Yasmin van Haaren is a fan of her mother Esther’s library; she writes:
“The significance of the S.A.L. (Mongui) Maduro Library lies in more than its contribution to maintaining the cultural inheritance of our Curaçao community. The educational environment of any community extends far beyond its schools. Equally essential are libraries and similar cultural bodies providing information. Over the years, many students have been able to pursue their studies making use of the information offered by the valuable collection of the Maduro Library. Truly, it has been and will continue to be an essential part of our educational heritage.”

I can only add, and suggest, to those of you who have not visited the Mongui Maduro Library before, to follow in the footsteps of Liza, Aart, Jenny and Yasmin and of untold others to experience for yourself its richness and its uniqueness.

A few minutes ago I said to you that I was particularly proud that the foundation has been firmly laid for this unique institution to continue for many decades. I am absolutely sure that Shon Mongui, Shon Lou and our good friend Emile, who stood by her side during the first sixteen years of our Library, will not take me amiss when I say to you that we would not be here today celebrating this anniversary were it not for Ena Dankmeijer-Maduro.

For it is Ena’s commitment to continue the work of her father, her dedication to preserving historical and cultural heritage, her love of Rooi and of books, and her tireless and selfless devotion to this, her life’s pursuit, that have brought us here together today to celebrate this important milestone. Ena is the driving motor of the Library, of the Board and Trustees and of the Foundation and though we are from 20 to 45 years younger than she is, she can tire us all out, leaving us to wonder where she gets her energy from … from a spring well-hidden in a dark corner in Rooi’s hòfi perhaps ?

But Ena has done more. She has put in place arrangements to ensure that the Foundation that bears the name of her father and her beloved Library will continue to exist and will continue to be a source of information and inspiration for many, many decades for all who need, or simply wish, to spend time with our very own past. In this way Ena has ensured that one of our  most unique and valuable private institutions will continue to serve the people of Curaçao long after we are no longer around to enjoy it ourselves. For that unselfish vision of hers also, she can serve as an example for many in our community.