Recognise importance of libraries, Philemon says

 BY MIRIAM MALAWA

THE Office of the Library and Archives chairman, Oseah Philemon has urged parliamentarians to recognise the importance of library and establish one in their respective provinces and districts. 

At the 35th anniversary celebrations of the National Library yesterday, Philemon said most provinces and districts did not have libraries. 

“The only district that has a library is Bulolo,” he said. 

He said it was the responsibility of provincial members to establish libraries as they played a vital role in educating students and communities alike. 

Philemon said the National Library was a valuable gift from the Australian government because of the knowledge it stored. 

One of the contributing factors to Papua New Guinea having a low literacy rate was the lack of libraries in provinces and districts, he said. 

Philemon said establishment of libraries would be a way to help young generations to be comprehensive and literate. 

He stressed that three-quarters of schools in the country did not have a proper library to store books.

“Books should be kept in a place where it could be read by all,” Philemon said.

Pointing out that there was no public library for Port Moresby, he said National Capital District members should consider building one.

Philemon thanked the Australian government for the K7 million donated for the renovation of the National Library.