By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu/Bolu Akindoyin

The National Library of Nigeria (NLN), Lagos, in collaboration with Zacchaeus Onumba Dibiaezue Memorial Library (ZODML) on Tuesday unveiled the ‘Green Library’, to promote environmental literacy.

Speaking during the unveiling of the library situated within the Lagos branch of NLN, the Co-founder of ZODML, Mrs Ifeoma Esiri, said that the initiative was to help students understand the environmental impact of climate change.

Esiri appealed to publishers, authors, book lovers and the general public to support the initiative by donating books to the library.

Describing the site as an academic based environment, she said that the body, a not-for-profit organisation, decided to partner with NLN to create the library for children and young adults aged four to 17.

“The idea is to create a ‘Green Library’ where we can focus on the environment and begin to grow the children for them to have better understanding and knowledge and how to grow and sustain our planet.

“The Green Library, with internet facility will afford the children opportunity to read more about us, Africa and the world, to enable them navigate for information that will be of value to their learning.

“We’ll have books about other countries, there will be craft making with recycled materials and games available to making learning not only educational but also enjoyable,” Esiri said.

She  disclosed that the ‘Green Turaco Bird’, which is the mascot of the library, was selected due to its significance in the environment, adding that it is a farm bird and can be fun for children.

Ego Mbagwu (left), Mrs Obianuju Onuorah, Mrs Ifeoma Esiri and Dr Deborah Eddy-Ugorji, at the ‘Green Library’ launch on Tuesday.

Earlier, Mrs Obianuju Onuorah, Deputy Director/Branch Head, NLN, Lagos, said that the initiative came at a right time.

She said, recently, the NLN gave a directive that each branch should create a space for children library.

“So, the ZODML initiative is a welcome development which we quickly embraced and created the space for the takeoff and it’s an accessible place for many schools around.

“The concerned children can make good use of the library for reading, do their home work and there will be other activities during the holidays, such as games, story telling.

“Sometimes, children will need activities to spice up their readings, so, the children will be made to have fun aside reading and there will be professionals and librarians to guide them,” she said.

While soliciting  partnership to establish more libraries in the country, Esiri said that there was need to revive and make existing libraries functional, to improve reading culture in the country.

She, therefore, implored philanthropists to take a cue from the Green Library initiative. (NAN)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Folasade Adeniran