West Bay Library - Public Library Services
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Emily "Teacher" Redley Powery Memorial Library
Also known West Bay Library and Learning Centre was officially renamed after the late Emily “Teacher Redley” Powery in a special ceremony held on Saturday. The renaming honored the pioneer educator for her significant contributions to the West Bay community, where she shaped countless lives through her Christian beliefs and dedication to education.
Teacher Redley, born in 1892, was one of eight children of Andrew and Judy Powery of West Bay. She lived a life of service, remaining unmarried and fully devoted to her mission of providing a Christian education to the community. She passed away in 1970, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith and education.
Nearly 200 people attended the renaming ceremony, including many of her former pupils, such as Premier McKeeva Bush, Pastor Winston Rose, and JP Laten Bush. The attendees paid tribute to Teacher Redley’s life of service, remembering her as a woman who instilled values of respect, love, and knowledge. Mr. Bush reminisced about simpler times when Teacher Redley taught lessons in relatives' homes along King Road in Boatswain Bay, in a small building near the Boatswain Bay Lighthouse, and later in a private school she established in Rose Gardens, also known as the Old Bush area.
Mr. Bush also spoke about her unique approach to education, which blended academic and religious lessons while emphasizing manners and personal hygiene. Known for her strict discipline, Teacher Redley was a firm but fair educator. “She was a small figure but would always say she was afraid of no man,” Mr. Bush recalled. Despite her toughness, she was also compassionate, often providing her students with simple meals of porridge and johnny cakes and keeping a smoke pan lit to ward off mosquitoes.
For her unwavering dedication and profound impact, Teacher Redley is remembered as a pillar of the community who is owed a great deal of gratitude. In her honor, the library now houses memorabilia that reflect her legacy, including a copy of her birth certificate, a slate, and computer screen savers featuring her image. A guestbook signed by attendees of the ceremony was also added to this collection, ensuring her memory continues to inspire future generations.
Emily "Teacher Redley" Power Library (West Bay)
Box 1172, GT
182 Rev Blackman Road
West Bay
Grand Cayman, KY1-1102
CAYMAN ISLANDS
Hours
Monday-Friday: 10:00am-1:00pm & 2:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am-2:00pm
Sunday: Closed
(Note: this library is normally closed for lunch from 1pm-2pm Mon-Fri)
Library Details
Square Footage: 3,689
Restrooms: 5
Training Rooms: 1
Computer Terminals: 9
Smart TVs: 1
Year Built: 1937-39
Materials: 20,940
Capacity: 75
No. of Parking Spaces: 20
Population: 18,799
