The Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Library Board, Sylvia Onwubuemeli, has called on young people to prioritise library use to reverse the declining reading culture.

Mr Onwubuemeli made the call on Monday in Enugu during an interview with journalists, stressing that books remained essential for intellectual growth and concentration.

According to her, while digital devices offer convenience, they often come with distractions that hinder deep focus.

“My advice to young people, especially teenagers and Gen Z, is that books are indispensable. Nothing enhances concentration like reading a book.

“When you read, your entire attention is fixed on it, unlike phones, where distractions frequently occur,” she said.

She added that consistent reading broadens the mind and enhances intellectual development, and urged youths to return to books and make better use of library facilities.

Highlighting efforts to revitalise the Enugu State Library system, Ms Onwubuemeli said that since her appointment by Governor Peter Mbah on December 22, 2025, significant improvements had been made to infrastructure and services.

She said the board had organised in-house training for staff, engaged experienced retired librarians, and introduced internet and Wi-Fi services to make the environment more conducive to learning.

“We have been working to improve readership by introducing new initiatives and making the library space more attractive and functional for users,” she said.

The executive secretary also pointed to the development of a well-equipped children’s library, supported by the Sustainable Social Initiative, which can accommodate over 50 children at a time.

She added that the facility caters to children between the ages of three and 12 and operates daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., providing a safe space for reading, assignments, and learning.

Ms Onwubuemeli said the board organises monthly programmes for children every second Saturday, featuring storytelling, games, reading sessions, and educational competitions.

“We are working towards making every Saturday special with activities such as language learning, chess, scrabble and other educational programmes.

“The library is not just about books; it is a hub for learning and interaction,” she said.

She reaffirmed the library’s role in supporting the state government’s investment in education, describing it as a central hub that complements modern initiatives such as smart schools.

Looking ahead, Ms Onwubuemeli expressed commitment to building a lasting legacy through staff development and improved service delivery.

“For me, every day counts. My focus is on strengthening human capacity so that the progress continues even after my tenure.

“I want the Enugu State Library to become a must-visit centre for knowledge and research,” she said.

She expressed optimism that in the coming years, the library, established in 1959, would regain prominence as a key educational and intellectual resource in the state.

 (NAN)