E- Ananse Library Launched

A library project dubbed “e-Ananse Libraries”, a new bold concept in creating public libraries in the country has been launched.

The project is part of the legacy projects for the commemoration of better reading skills among every individual. The E-Library Project, which was launched last Friday in Accra, is to improve literacy skills, with its attendant impact on poverty, health, gender equality and social mobility.

The facility will be equipped with internet enabled computers and laptops, books comprising of African studies among others. Speaking at the launch, the Deputy Minister of Communications, Mr George Andah , noted that it was prudent for individuals to inculcate the habit of reading, citing that “if you can’t read, you can’t develop.”

He associated himself with the project, believing that it was a project worth supporting to help improve on the reading habit of the Ghanaian people, especially the young ones who are now coming up.

The Minister, who was the Chairperson at the launch, commended West Blue Consult for the initiative, while urging that the country becomes a reading nation, adding that lack of personnel to man the library should not be a barrier for its smooth operation.

He urged the Library Authorities to do its part to ensure there were personnel to work at the library. “…That’s the problem. To get personnel to man the libraries, because, then, they will come and tell you that you have to do this. Personnel should not be a barrier for this project, and it was high time you changed your mind to think of how we can make it successful.”

The Chief Executive Officer of West Blue Consulting in her opening address, Madam Valentina Mintah, noted that the e-Ananse Libraries stand out for four reasons.

According to her, ”They house contemporary and classic books, predominantly by writers of African descent, that reflect our pride in our African heritage; They each have an iHub with state-of-the-art computing facilities to equip Ghanaians through the Ghana-Oracle Digital Enterprise Program (GODEP), with the skills to compete in today’s tech-savvy world;

”The e-Ananse Amphitheatre is a magnificent live literature space where stories come to life, in the spirit of our Ananse traditions. Finally, our knowledgeable and professional staff take pride in their work, and in helping library users achieve their full potential. Capacity building and empowerment is at the core of what we do.”

The launch was not only on the celebration of the opening of the new libraries, but a commemoration of Ghanaian story-telling in all its forms, from the oral to the written.

The launch also saw many dignitaries gracing the event, they were Mr Kofi Asante, CEO of GIFEC, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, deputy Minister of Education among others.

Music Interlude was adhered by Kwan Pa Music Band, the group treated patrons to good Ghanaian music.

About e-Ananse Libraries

The e-Ananse Libraries are to help revitalize Ghana’s reading culture and provide people with the tools to compete in the 21st Century by giving them access to high-quality contemporary literature, state-of-the-art computing facilities, and world-class literary events.

The two libraries situated at the University of Ghana, Legon campus and Osu has an e-Ananse technology centre, christened the Innovation Hub, which is equipped with internet-enabled PCs to give library-members access to the full range of resources available on the World Wide Web.

According to Authorities of the library, to register as a member of the e-Ananse Libraries cost of 20 Cedis per year for adults and 10 Cedis Per year for children and opened from Tuesdays to Fridays, 12PM – 8PM as well as on Saturdays, 10am – 6PM.