Students Urged to Form Reading Clubs

The Brong Ahafo Regional Librarian Mad Elizabeth Arthur Students has called on students to form reading clubs in their various campuses and communities.

She made the appeal during a children's programme organised in by the Ghana Library Board, aimed at promoting reading in the Sunyani Municipality.

Madam Arthur observed that reading habits are formed through constant reading and use of library materials.

She noted that reading with understanding is a key requirement for children to be able to learn basic life skills and gain knowledge into other subject areas.

Madam Arthur called on the head of schools and teachers to play part in ensuring the optimum utilisation of the libraries by encouraging pupils to patronise the library and to set example by utilizing the library themselves.

She noted that “teachers are role models; their presence at the libraries will therefore set a good example for the children to emulate”.

The chief librarian further reiterated that the aim and objectives for establishing public libraries are to contribute to the sustenance of the quality of life in all its aspects, namely Education, Economic, Industrial, Scientific and Cultural and to promote the concepts of a democratic society in which equal opportunity exist for all to develop into true citizens with whole and balanced personalities leading to increase in the sum total of man's happiness and awareness of himself, his fellow men and the environment.

“Importance of libraries in our society can not be over-emphasized; Libraries form a vital part in the word's system of communication and education. They provide resources in the form of books, periodicals, documentary and audio-visual materials to supplement forms of educational programmes”, he added.

She intimated that libraries provide means for self education of individuals or groups at whatever stage of education.

“Lending services are also provided for people who cannot afford to buy their books, she pointed out.

Madam Arthur expressed concern about the new Sunyani Regional Library Complex which has remained at the sub-structure stage since the middle of least year.

She noted that there is an urgent need for the library complex to be completed without any further delay as it is obvious that the library in use with 25 seating capacity for adult and 35 for the juvenile is unable to accommodate the ever-increasing population in the region.

Madam Arthur was also worried about the lack of space for books at the library.

The Brong Ahafo Regional Director of Education, Mrs Akobuor Debra, called on teachers to team up to offer effectve teaching.

In the quiz competition at the primary level, Lawrence Demonstration School came first, Police Experimental School, second, Apostolic Preparatory, third with Christ International taken the fourth position.

Miracle exp came 1st, Police Exp. 2nd Boahen Kokou, 3rd while Good News Baptist taken the 4th position at the JSS level.

All the participating schools were presented with books and certificates. The best schools had plagues in addition.