Leaders in Isiolo County have been urged to assist in the expansion of town library facility in order to cater for the ever increasing number of users with majority of them being learners.
Library Manager, Rufus Githinji, said the number of users have been soaring owing to sustained outreach programmes in the past several years.
He said currently, the library is attracting a large number of primary, secondary and college learners as well as civil servants.
The librarian said the library which has a capacity of 270 people attracts double the number forcing them to have two shifts for users per day to ensure everybody is served.
“We are now calling on leaders from Isiolo County to assist in the expansion of the town library in order to cater for the ever increasing number of it users with majority of them being learners,” said Githinji.
He regretted that learners are often forced to study from outside with some opting to sit on the veranda while others peruse learning materials standing as they wait for those inside to leave in order to get sitting space.
To make matters worse, he said, learners are not spared from the unpredictable weather patterns where some times it rains heavily while other times there is scorching sun, noting the area is very windy most of the time.
He is now appealing to Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo and local MPs to provide resources to expand the library since it plays a crucial role in ensuring improved performance in education.
He said they have adequate land for expansion and only need resources to accomplish the plan.
Githinji said besides being the conducive learning environment, the library also offers free computer classes to Form Four leavers.
“The computers at the facility are also fitted with specialized programmes to ensure persons living with disabilities use them comfortably.
“Majority of our staff members have undergone special training on how to assist learners with special needs access information from the E-books as well as computers,” Mr Githinji added.
The library, which is the only public one in the county, was constructed over 10 years ago following an Act of parliament enacted in 1965 to provide library services and information to the general public.
By John Majau
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