e-Ananse: A New Model of Public Library

It has become evident that the proliferation of the internet and social media has been a major factor that has caused the dwindling reading culture the world over, Ghana included.

The story of Ghana is however a sad one because even the libraries are practically nonexistent and the few ones are under stocked. This makes it a difficult challenge for the ‘reading culture’ campaigners.

It is a challenge that has diverse adverse social effects on the youth and a challenge that requires a deliberate and sustained concerted effort all stakeholders, especially the support of the private sector.

Within the last two or so years, the e-Ananse Libraries has been a significant solution to this challenge, especially for city dwellers with the introduction of a completely new concept in the campaign for reviving and sustaining a reading culture.

The coming of COVID-19 slowed down the brilliant and enviable take off but could not completely stop the success train.  Who are they and what do they stand for?

The e-Ananse libraries, a bold new concept in public libraries in Ghana, is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of West Blue Consulting, a world-class business and IT consulting firm.

The libraries were originally established by West Blue Consulting, a world-class business and IT consulting firm, to provide residents in Ghana a culturally relevant resource that celebrates African heritage. It has however opened up its target to reach a global online audience. The libraries have a unique focus on African heritage and identity, evident in its design, ambiance and collection of books.

Key features of this novel library include: African Inspired Library-the e-Ananse libraries feature a core collection of contemporary and classic fiction and nonfiction primarily by writers of African descent. It has niche collections unique to each library, including beautiful children’s books, poetry, and professional development.

Smart Technology -the e-Ananse’s innovation hub, is equipped with state-of-the-art internet-enabled computers which give library members access to the full range of resources available on the World Wide Web. The entire e-Ananse space has WiFi connectivity, enabling users to log on with their laptop and work independently.

Ananse Amphitheatre – The centerpiece of each e-Ananse library is the Ananse Hut; a magnificent outdoor space where programmes of live literature events take are held for a live audience. The amphitheatre is equally a conducive setting for virtual performing-arts related events.

An Interactive approach to e-Ananse in Ghana

The e- Ananse Libraries has changed the face of library culture in the country and become the pacesetter in the library space. The concept has been endorsed by UNESCo and Ghana’s Ministry of Education.

e-Ananse has been able to achieve this feat in a short time due to its frequently run literary programmes and activities for both adult and children at its various premises in Accra.

Some of the programmes and activities run are poetry festivals, book launches, author readings, spoken word shows, book exhibitions, movies nights, reading festivals, monthly storytelling sessions for children, and technology hour, using science kits. These programmes have seen hundreds of book-loving people and lovers of literary events throng the libraries.

The Libraries also organize educative programmes for marginalized groups in society to shape their thinking and inculcate the habit of reading which could change their lives. e-Ananse has also had partnership programmes with some institutions of high repute such as UNESCO, Bureau of Ghana Languages, World Reader and University of Ghana (Debaters Club).

Reading During COVID-19

The unexpected global pandemic (Coronavirus) affected the physical library setting, following the ban on all public gatherings and the subsequent partial lockdown.

The libraries had to close temporarily because of the pandemic but as an institution that believes in innovation, e-Ananse embraced the ‘new normal’ and took advantage to innovate creative ideas and concepts so as to continue to give the populace both in Ghana and across the globe the very best of literary events.

In view of that e-Ananse went fully online and introduced exciting and educative live programmes for a virtual online audience.

Some of the programmes introduced were Kids spelling competition, live concert (music, poetry and spoken word), Kiddie Reads, colouring contest, author reading and family relay show. These programmes, held for a virtual audience, had a lot of people, both adults and children following e-Ananse on social media (Facebook, Instagram and YouTube) to view and get themselves involved in the activities.

Why partner us?

Organisations are welcome to join e-Ananse Libraries in its efforts to transform Ghana’s reading culture for the better. e-Ananse currently has three libraries, located in Osu, University of Ghana, Legon campus and Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) complex, all in Accra. The project is also being rolled out in other regions of Ghana.

It has also invested in modern equipment such as outdoor amphitheatre, audio visual recording and editing equipment, studio recording equipment, computers, laptops, and high-speed internet to be able to achieve its mission.

e-Ananse is poised to establish at least one library in each region of the country, starting from much deprived areas where children of school going age and person with love for literary arts do not have libraries and such facilities for performances.

However, because of the capital-intensive nature of establishing such a multi-purpose library facility, it is calling for partnership (financial) to be able to achieve that aim.

This, when achieved, will enable the people in  such communities to also have access to the high-quality, contemporary literature, state -of- the -art computing facilities, and world-class literary events which will improve their reading culture and help e-Ananse to achieve its mission.

 

NOTE:  e-ananse can be reached on www.e-anansese.com  and social media handles Facebook: e- Ananse, Instagram: e_Ananse and Twitter: e_Ananse_