Let’s read together: A readership promotion and motivation initiative by librarians for children in an undeserved suburban community in Ilesha, Nigeria

Abstract

Children are building blocks of the society. However, in underserved communities especially in low and middle income countries low literacy levels and declining reading culture among children has been observed. The negligence of libraries by government and the lack of recognition of the role of libraries in the attainment of the SDG's further exacerbates the situation. Concerned librarians with special love for children identified an undeserved community in terms of library facilities in llesha, Nigeria. An outreach program to the children in the community was initiated. Advocacy was carried out to ensure availability of children on a weekly basis for reading promotion and motivation activities, Garage Space was donated with basic furniture pieces. The librarians provided culturally relevant, age appropriate story books for children ages 5-11 years. Activities included read aloud, storytelling, exchange of books, spelling bees. and learning of new words Theoretical underpinnings of the project is the extrinsic intrinsic theory of reading motivation Soaring Crew Reading Club started with nine children and has grown to a community of exited, intrinsically motivated readers who love reading, Photos, reports of focus group: discussions and personal interactions with the children show the encouraging outcome of the project.