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Lagos State Build-A-Library Project Update
04-Jan-2010
MHF adds a Lagos location to its’ Build-A-Library Initiative
According to the Lagos State Government, new strides have been taken with the recent general renovation of all eleven public library service points across the State. Those renovated include Ikeja, Isolo, Ilupeju, Tolu Public Library Ajegunle and Herbert Macaulay Library Yaba, others are Epe Divisional Library, Ikorodu, Badagry, Borno House Library Mile 2, Ipaja and Henry Carr Public Library, Agege.
With this positive step toward development of education and reading habits, the Lagos State Government is now more determined than ever, and is prepared to take reading culture and habits among the Youth in the State to the highest level. The Special Adviser on Education, Dr. Olu-Adewale once explained that with the new value that is added to the physical appearance at each public library service point, the reading culture among the library users, particularly the Youth, is now on the increase. “Before the renovation, the number of the readers and library users were very scanty and on the decline, but with the new physical look of each public library service points, they now witness an up surge in the number of readers daily”. There is obviously a need for serviceable library facilities and MHF is willing to enhance the state’s efforts by building new first-class libraries to benefit various communities.
Merry Hearts Foundation plans to further the commitment of the Lagos State Government and other partnering communities to education by partnering with them to build library facilities that help promote reading among Nigerian youths. In a state as densely populated as Lagos and filled with so many bright minds, we need more than 11 libraries. With the help of state government officials, we will build our first library in the most strategically beneficial location.
We are currently working to secure land in the Alimosho local government area of Lagos. We perceive this as a worthy location because of the fact that this local government is the most populated in Lagos State. We see a lot of potential to improve the reading habits of learning opportunities of locales.
The Holistic Vision for the Libraries
· Library floor plan maximizes space and provides optimal learning environment
· Library Committee consisting of community-selected stakeholders to be held accountable
· Provision of books and educational resources by partnering with established corporations and institutions
· Planned school visits to library to enlighten students about library use
· Opportunity to generate funds by charging for prime time internet usage
· Community can use generated funds to purchase generator, allowing for night-time studying during power failure
· Opportunity to track library usage data & trends, and generate valuable information for future projects and community initiatives
· Host Corporate and organizational meetings, thus raising more funds to run library
Partnership with Merry Hearts Foundation on this initiative is welcome and will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. For more information, please contact Niyi Awosan: nawosan@merryhearts.org OR via telephone at +1 (240) 643 4755.
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