The Chairman of the Kenya National Library Services, Samwel Nyangeso, has underscored the importance of establishing community libraries as they will enhance literacy levels not only among children, but also among various groups of members in the society.
Nyangeso said having community libraries spread across the country will not only assist school children from poor families access books and reading materials easily and improve on their academic performance, but also enhance improvement in literacy levels among residents
Speaking on Sunday at Amasago Primary School grounds during a funds drive for Amasago Catholic Church in aid of the completion of the priest's official house, Nyangeso challenged local community members and leaders to embrace the initiative of establishing community libraries for the benefit of all members of the society.
Nyangeso said having community libraries spread across the country will relieve parents the burden of buying various books and study materials for their children, and use the financial resources they were allocating to the books in addressing other pressing family demands for the welfare of their children.
"I am of the opinion that all of us across the country have a duty to sacrifice even our personal resources to ensure our communities access library services for both our children and the general public, to enhance the country's literacy levels," said Nyangeso.
Nyangeso challenged leaders from the Gusii region to give priority to education through establishment of community libraries at community levels, to ensure children from those communities access books and other study materials conveniently without bothering their parents and guardians.