By Sylvia Akpan
The Nigerian Library Association (NLA) Cross River State chapter in a week-long activity marked the 6th annual conference to commemorate the 2023 Library Week at the College of Health, Calabar.
The weeklong activities commenced on the 27th to 30th of November 2023. On the 27th witnessed the arrival of participants and visitation to Government Primary School Obufa Esuk and Government Secondary School Akim.
Addressing the students, Dr. Blessing E. Ogunjimi, Local Organizing Committee Chairman charged them to make good use of the library during their leisure hours as readers are leaders.
“It is very important to make use of the library. If you want to know, you need the library. Writers were able to develop their writing skills because they made good use of the library.
“If you make use of the library, you will become a writer, independent, you will know because knowledge is power.”
After the orientation, educational materials were shared with the students who were visibly happy as some indicated interest in becoming Librarian in the future.
On the 29th of November, saw the opening ceremony of the 6th annual conference with the theme: Global trends, issues, and the reviving of the public library system for national development.
In a welcome address, the State Chairman of NLA Frederick O. Ogar, thanked God for making the day a reality while praying for the gathering to spur members to be responsive to the branch activities and engagements. He charged members to live up to expectations as members of the association.
Speaking at the event, the keynote speaker, Prof. Aniebiet Inyang Ntui, University Librarian, University of Calabar presented on the theme: Global trends, issues, and the reviving of public library system for national development.
In her presentation, she noted that a trend is a general direction in which something is developing or changing during a specified period.
She complained about funding shortages, changing user needs, and staffing challenges as the issues facing public libraries.
The Librarian, however, disclosed the strategies for reviving public library systems which include increasing investments in libraries, embracing technology and innovation, and fostering collaboration and partnership.
The event featured drama presentation, conference of honors and award recognitions; cultural performance, spoken word, lead paper presentation and technical session.
The following awardees were recognized for their contributions in the State and the renovation of the State library; Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, Secretary to the State Government – Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, Commissioner for Education – Sen. Stephen Adi Odey, Honorable Peter Akpanke; Prof. Godwin Afebende, Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Cross River State, Prof. James Epoke among others.
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