Bulawayo Public Library has embarked on a fund-raising campaign to beef up its stocks and services.
Report by Sheryleen Masuku
Chief librarian Letshani Ndlovu told NewsDay yesterday the institution required $500 000 for acquisition of new books, book buses and to upgrade its Braille section.
Built in 1896, Bulawayo Public Library is the oldest such institution in Zimbabwe.
“We are appealing to all members of the public to donate towards the library,” Ndlovu said.
She said the library catered for readers from as far as Victoria Falls and was struggling to meet the demand due to shortage of reading material and transport to reach out to outlying areas.
“We have an outreach programme that is meant to cover young readers within and outside Bulawayo. We need at least three book buses to cover low and high-density areas and another one to reach areas such as Mawabeni, Sigola, Maphisa and Mbembesi and other Umguza areas,” Ndlovu said.
“The library relies on books donated from abroad. It does not have money to purchase books. We need to purchase books that are locally published both in English and vernacular languages.
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“We recognise the plight of people with disabilities. Our current Braille section is somehow outdated and lacks up-to-date information.”
