2018 World Book Day - Celebrities and African Libraries

On January 7th 1903, when a new library was opened at Mount Vernon Square, Washington, accolades poured in for Andrew Carnegie, a steel baron and somewhat controversial benefactor. It was the first desegregated public building in Washington and served as the main library for the capital city until 1972.

In total, the Scotland-born steel tycoon donated more than $40 million for the construction of 1,679 public libraries across the United States, according to an article in the American Library Association Bulletin by historian George S. Bobinski.  According to Carnegie, " the wealthy should use their riches to improve public facilities that would enable the deserving poor to help themselves, because this kind of philanthropy is best calculated to do . . . lasting good.' And the library should be the ''literary centre of every community, a source of inspiration and profit to all, a place where every citizen can feel at home and at perfect liberty to enjoy its advantages." Libraries do lasting good to everyone in the community!

Dolly Parton the country music crooner seems to have fully bought into Andrew Carnegie's philosophy! From 1995 Dolly Parton began her Imagination Library which is a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until they begin school, no matter their family’s income in USA, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia.

According to Dolly Parton, every child has a dream to be someone great or to do great things. And importantly "the seeds of these dreams are often found in books and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world.” By February 2018, Dolly celebrated giving out the 100 millionth book!
Totally, completely awesome!

Today, literacy is still a challenge for most African countries. Children can't read where there are no books. Many parents cannot afford school texts talk more of titles outside of the approved reading lists. That's why we need  functional, stocked African libraries with librarians trained to help our young people dream big dreams and achieve.

As we get ready to celebrate another World Book Day on April 23rd, African public libraries are determined to enlighten the continent on why we must have public libraries for every Community. But who will hear us? Who will help us? Who wants to leave a lasting legacy that does good to everyone in the community? Who? Who?

I believe that if Dolly Parton can help improve literacy across countries and continents, our African celebrities can too!
The African Library & Information Associations and Institutions (AfLIA) @AfLIACon aflia.net the umbrella Body and trusted voice for African Libraries is willing to partner with Africans of high worth to drive the Literacy campaign in Africa.

3rd African Public Libraries Summit 3-4th July, 2018

The 3rd African Public Libraries Summit will be held at the beautiful, award-winning Durban International Conference Centre from 3-4th July 2018. Known as Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC Complex, it is South Africa's first International Convention Centre and was declared open by President Nelson Mandela in 1997. The Centre which is 30mins drive from King Shaka International Airport & a few minutes walk to the beachfront is located right in the city centre at 45 Bram Fischer Rd (Old Ordnance Rd), Durban, 4001, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. 

The Commonwealth Heads of Government met in the Centre in 1999, the preliminary draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup was held at the Centre as well as the Final Draw for the 2013 African Cup of Nations. And in July 2018, the Centre will host Librarians from all across Africa!

The conference which is hosted by AfLIA (African Library and Information Associations & Institutions) will feature Paper presentations, Ignite Talks, Discussions, Poster sessions, Panel discussions, Unconference sessions as well as the Market Place of Ideas. There will be opportunities for Librarians to network, learn current best practices from each other and seek collaborations that will position them better in engaging and serving their communities.

You can register for the conference -

https://events.aflia.net/event/1/registrations/1/

AfLIA is building a strong, connected and united African Library sector that drives development all over Africa, one Community at a time. Learn more at aflia.net

AfLIA seeking to create the Africa We Want

As the year draws to an end, the world is entering the usual season of cheer, of goodwill and giving.

Come along with me let's see why African Libraries need lots of goodwill and donations from everyone all over the world!

1. Africa's demographics show a youth bulge that is highly unemployed. This has largely been attributed to their lack of possession of 21st century skills such as  digital literacy skills,  problem solving, critical thinking, communication skills etc. Now Libraries all over Africa are bridging this gap and teaching these skills from Pretoria to Lagos, Nairobi to Kampala, Accra to Kibera, Abuja to Durban. With more funding AfLIA as the umbrella Body of African Libraries can do more to change the narrative of unemployment among African youths. Libraries are also helping African youths to identify and exploit economic opportunities.

