Ismail M. Kabir,
Okene
The chief librarian, Okene public library, Aisovoh Ahmed Y. has called Ebiras home and in the Diaspora to come to the aid of Okene library by donating free books and related facilities for the library users. He made this call in his office today during a courtesy visit by EbiraView team.
Speaking with Ismail Kabir in his office, the chief librarian lamented the lack of books and useful research materials in the library. He said the youths have developed interest in reading but come to the library only to find few books, most of which are stale and less useful to the readers.
A youth at the library said readers now bring their own books to the library, a habit that goes against the rule of library save for the lackk of useful books. He described the situation as unfortunate and a discouragement to the much desired reading habit in the youths.
On his part, the chief librarian appealed to Ebiras to provide free books to encourage the students, youths and the general public who visit the library on daily basis. According to him, 'shortage of books has adversely affected the patronage of the library. The government has put up a wonderful edifice, attracting a lot of readers. Sadly, the lack of books has discouraged many from returning to the library'. Mr. Aisovoh who resumed the office early this year, said he planned to meet the incumbent local government chairman for support. While blaming the recent crises in Ebiraland as one of the factors hindering his visit with the LG boss, Aisovoh said he was aware that 'the responsibilities of the local government have been affected by crises in Okene but we are confident that once we meet the chairman, he will listen to us and will definitely attend to the library needs'. Only five bookshelves with less than 200 books were found in the library at the time of our visit.
Conducting our team round the facility, the chief librarian disclosed that the local government has reserved spaces for internet cafe and a children section. Once equiped, the internet room which has 50 seating capacity is expected to connect the readers to the world.
It could be recalled that the Salihu Ohize administration began the reconstruction project and was nearing completion before the end of his tenure as Okene local goverment chairman in 2006.
The library, currently enjoying an average daily visit of 30 readers, is a sight to behold and strategically located along Okene-Auchi road. With summer holiday around the corner, the need to provide books has become an emergency. If properly stocked and facilitated, the public library will attract the youths, students and readers from every corner of Ebiraland in particular and Kogi state in general.
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