on investments in the MCAST Library such as a new Library Management System.

MCAST Library Director Liza Franco explained how MCAST invested in cataloguing, access control, and security to keep resources safe and accessible, supporting the College’s educational mission

To use the library, members of the public should apply through the Friends of the MCAST Library scheme by contacting the MCAST Library in person, by phone, or via the library’s website: https://mcast.edu.mt/friends-of-mcast-library/

Staff will guide applicants through eligibility requirements, registration steps, and borrowing conditions.