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| Children reading in the dark |
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| A defect at the library |
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| Regional Librarian, John Ayeseya |
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| Library Complex |
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| Some outmoded reading materials |
People that patronize the Bolgatanga Regional Library have lamented on the poor state of the facility. Since the establishment of the library, there has not been any major rehabilitation. Currently, the library lacks reading and learning materials required by student’s preparing for their respective public examinations.
In the face of intermittent power outages, the facility lacks a standby generator, making it uncomfortable for users to utilize the facility any time power goes off. Beyond that the library has no toilet facilities while building has developed some defects, due to its state of disrepair and neglect.
In an interview with URA News, the Regional Librarian, John Ayeseya said plans are afoot to improve the facility but funding has been a major challenge. Radio Ghana’s Upper East Regional Correspondent Isaac Asare reports that the Bolgatanga Regional Library which operates under the Ghana Library Board was officially inaugurated in June 27, 1969 by the then Chairman of the Board, Professor L.H Ofosu Appiah.
The facility is capable of holding 8,000 volumes of reserve book stock and can boast of an adult library, children’s library and a lecture hall capable of accommodating more than 100 people.
Since its establishment, the library has seen no major rehabilitation. It has been in a deteriorated condition for a long time with facilities far overstretched. Due to the magnitude of the problem, some of the students that patronize the library are compelled to sit outside the facility to read and write.
Some of students say they no longer find the environment relatively conducive for reading. Beyond that a cross section of students and members of the public that patronize the Library are forced to read under trees due to the deplorable state of the facilities at the library.
A visit to the center by Radio Ghana showed that facilities at the library have become old and dilapidated. There were no modern books on the shelves, while the chairs and tables have broken down. According to some, they often visit the library with their own books because the library has no new books on its shelves.
Some of the users of the facility who shared their frustration with Radio Ghana pleaded with the authorities to upgrade the library by stocking it with modern books and furniture.
Records has it that more than fifty thousand people including workers use the library annually. Lamenting on the poor state of the library, The Regional Librarian, Thomas Ayeseya, said the facility was faced with a myriad of challenges including lack of funds.
Mr Ayeseya, stressed that the physical resources of the library had not been expanded to meet the increasing demand and fit the status of a modern library. Mr Ayeseya, however called for urgent attention by authorities concerned to help put the facility in shape.
Over the years, the Bolgatanga Regional Library had been battling with the issue of funds to resource the facility.
In spite of the challenges, donations from individuals and groups had also reduced drastically. To this effect, the morale of staff working at the library has waned as they found it difficult to meet up with their welfare.
The only mobile van which is supposed to visit communities in the various districts thrice a year is unable to do so due to lack of funds to purchase fuel.
The Regional Librarian said problems facing the library could be surmounted if adequate funds were provided.
GBC END ISAAC ASARE
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