Prof. Chinwe Anunobi, the National Librarian, has announced plans to rekindle the practice of school library hours as part of efforts to nurture a stronger reading culture among Nigerians. This initiative was disclosed during a press conference held in Abuja, marking her two-year tenure as the National Librarian/Chief Executive Officer of the National Library, a position she assumed in September 2021.
Anunobi explained that a memorandum has been forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Education, urging the consideration of reading culture as a policy. She noted that the National Library is mandated by its governing Act to provide guidance on library development to any federal or state agency seeking assistance, but it lacks the authority to oversee or direct library development and usage.
She further lamented the decline of library hours in many schools and stressed that concerted efforts are underway to revive the implementation of dedicated library hours in schools.
In addition to this, the National Librarian highlighted advancements made in enhancing the National Library’s state-of-the-art national repository. The institution has deployed digital equipment to safeguard valuable resources stored in its Lagos strong room; including the digitisation of over 1,000 records, such as monographs, journals, documents, and other valuable resources.