2. Also, times are changing. Fast. Africa can no longer rely solely on natural resources as income earners. Smart countries now understand that knowledge is the new money spinner for robust economies. Libraries help by providing access to technology and free or dirt cheap Internet to all. Africa needs this. Africa needs this now!  Africa needs spaces  for young people  and the not-too young to get creative. Supporting AfLIA can make this achievable all over the continent as Libraries are turned into tech and startup hubs. 

3. The rate of basic Literacy in the continent is low even as we have the highest number of out of school children in the world. Research has shown over and  over again that libraries help children to stay on in schools. We can help to create The Africa We Want by funding AfLIA to have better Libraries all over the continent.

4. Did we see the video clips f Africans being auctioned as slaves in Libya? Demeaning, dehumanising, heart-rending! Africa's next generation is being wasted away! Our young people are lured into this through false information of 'green pastures' in other climes. Libraries can help counter this by providing accurate and relevant information about other countries.

Still with me?

AfLIA is launching an appeal on the global giving platform. You need to have a look. You need to get involved! Can Africa count on you in this season of cheer and goodwill? Join me to create the Africa We Want as we support AfLIA to do more. 

https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/innovating-through-libraries-for-100000-africans/

 

Call for Applications for 2nd Cohort of INELI SSAf

ADVERTISEMENT FOR APPLICATIONS FOR 2ND COHORT OF INELI- SUB-SAHARAN -AFRICA (INELI-SSAF) PROGRAM

Advertisement for applications for 2nd Cohort of INELI- Sub-Saharan -Africa (INELI-SSAf) Program

The African Library and Information Association and Institutions (AfLIA) is running a 2-year programme for emerging public library leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa to sharpen their leadership and innovative skills to enable them offer innovative services in their libraries to satisfy community needs; to train others in their organisations, and to also play active roles in their national library associations.
It provides e-learning courses through an online Moodle platform, with face-to-face workshops at two intervals. The topics covered include, but are not limited to Innovation; Change Management; Partnerships; Time Management; Taking Smart Risks; The Place of the Library in the Community; Using Data to make Decisions, as well as Advocacy. It is offered in the English Language. The first cohort of participants will finish the programme in May 2018 and the second cohort is due to start in February 2018.

AfLIA is inviting applications from public librarians for the International Network of Emerging Library Innovators- Sub-Saharan Africa (INELI-SSAf) Programme from all countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Applicants should have been public librarians for not less than 5 years and actively involved in library professional practice. As most of the learning is done online, applicants should have reasonable access to the Internet in order to be involved in this learning. The program is offered in English so applicant must be able to read and write in English language.

Applicants are required to fill in a Form (found below) which includes providing the following:

200 words write up on why you want to be a participantOutreach programmes introduced in the communityLeadership program(s) attended with datesDaily work and locationWork experience with datesLibrary qualification with date(s)Proof of ability to offer training to othersRecommendation from Head of Library/ National Library AssociationProof of Membership of the National Library AssociationAfLIA Membership number of applicant’s Library

To download the form please click here

The institution or National Library Association that recommends an applicant will make a contribution of at least USD 2000.00 per participant to cover accommodation, breakfast, dinner and local transport during the face-to-face workshops, and so must commit to this in recommending the application.
The application should reach AfLIA at programofficer@aflia.net with a copy to secretariat@aflia.net on or before 15th November 2017 . Late applications will not be accepted .

Copyright © 2017, AfLIA. All Rights Reserved.

AfLIA celebrates the 2017 International Rural Women Day

AfLIA celebrates the INTERNATIONAL DAY OF RURAL WOMEN
      CELEBRATING THE AFRICAN RURAL WOMAN

Rural women in Africa face enormous challenges as they toil at farming, food processing, marketing and taking care of their households. The African rural woman encounters great constraints in making a living, supporting her family and contributing to local, national and global economies. In recognition of her role in community development and in attainment of food security UN observes October 15 as the International Day of the Rural Women. The Day is also meant to highlight the plight of the Rural Woman as she faces exclusion due to the lack of education and other socio-cultural factors.
AfLIA (African Library and Information Associations & Institutions) regards the 2017 International Day of Rural Women theme - “Challenges and opportunities in climate-resilient agriculture for gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls” as a call to engage the African rural woman more with information, knowledge and education that will usher her into better understanding of climate matters and empower her with sufficient skills that will ensure her participation in 21st century spaces.
Read more here: http://bit.ly/2ga0O3T

Why do we need libraries in communities?

