The Important role of Public Relations in the Library Sector

The Katsina State Branch of the National Library of Nigeria, has been chosen by the United States Embassy, to house the Window on America in its Katsina State Branch. A grand hybrid launch of the Window on America was held on April 9, 2025. 

The event marked a significant milestone as it introduces the first Window on America established within a National Library of Nigeria space. 

The event featured diverse groups of dignitaries and stakeholders, including the National Librarian and CEO of the National Library of Nigeria, Prof. Chinwe Veronica Anunobi, who delivered a speech underscoring the importance of the initiative. Other notable attendees included Ms. Victoria Cook, Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy; Amina Mohammed, Director of Window on America Katsina; Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar, Honorable Chief Judge of Katsina State; and some management staff of the NLN such including Ms Amaka Ojielo, Mr. Kehinde Joseph Ojo, Mr. Bashiru Salawu and Mr. Abubakar Abdulkarim. In her remarks, Prof. Anunobi highlighted the strategic alignment of the Window on America with the core mission of the National Library. 

As Nigeria’s apex library, we are committed to empowering the public through inclusive access to both digital and physical resources, this initiative is more than just a physical space—it is a gateway to global opportunities.” Prof. Anunobi stated. 

Speaking further, she emphasized that the space, “the first of its kind in any NLN location, would serve the broader public and not just academic communities. With a presence in 33 states nationwide, the National Library is uniquely positioned to extend the impact of such initiatives to a wider audience, especially the youth. At the crossroads of knowledge and global connection, the National Library and Window on America speak one language: Access, Empowerment, and Shared Growth.” 

Prof. Anunobi concluded her speech by extending gratitude to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja for the partnership, with special mention of Ms. Cook and Mr. A. O. Daniel, Windows on America Specialist, for their dedication to the project. She also acknowledged the local dignitaries and stakeholders who attended the event, both physically and virtually, for their commitment to youth development and inclusive access to information. 

In her opening address, Ms. Victoria Cook noted that the Katsina center is the 28th American Space in Nigeria, part of a global network of over 600 spaces in more than 100 countries. She celebrated the role these centers have played in supporting over 10,000 Nigerian youths and expressed hope that the Katsina center would be equally impactful.