Celebrating the launch of Zimbabwe Rural Schools Library Trust in Harare

An ambitious librarian has pushed and succeeded in establishing a Trust focusing on rural school libraries. I say ambitious because despite lack of funds to run a multitude of libraries in rural communities where the government has failed, the ambitious individuals are so determined to establish school libraries in every province of Zimbabwe. These plans seem to resonate support from the current political establishment as evidenced by their presence during the launch. As ZLDT, we appreciate such a contribution to the development of libraries for deprived rural populations.

A blog post by Kenneth Mangemba has summed up the launch of ZSRLT “As I said in the beginning that such birth can be a blessing if well taken care of as they propel growth in society but the big question still remains – How are they going to implement the trust projects for the rural schools to benefit? Several other issues stand in the way relating to the role of National Library and Documentation Services (NLDS), Zimbabwe Library Association (ZimLA) and other Ministry departments who have the mandate to develop the library fraternity in Zimbabwe. Their continual silence is tantamount to put the library development in Zimbabwe into a sinking ship regardless of the fundamental importance of libraries in communities they are established. Efforts from ZRSLT and other civic organizations are imperative for equipping the society with the endeavor to enrich the human mind for social inclusion.”

More about the launch of ZRSLT, read it here.

Donkey drawn libraries

I came across this report from a google search written by Obadiah Moyo of the Rural Libraries and Resources Development Programme in Zimbabwe, presented at at conference in South Africa 2009. As this report was presented after the formation of the government of national unity (GPA), I assume RLRDP is still operational in Zimbabwe.

As RLRDP focuses on rural libraries, their contnued presence will thus complement the work of ZLDT whose mission is to support deprived public and school/community libraries in urban areas.

Link to RLRDP report.

More about RLRDP

Over 3000 village libraries [India] closed for want of funds

This story shows how development can stagnant and reverse. It is amazing that the Indian Government supports village libraries, however lack of funds sounds like a disaster for the libraries.

PATNA: Though the state government’s move to revive and strengthen the district libraries is a welcome step, many other libraries located at sub-divisional towns, blocks and villages also require government attention. More than 3,000 village libraries have been closed for want of funds during the past two decades.

The condition of most of the village libraries is quite appalling. They lack basic reading materials, infrastructure and professionally qualified librarians. Most of them do not have money to purchase even daily newspapers. New books and periodicals are a distant dream. .. More