From Fred Ezeh and Chizzy Iwunamara, Abuja
The headquarters of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) in Abuja has amplified the call for the establishment of mini libraries in estates, offices and among a population of at least 200 persons that would cater to their reading and research interests.
The advice, according to NLN, was to assuage the fear that the history of Nigeria might be adversely affected if issues that concern libraries, which keep history books and other educative items (print and electronic), are not given proper attention.
National Librarian, Prof. Lenrie Aina, who made the suggestion at the grand finale of the 2016 readership campaign in Abuja, said the establishment of mini libraries would bring books closer to the people and encourage them to visit the facilities often for reading and research.
Aina was impressed with the successes recorded in the course of the annual readership campaign, which took NLN officials to states of federation to champion reading among Nigerians.
Minister of education, Malam Adamu Adamu, represented by the director, education support services, Mrs. Justina Ibeh, commended the Aina for the successes of the campaign, which had “Working Together to Build a Virile Reading Nation: Challenges and Strategies” as the theme.
The minister encouraged the NLN to redouble its efforts, in the face of concerns that coming generations might skip writing, reading and move straight to digital life.