Mobile library service launched in Ashanti Region

A Mobile Library Service to enable school children in deprived communities to have access to library and internet facilities has been launched in the Ashanti Region.

It is a joint initiative of the Ghana Book Trust (GBT) and the Ghana Library Authority with support from the Canadian International Literacy Non-Governmental Organization (CODE).

Four districts; Asante-Akim South, Adansi North, Amansie Central and Bosome-Freho, would initially benefit.

A mobile library van, stocked with 8,785 books, four computers and its accessories would be deployed for the service.

Mr Eric Offei, Board Chairman of the GBT, said at the launch that the goal was to encourage the youth to take to reading instead of spending their time on video games and watching movies on television.

He said this was the way to enhance academic performance.

It is in appreciation of this that the Trust is supporting 45 schools in the region in library management and supply of reading books.

Mrs Rebecca Akita, Regional Librarian, said 864 children and 40 adults in two of the selected districts have already registered for the service.

She said there should not be any illusion that a strong culture of reading would be built among school kids in these areas and appealed to the district assemblies to help extend the service to more communities.

Mrs Akita expressed concern about the situation where between 80 and 90 per cent of schools in rural areas were without libraries and said this must be tackled with some urgency.

The Programme Manager of CODE, Mr Willy Rangira, pledged continued support to the development of education through reading and library management.

Source: GNA