Public libraries suffer neglect, decay
The country’s education system used to be a beacon of light in Africa, and Zimbabwe was reputed for a strong reading culture.
Zimbabwean professionals are regarded highly not only in Africa but the world over.
Though the country went through a decade of economic meltdown, its literacy rate remains high.
The achievements can be attributed to the educational structures at the grassroots.
In a way, teachers and education institutions played a pivotal role in achieving the great strides, and their efforts have over the years been aided by the country’s public libraries, especially those run by municipalities.
However, a visit to some Harare public libraries revealed that these facilities have been neglected and can do with an urgent facelift.
The libraries, like any other public facilities, have been abandoned, windows are broken and in most cases the toilets are in a sorry state.
Books hang precariously on the disjointed shelves gathering dust. The books have suffered wear and tear, with most of them missing pages or having torn covers.
Some of the academic textbooks have become irrelevant and have since been replaced by latest editions and the authorities are failing to restock.
Glen Norah Library used to be full house with students from all schools in the high-density suburb jostling for space.
The library has got sections for adults and children and it was common to see people queuing all day waiting for their turn to use the facility.
A stroll on the premises shows that the library has lost its glamour and is fast becoming a white elephant.
With a new open-air joint called PaFatso, having been established nearby, one is “welcomed” by a stinky smell from the nearby bush where revellers relieve themselves.
One official who has worked at the library for more than 15 years said the library had since lost its glory and the new student generation was shunning the facility.
Students concurred.
A Form 6 pupil at Glen View High 1 who identified himself as Takunda said he used the library in the past when he was doing Ordinary Level studies.
He said: “I went to the library while preparing for my examinations but I was disappointed. The library had no adequate books and I had to patch up the book I used since it was torn.”
Some students said they only resorted to libraries to revise the notes given to them by their teachers since libraries provide a conducive atmosphere for study.
“I usually go to the library when I want to revise my notes.
“We are allowed to bring our notebooks because the library no longer has the books we are encouraged by our teachers to use, most of their books are outdated,” said Tafadzwa Dzangare, a Form 4 student at Noteview College.
Other students said they frequented the facility to read for leisure and acknowledged that novels in the libraries, which could hardly be found in bookshops, were a drawcard.
Said veteran educationist Lisbon Mhonda: “These facilities are an educational heritage, they are there for a purpose. Relevant authorities should budget money to cater for the institutions as they serve the community.
“It is common knowledge that Zimbabwe’s education system was a model in Africa.
“The economic meltdown affected every sector including education. The decay of public libraries is just a tip of the iceberg,” lamented Mhonda.
The educationist noted that the textbook situation was not affecting the libraries only but schools too.
He said in some schools, students have to be content with listening to the teacher as he is the only one with the textbook.
The academic challenged the city fathers to be innovative and come up with tangible solutions.
He added libraries in other countries no longer had piles of books but just computers to enable people to research through the Internet.
Mhonda urged the relevant authorities to make use of the subscription fees paid by members each month for using the library to maintain and equip the facility.
Harare City Council spokesperson Leslie Gwindi is on record saying the council was facing manpower shortages and a cash crisis to improve service delivery.
Though the country went through a decade of economic meltdown, its literacy rate remains high.
The achievements can be attributed to the educational structures at the grassroots.
In a way, teachers and education institutions played a pivotal role in achieving the great strides, and their efforts have over the years been aided by the country’s public libraries, especially those run by municipalities.
However, a visit to some Harare public libraries revealed that these facilities have been neglected and can do with an urgent facelift.
The libraries, like any other public facilities, have been abandoned, windows are broken and in most cases the toilets are in a sorry state.
Books hang precariously on the disjointed shelves gathering dust. The books have suffered wear and tear, with most of them missing pages or having torn covers.
Some of the academic textbooks have become irrelevant and have since been replaced by latest editions and the authorities are failing to restock.
Glen Norah Library used to be full house with students from all schools in the high-density suburb jostling for space.
The library has got sections for adults and children and it was common to see people queuing all day waiting for their turn to use the facility.
A stroll on the premises shows that the library has lost its glamour and is fast becoming a white elephant.
With a new open-air joint called PaFatso, having been established nearby, one is “welcomed” by a stinky smell from the nearby bush where revellers relieve themselves.
One official who has worked at the library for more than 15 years said the library had since lost its glory and the new student generation was shunning the facility.
Students concurred.
A Form 6 pupil at Glen View High 1 who identified himself as Takunda said he used the library in the past when he was doing Ordinary Level studies.
He said: “I went to the library while preparing for my examinations but I was disappointed. The library had no adequate books and I had to patch up the book I used since it was torn.”
Some students said they only resorted to libraries to revise the notes given to them by their teachers since libraries provide a conducive atmosphere for study.
“I usually go to the library when I want to revise my notes.
“We are allowed to bring our notebooks because the library no longer has the books we are encouraged by our teachers to use, most of their books are outdated,” said Tafadzwa Dzangare, a Form 4 student at Noteview College.
Other students said they frequented the facility to read for leisure and acknowledged that novels in the libraries, which could hardly be found in bookshops, were a drawcard.
Said veteran educationist Lisbon Mhonda: “These facilities are an educational heritage, they are there for a purpose. Relevant authorities should budget money to cater for the institutions as they serve the community.
“It is common knowledge that Zimbabwe’s education system was a model in Africa.
“The economic meltdown affected every sector including education. The decay of public libraries is just a tip of the iceberg,” lamented Mhonda.
The educationist noted that the textbook situation was not affecting the libraries only but schools too.
He said in some schools, students have to be content with listening to the teacher as he is the only one with the textbook.
The academic challenged the city fathers to be innovative and come up with tangible solutions.
He added libraries in other countries no longer had piles of books but just computers to enable people to research through the Internet.
Mhonda urged the relevant authorities to make use of the subscription fees paid by members each month for using the library to maintain and equip the facility.
Harare City Council spokesperson Leslie Gwindi is on record saying the council was facing manpower shortages and a cash crisis to improve service delivery.
