National Library Advocates Reintroduction of Reading Hours in Schools

The National Library of Nigeria, led by Chief Librarian Prof. Veronica Chinwe Anunobi, has called for the reintroduction of dedicated reading hours into school timetables across the nation. The initiative was proposed during the launch of the 2024 Annual Readership Promotion Campaign in Abuja.

Prof. Anunobi emphasized that this proposal is part of a broader effort to prevent the decline of reading culture in Nigerian society. The campaign is particularly focused on younger generations, including primary and secondary school students, as well as children in hard-to-reach communities.

"In our mission to ‘Catch Them Young,’ we are prioritizing students in underserved areas. We have also extended previous campaigns to Internally Displaced Persons camps, correctional centers, artisan groups, and motor parks, reinforcing our goal of making reading accessible to all," Anunobi stated.

She further revealed that the National Library is pushing for the establishment of a National Reading Day, alongside the reintroduction of reading hours in school schedules. Additionally, the library is working on expanding its network of reading clubs nationwide, with 94 clubs already in operation and more set to launch before the year’s end.

The National Library is also upgrading its branches across the country, with modernized buildings and enhanced reading environments. Each branch is tailored to its community's needs, offering a range of physical and digital resources. Anunobi emphasized that these branches serve as reading hubs, offering 24/7 access to a vast collection of online materials, ensuring that Nigerians can engage in reading at any time.

This effort aligns with the National Library’s ongoing commitment to fostering a robust reading culture in Nigeria, aimed at promoting literacy, knowledge, and intellectual growth.