National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The National Library of Nigeria (NLN) has called for the reintroduction of dedicated reading hours in school timetables across the country as part of efforts to revive the reading culture in Nigeria. This was announced by the Chief Librarian, Prof. Veronica Anunobi, during the launch of the 2024 Annual Readership Promotion campaign held in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Anunobi emphasized the importance of engaging young learners, saying, “In a bid to ‘Catch Them Young,’ this campaign prioritizes pupils and students in both primary and secondary schools, including those in hard-to-reach communities.”
She also highlighted the inclusive nature of the campaign, noting that it has extended to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, Nigerian Correctional Centers, artisans, market groups, hospitals, and motor parks. This, she said, demonstrates the National Library’s commitment to making reading accessible to all segments of society.
The NLN Chief further outlined a series of initiatives aimed at promoting reading nationwide. “Our efforts in reinvigorating reading among Nigerians are multi-faceted. We are advocating for the institution of a National Reading Day and the reintroduction of reading hours into the timetables of all basic and secondary schools,” Anunobi stated.
In addition, she revealed that the NLN is actively working to establish reading clubs across the country. “So far, we have 94 reading clubs already active, with more to be launched before the year ends,” she added.
As part of its modernization agenda, the National Library is also upgrading its branches to create more attractive and welcoming environments for readers. Anunobi explained that the new prototype buildings being constructed, along with renovations of existing facilities, aim to make reading spaces more appealing. “These branches serve as reading hubs, both physically and virtually, providing access to a wide range of online resources available 24/7,” she said.
The National Library’s efforts to enrich its branches with Nigeria’s intellectual heritage through legal deposit publications are also a key part of its strategy. These resources are tailored to meet the specific needs of their host communities, based on thorough community needs assessments.
“We want to ensure that Nigerians can engage with reading materials at any time, fostering a culture of reading that transcends boundaries,” Prof. Anunobi concluded.
This campaign is part of the broader effort by the National Library to address the growing concern over declining reading habits in the country and ensure that future generations develop a lifelong love for reading.
