The government is building a 13.3 billion- cedi regional library complex at Ho and it will have Internet café, conference hall and two children's departments.

It would also have "a rare collection department" which would be stocked with books on the indigenous cultures of the country.

Mr. Elikem Tamakloe, Acting Volta Regional Director of the Ghana Library Board (GLB), told the GNA in an interview on Tuesday that the project would be completed next year.

He said though the government was doing its best to stock the library with enough modern books, the Board still needed external assistance to enable it satisfy the reading public.

Mr. Tamakloe appealed to non-governmental organisations, philanthropists, corporate bodies and religious organizations to help in stocking the library.

He said lack of materials was hindering the Board's efforts to create and sustain awareness and the culture of reading in the public especially children.

Mr. Tamakloe said the traditional libraries were still relevant though there were whole libraries on the Internet where one could locate, read and research.

Mr Tamakloe said patronage of public libraries in the country was very poor and advised that "instead of relaxing over a bottle of beer after close of work, people can relax at the libraries over books which will enhance their knowledge and economic base".

He spoke about the poor condition of service of the Board and appealed to the government to improve it as "it is loosing its experienced work force to sister organizations such as the universities where conditions are better".


Source: GNA