Ghana Library Authority to provide technical assistance for School Libraries

The Chief Executive (Ag) of Ghana Library Authority, Hayford Siaw has assured schools in the country of GhLA’s readiness to provide technical assistance with the set-up of school libraries. He made this remark at the 5th Speech and Prize Giving day of Echoes of Royal Daisy International School at Ofankor, in the Greater Accra Region, as Chairman of the occasion.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Siaw emphasised the importance of school libraries in building a reading lifestyle and praised the school on its effort in library development. “Ghanaians will in the next few months, witness a resurrected School Library system that will provide an opportunity for children to build a new habit - the habit of reading”, He added.

In the late 1960s, the Ministry of Education and the British Council worked with Ghana Library Authority to undertake a research on why the reading culture in the country was low. The recommendation of the committee led to the establishment of the Schools and College Library Department at Ghana Library Authority. Unfortunately, for the past 30 years, little investment has been made to make this department function effectively.

He disclosed that Government has this year released funding to Ghana Library Authority to revive this department and perform its complementary function in improving learning outcomes for students through the redevelopment of School Libraries.

Mr Siaw used the occasion to encourage parents to be role models to their children by reading. He stated “If an adult is reading at home, children are likely to pick this lifestyle quickly. We can not continue to lament that children of today are not reading when adults are not reading either- our children are a reflection of our society.” He challenged parents to take the lead in 2019 Year of Reading by reading, at least one book a month.