Libraries need more recognition to boost reading culture

SCHOOLS opened on Wednesday and our children need to be encouraged to read.

Many studies have proved that those children who read regularly get good marks for their school work. But we are facing a problem because the reading culture in this country is awful.

According to a study released last year by Progress in International Reading and Literacy, South Africa scored the lowest among the countries which participated in the study.

The study revealed that 78% of Grade 4 pupils in South Africa are unable to read for meaning. We are in a crisis, and drastic steps need to be taken to correct the situation.

The government needs to come to the party. The provision of library services is inadequate, especially in the rural areas. It is a shame that in a country of more than 50 million citizens, there are fewer than 2 000 public libraries.

It is also distressing that very few schools have functional libraries. Only private schools have well-stocked libraries, because they know the importance of reading.

If reading materials are not provided to children, how can literacy levels improve in this country? A lot needs to be done. Having been in the librarianship profession for more than 20 years, I have noticed that most politicians and members of the public do not understand the crucial role played by librarians in improving literacy, and development in general.

This results in libraries not getting the attention they deserve. Western countries are thriving because they know that without knowledge and information, you are nothing.

I wish we could do the same and give librarians and libraries the recognition they deserve. Romanius Zulu Durban