When I was growing up, I had an indescribable love for
reading. I’d read anything and everything. From newspaper covers wrapped around
cassava that we would buy for breakfast, to the words on every signpost on the
road whenever we were traveling whether on foot or road transport, I made sure
I got a glimpse of it. I was more excited about getting the window seat so I
could get a clear view and read clearly. Of course, I would get some words right
and others, and I would forge my way around them. My primary school didn't have
that much of reading materials or a library at that. However, my mother did
have some old books with torn covers packed up in old boxes. She was so amused
by how I used to prefer to read than to play most of the time.
I remember reading Charles Dicken's Great Expectations, I
wasn't following the story but I was amazed how people put words together. I
also read through Round the World in 90 Days, and when I reached the end, the
back pages were missing. I still wonder how it ends. Fortunately, my secondary
school had an equipped library where there was a variety of reading materials.
To think that all these experiences did shape the writer that I have become
today is such a fulfilling experience.
Libraries do play such a crucial role in improving knowledge
and overall the quality of education for many children in school. They're a
more effective venture when adopted at a younger stage for they provide
valuable resources, foster a love for learning, and create an inclusive
environment for personal and intellectual growth. They serve as vibrant hubs of
knowledge and contribute to education in several significant ways.
They offer various educational resources books, magazines,
academic journals, research papers, and multimedia materials. These resources
are often expensive or not readily available elsewhere, giving students and
educators access to information that enriches their learning experiences.
Equipped library structures encourage reading from a young
age while cultivating literacy skills that are essential for academic success.
Exposure to diverse reading materials nurtures critical thinking, vocabulary
expansion, and comprehension abilities, enhancing students' overall
communication skills.
They're very important for research projects and academic
pursuits. They provide learners with access to reference materials and digital
databases, enabling them to conduct thorough and accurate research. Librarians
offer guidance in navigating these resources effectively.
Libraries promote equity in education by offering resources
to individuals who may not have access to them at home. They level the playing
field by providing materials for students from different socio-economic
backgrounds, ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to learn and succeed.
Usually, modern libraries are equipped with digital
resources, computers, and internet access. These technologies enhance learning
experiences, expose students to digital literacy, and prepare them for the
technological demands of the modern world.
Libraries also provide a safe, calm, supportive, and focused
environment for studying and learning. which helps learners concentrate,
collaborate, and engage with their studies, free from distractions that may
exist elsewhere.
They also encourage independent exploration and critical
thinking. They promote curiosity and self-directed learning, fostering the
development of creative and analytical thinking skills that are vital for
success in education and beyond.
Community libraries often organize events, workshops, and
book clubs that encourage community involvement and cultural enrichment. These
activities broaden students' perspectives, promote social interaction, and
foster a sense of belonging.
Libraries are not just for students; they also support educators
by providing professional development resources, lesson plans, and teaching
materials. This continuous learning ensures educators stay updated with the
latest teaching methodologies and subject knowledge.
I could go on and on about the difference libraries make in early education development for children...but libraries are educational ecosystems that enrich the academic experience by providing resources, fostering intellectual growth, and creating spaces for exploration and interaction. Their significance in improving the quality of education cannot be overstated, as they contribute to creating well-rounded, informed, and empowered individuals who are better prepared to face the challenges of the world.
How to encourage library visits
Find a library close to your place: Locating a
library that is close to your house or the area you live in makes it more
accessible. Sometimes, if the distance is too much, you may not make that trip
to the library you had set aside time for.
Set aside some time: I have made it a bi-monthly
ritual to visit a library with my family. Decide on a day of the week or month
and make it a family date!
Read together: The best way for parents to help
their children become better readers is to read to them-even when they are very
young. Read together whether at home or in libraries. This not only encourages
your child to read but you also get that special bonding time with your loved
ones.
Be a reading role model: Children do what
they see. When you go to the library to get books for kids make sure you grab
one for yourself. Children get the message that reading is something you look
forward to doing.
Have a library at home: Being raised in a home with
library has a big impact on the level of children’s education. A two-decade
long study has shown that mere presence of home library increases
children’s academic success, vocabulary development, attention, and job
attainment. Make books accessible to children at home. Have a corner in their
room or in your house with a bookshelf, or a room that you can call a library.
Libraries are a fantastic place to take your child to
instill the joy and love for reading and of course if he/she is already an avid
reader!