This article was first published on the New Vision website on March 17, 2023
By Ritah Mukasa
Back in the day, a school was incomplete without a library.
However, today, some private schools look at libraries as a waste of their meagre resources.
Edith Nagujja, a secondary school teacher says, every learner should have access to a library because it is very important.
She adds that a library provides equitable physical and intellectual access to the resources and tools required for learning in a warm, stimulating, and safe environment.
“It also provides a convenient space for learners to carry out research. They become independent-minded, quick decision-makers and intellectuals,” she says.
Borris Asiimwe, a teacher at Rwebiita preparatory school in Sheema district concurs.
He says a library helps learners to discover. They read on their own and find more about the topics at hand and others on the curriculum.
“Teachers shouldn’t give the learners everything. They should research on their own in order to produce a holistic learner,” he explains.
Asiimwe says, a library also helps improve the reading culture of learners.
He is quick to advise schools to improvise and have libraries in place.
How a school can start a library
Asiimwe says, at his school, they set aside a room and added bookshelves. They also put furniture. This acts as a reading room and library.
“You can start with a few textbooks, dictionary, bible, religious books and newspapers,” he opines.
Arrange the books in rows and columns like any serious library would look. This helps the learners to easily identify the books they want.
Asiimwe adds that if the budget is tight, the school should request a teacher to volunteer instead of hiring a librarian.
More to that, if you are limited on space, split the one you have and set up a library.
For example, you can divide the main hall or set it in one of the free classes.
If you have a tent, put it there temporarily.
Away from that, Nagujja says, today, books are expensive. So, equipping the library might be difficult.
She advises schools to look out for donations from individuals and charity organizations.
“Many organizations donate books but don’t just take whatever is offered. Some have inappropriate content,” she says.
You can also create a library fund where every child contributes a certain percentage of money termly or annually.
Meanwhile, Asiimwe is of a view to adding other books aside from those on the curriculum. They will help widen the learners’ knowledge of different things.
For example, add books on insects, forests, rivers, maps, plants and sports. There are also reference books; encyclopedias and those with artistic and exciting content that grabs children’s attention.
Other sections can have books on human rights, social sciences, education and sciences.
