A REVIEW OF #MyFreeLibrary : feb 5th 2023
A REVIEW OF #MyFreeLibrary
Over time Jos is gradually becoming a hub for accommodating the vast number of readers across Nigeria and the world. With the relative peace that has been sustained over time, the city is beginning to regain its spark.
Literary activities are on the increase across several groups and communities; community libraries are becoming one of the most engaged approach in enhancing education and community engagement respectively.
One of such initiative to increase readers’ accessibility to relevant reading resources is the free library initiated by Lilian Nenrit Tampi. What started as an idea translated into a short story has now been developed into the physical equivalent of a thought process. With the help of family, friends, and supporters; this idea is now benefitting several individuals.
The idea of the free library is to provide readers access to a library they can secure books for free while replacing them with another alongside a note to spur the next reader. The project will subsequently be replicated across several communities; however, the first location it has been implemented is at the Jarding Reading Garden
Such projects should receive great commendations and publicity, and in addition; never ending support. As the elections in Nigeria draw near, the subsequently elected leaders should invest heavy resources in scaling-up such initiatives. The general public should also create visibility and raise support towards these as well.
One obvious constraint of any project faces is the ability of the pioneer(s) to retain sustainability. Several concerns may arise as to the most viable strategy to sustain the project, and among several, the following should be considered:
among
1. The free library should be under constant supervision, as some people might take advantage of this initiative to come pick books without replacing them with another as stated.
2. The books will require frequent monitoring to avoid any circumstances that will allow the intrusion of moist, dust or any unfavorable condition.
3. There should be a quarterly, bi-annual, or annual evaluation of the impact of the free library on its users through a feedback form, meetings, or book conferences.
4. The initiative should also reach out to gain a progress report as to the plethora of solutions that have been developed as a result of interacting with the resources of the free library.
5. The aforementioned progress reports can be published so as to gain more support, sponsorship, and investments for the sustainability of the project.
The general public in JOS and Diaspora should invest with the little and much they can channel to the success of this project. Nation building is everyone’s concern; you can contact the pioneer through the link provided below and the details on the flier.
