Country's libraries lack relevant books

Bolgatanga, July 22, GNA- The Upper East Deputy Regional Librarian, Mr. Leslie Kansanga has expressed concern about lack of books in the country's libraries, especially facilities in the three northern regions. He said most libraries were stocked with old books that could not meet the demands of the current educational curriculum. Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Bolgatanga on Wednesday, Mr. Kansanga said it was time that those books were withdrawn and replaced with books that were relevant to the new educational system.

He stressed the need for government, non-governmental organisations and public-spirited individuals and organisations to donate relevant and contemporary books suitable for teaching and learning. Mr. Kansanga said the regional library recorded about 1,960 visitors annually, which comprised mainly students. He said the facility had formed a library club made up of 150 members drawn from the basic schools who are taught reading skills, word pronunciations, spellings, poetry recitals, drama, debates, story telling, public speaking, among other things. Mr. Kansanga said staff of the library organised outreach programmes to schools to woo students to patronize its services. Pupils in the basic school levels are made to pay 20 pesewas, tertiary students 50 pesewas, and adults one Ghana Cedis as annual registration and renewal fees. He said the regional library used a van to lend books to people at their doorsteps.

Mr. Kansanga said the facility lacked funds to sustain the outreach programme and appealed to the Municipal and district assemblies for support.

The library was also confronted with inadequate furniture and poor conditions of work. The regional librarian asked the government to improve upon the conditions of service of the workers, saying majority of qualified librarians have left the service due to poor remuneration and service conditions.