THE National Library is focusing on junior secondary schools as it seeks to promote reading in order to reduce illiteracy.
The library was allocated its yearly subvention of some $200M from the recently-approved fiscal budget, and Chief Librarian Emiley King said it will continue to promote literacy classes for children.
She noted that children are in dire need of assistance, particularly those from the junior secondary schools, since the focus has long been placed on senior secondary schools.
‘READ-A-THON’
In light of this, the State-run library will be hosting a jeopardy-style ‘Read-a-thon’ for primary and secondary schools where the winning schools will be awarded prizes.
In addition, there will also be a pictorial exhibition, where books from the library’s juvenile department will be on display. These two activities form part of the education month activities, hosted by the library in an effort to combat the prevalence of illiteracy in Guyana.
Last year the library launched a series of literacy competitions such as a debating, reading and essay, and short story competitions, which saw several schools participating.
Meanwhile, for the remainder of this year the library will be hosting its phonics class and reading circle for students to come forward and enhance their literacy capacities.
The library has also re-established its toy library as part of its early literacy initiatives, besides its ‘Every Child Ready to Read’ campaign. The library also has been working with schools across Guyana by donating books to help enhance the literacy programme.
“If you don’t come to us, we will come to you,” said King, who noted that the library has always catered for unfortunate students by meeting their needs as often as possible.
However, King pointed out that while the subvention for the library rests at $200M, it is “inadequate” to help in promoting literacy and so she is urging the government to increase the amount in the near future.

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