The National Library of Nigeria (NLN) has called for the reintroduction of reading hours in timetables of schools across the country.

The chief librarian, Chinwe Anunobi, made this known at the launch of the 2024 Annual Readership Promotion campaign in Abuja on Thursday.

“We are advocating for the institution of a National Reading Day and the reintroduction of reading hours into the timetables of all basic and secondary schools across the country,” she said.

Ms Anunobi said the proposal, alongside many others, would form part of the plan to promote reading culture.

According to her, the campaign will prioritise pupils and students in primary and secondary schools to catch them young and those in hard-to-reach communities.

“In our previous campaigns, we have reached internally displaced persons camps, Nigerian correctional centres, artisans, market groups, hospitals, and motor parks.

“This was to underscore our commitment to making reading accessible to all segments of society, thereby engendering inclusivity,” she said.

Ms Anunobi said the state branches of the national library were also establishing reading clubs nationwide, noting that 94 were already active, with more coming before the end of 2024.

“We are also modernising the outlook of our branches to create inviting and attractive reading environments, implementing new prototype buildings while renovating existing ones.

“These branches are not only stocked with Nigeria’s intellectual heritage through legal deposit publications but also with resources tailored to the needs of their host communities,” she said.

(NAN)