On Friday, 28th September 2018, The Junior Library Department organized a trip with the Standard 4 students to the National Library. I was escorted by the class teacher Ms Kwenda. The aim of the trip was to promote a reading culture among our young students and for them to be familiar with what happens in at the National library.
Students been welcomed at the National Library
We departed at 08:20 am using the school bus (the school bus moved three times since the number of students was big) and by 09:20 we were ready to start the program at the National Library. Mr. Kamala and Mr. Mkwezalamba the National Library Assistant Librarians welcomed us, introduced themselves and told us about the Library rules. They taught us the reasons why the library is useful and important to the Community.
Mr. Kamala giving the introduction of the place
The students learnt that the National Library was formed by Sir Marvin Due 51 years ago and the aim of the Library was to promote a reading culture in Malawi. There are National Library branches all over Malawi that enable easy access of reading books to the nation. We had a Library tour which was directed by Mr. Mkwezalamba and Mr. Kamala through the different sections such as the lending section, where lenders are able to lend books for a certain period after being member of the Library. The students were also shown the Restoration and Extra Mill section where the books are repaired and the Technical and Developing section where books are processed and given to different departments for use.
The Technical/ Developing Sections and Restoration/ Extra Mil Sections
Students were also given the chance to explore the Mobile Library Van. In this Van books are shelved and are well organized ready for the distribution of books in the rural areas for people living in rural areas to access books.
Students having a tour in the Library Van with Mr. Mkwezalamba
Mr. Kamala asked students questions to see if what they learned there was well understood by them, it was very amazing to see how everyone answered brilliantly and this indicated that all the student were serious with the lesson.
Students Answering Questions
Lastly, students were giving the opportunity to be registered as members of the National Library at a fee of MK100 each. The trip was successful and beneficial to the students because the students experienced a new environment, and the importance of books which has inspired them to take better care of the School library books and has encouraged good behavior in our own school library.
I am so grateful for the support given to us for this trip to be successful. The total number of the students in the three streams of STD 4 is 67, however only 45 students attended the trip, 22 students did not provide signed indemnity forms and were left at School occupied with an alternative activity in Ms. Nkhoma’s class. On behalf of the Junior Library department I would like to thank you and ask that you continue to support the Library.
Sincerely,
Kaimange Mrs.
Librarian.