Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Boniface Chimbwali has observed that there is need for libraries to adapt to global changes if they are to remain relevant.
Mr Chimbwali says there is need for libraries to move away from the traditional library that only emphases on hard copy and but adapt to new trends in information like the use of e-books and e-granary digital library.
The Luapula Province Permanent Secretary pointed out that the world today has become dynamic and every human is changing in some way hence, the need for libraries to change and suit the prevailing situation.
ZANIS reports that Mr Chimbwali said this in speech read for him by Mansa District Administrative Officer Evans Sikabbuba during the launch of the National Library Week in Mansa yesterday.
He bemoaned the underutilisation and lack of appreciation for libraries by not only the public but learners too.
The Luapula Province Permanent Secretary said libraries are important institutions which every learner should utilise because it is through libraries that learner performance can be enhanced.
He added that it is important for the public to use the library saying libraries play a key role in the social and economic lives of all since it is a storehouse of information.
Speaking at the same function Luapula Province Senior Education Officer Chansa Chibesa reminded learners of the importance of using libraries saying once they befriend books it would be easy for them to succeed.
Mr Chibesa has since called on the people to develop the culture of reading adding that success is easy when one uses a library.
And Debora Kapula a pupil at Fodina Pandeli School observed that learners need libraries if they are to compete favourably.
Kapula said reading can break any barriers in society saying a well-informed individual will find it easy to do any venture in life.
She has since called on government to restock libraries with books and provide internet services in libraries saying most libraries have out-dated books and no internet.
