By NCHIMUNYA MIYOBA
LIBRAY and Information Association of Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to provide excellence and innovation in library and information services in Zambia.
Speaking at the launch of the local content for African libraries project in Kalulushi today, Library and Information Association of Zambia (LIAZ) President Charles Banda said the association is committed to create an environment where libraries and librarians will have resources to help provide access to information and improving the reading culture in the country.
Mr Banda said LIAZ has partnered with worldreader and AFlIA to provide quality library services to the young learners in libraries serviced by the council.
He said that the partnership will cater for ten council public libraries in Zambia, four of which are in Lusaka and six on the Copperbelt.
“Children are excited by technology, so the use of electronic readers in our libraries will boost the motivation and interest of the children,” he said.
Mr Banda appealed to the corporate world to come on board and play their social responsibility by investing in library infrastructure, buy furniture and books.
And Kalulushi Mayor Rashinda Mulenga said libraries play a unique role in society as it a center for learning and a hub for human interaction.
In a speech read for her by Kalungwishi ward Councillor Gilbert Kasongo, Ms Mulenga said that in order to promote the reading culture in the district, library development has been factored into the council’s strategic plan for 2018.
Ms Mulenga however bemoaned the poor reading culture among young learners which she said has continued to be a source of worry to both the central government and the local authority.
She revealed that the council will soon set up libraries specifically for children between 3 to 13 years.
