Members of Library Plant Lovers (LPL) pose with Campus Principal Antoine at her office after gifting her a zee zee (short for Zamioculcas zamiifolia) plant for World Environment Day on June 5, 2025. “I think that plants are a reminder of God’s wonderful creation,” says librarian Arlene Dolabaille (left), lead coordinator of LPL. “They are beautiful, bring a sense of peace and calm to a stressful work environment, and some can also help to purify the air that we breathe.”
LPL was formed in 2018 by staff at UWI St Augustine’s Alma Jordan Library (AJL) who wanted to beautify the library. Today, LPL is made up of as many as 11 volunteers from all levels and departments at the library. They host fundraising events, educational programmes on plant maintenance, and of course tend the many beautiful plants enjoyed by users and staff of the library. In 2023, they were recognised for their loyalty and service to The UWI at the university’s 75th anniversary celebrations, “75@75”.
“The Library Plant Lovers’ activities can be quite arduous,” says Ms Dolabaille, “but for us, it is a labour of love. The team represents a small group of persons who share a common interest, and who can work together harmoniously to make a meaningful impact on the Alma Jordan Library’s environment.”