Why do we need Libraries in communities?
Librarians, academicians and a few might understand and appreciate the importance of Libraries in the society. However there are so many that do not recognize that or probably they've forgotten! That's what advocacy is all about- pointing out to people, reminding those that have forgotten of the exclusive niche that libraries have in education, literacy and in promoting democratic, sustainable and progressive societies.

Libraries help build reconciliation in societies ravaged by hate and animosity. How? Misinformation breeds misunderstandings and hatred. Libraries always have information that disproves rumours and half-truths. Libraries give access to information that helps to understand and place the diversities in the world in clearer perspectives. Libraries serve as neutral gathering places in so many societies where people come from 'different sides of the track'.

Many voters in African democratic societies do not understand issues at stake in elections. They are swayed by ethnic and religious affiliations & bonds. Illiteracy and a surfeit of 'fake news' enables this situation. Libraries in communities encourage adults to learn, they have newspapers that the citizenry can read to get information instead of over-reliance on rumours. Most importantly, I believe that African Libraries need to explore avenues of holding 'citizenship education' classes in all public and community libraries across the continent. People will be taught and given access to resources that will help them understand the importance of the 'office of the citizen' in democratic settings. Young people will understand why having a voter card and using it, determines their future, the different communities will be taught why voters apathy is a silent but fast and efficient kill her of democracy. Citizens will be taught how elections are all about 'our country' first before personal gains.

Equity and equality are core issues for the female gender in Africa. Libraries in our different communities assist the girl-child, the young mother, the mature wife, the elderly women to learn, to further their education, to acquire new skills, to have access to health information, to understand the place of hygiene in child rearing amongst other important things.

These amongst so many other reasons is why I advocate -to create awareness and perhaps lead to policy changes that will reposition Libraries. Again, the Advocacy is to draw people to Libraries. Many give the excuse that we are an 'oral people' and not a reading people. That is most inconsequential. Why? Libraries are not all about books and reading. Libraries in different societies are for building communities, for helping people create a 'better life' for themselves.

I call on librarians to talk about libraries. It is our duty as librarians to always let the citizenry know what libraries stand for.  I call on all Library users to promote libraries. We need Libraries to survive, to thrive and blossom in our different communities.
#ProudlyLibrarian

What's new in your Library? Sharing our stories.

Many life-changing and fun activities are happening in public libraries all over the globe. The perception of the public library as just a 'barn of books' is fast disappearing as these institutions explore more avenues to anticipate and meet the evolving information needs of the 21st century communities. For example, as custodians of local history materials, many public libraries now offer 'Walking Tours' www.freetoursbyfoot.com https://Americanlibrariesmagazines
Arapahoe Library offers free music video recording and so many other amazing examples.

So what are African public libraries doing? Interestingly, we are doing a whole lot! AfLIA is the recognized voice of libraries in the continent. The Public & Community Libraries Section AfLIA is now offering the opportunity for public libraries to share their stories as we start a series - 'What's new in our Libraries? Sharing our Stories'. Can you tell us-

-What is your Library doing?
-How are you doing it?
-Which section of the community does the program/service target?
-What has been the impact of what your Library is doing?

Please share this on the Facebook page of African Public Libraries Network.

We expect Public Libraries in Southern Africa to kick off the series and share their stories October - November 2017, East Africa - December 2017, West Africa and Central Africa will share theirs in January - February 2018 and North Africa -  March 2018. AfLIA will collate the stories and share at the 2018 African Public Libraries Summit and thereafter publish on the website.

Ensure that your Library features in 'What's new in our Libraries? Sharing Our Stories'!