The National Library of Nigeria and the American Embassy, are to collaborate in the promotion of literacy in Nigeria.
This came up during discussions when the National Librarian, Prof. Chinwe Anunobi paid a courtesy visit at the Embassy of the United States of America, in Abuja on Thursday.
Prof. Anunobi used the avenue to request for the establishment of American Spaces at some National Library Branches across the federation. She applauded the Embassy for their visible support to literacy through the establishment of American Corners which in no small measure has impacted the lives of the communities where they exist.
The National Librarian further noted that most Space centres were located inside university communities thereby limiting accessibility to the resources available in the Spaces. She therefore appealed that the Embassy should consider the use of the 33 branches of the National Library for setting up Spaces to complement those in the universities, so as to widen accessibility of the Spaces.
Prof. Anunobi also informed her hosts of the efforts of the National Library to push literacy to the hinterlands by providing literacy centres to rural communities.
Earlier, the Public Diplomacy Counselor, Robert Garbor who received the National Librarian and her team stated that the Embassy is ready to promote literacy across the world and Nigeria in particular hence the setting up of the American Spaces in various parts of the country as well as other programmes. He further expressed the readiness of the Embassy to partner with the National Library of Nigeria to ensure a better society.
Also speaking, Mr. Peter Burba of Public Diplomacy Section, assured that issues raised would be considered and commitment made on possible areas of engagement.
The National Librarian/CEO was accompanied by the Director of IS&PD, Ms Amaka Ojielo, Director, LDD, Dr. Mrs. Adejumoke Ajibola, Director CDT&S, Mr. Abubakar Hambagda.