The Eastern Library Authority has launched an innovative “Library of Things,” designed to provide non-traditional users access to a diverse range of items, from tools to technology, expanding the definition of what a library provides.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to foster community engagement and provide practical resources that support various interests and needs, encouraging residents to explore new hobbies and skills while redefining the role of libraries in today’s society.
Mr. Evans Korletey-Tene, Eastern Regional Director of the Ghana Library Authority, explained that the “Library of Things” was a unique collection of tools and equipment available for borrowing by artisans and the public, with registered library users being the primary requirement for borrowers.
This innovative initiative is centered around promoting sustainability by encouraging a culture of sharing, allowing community members to access valuable resources without the need for individual ownership, thus fostering both collaboration and environmental responsibility.
“The non-traditional library users are those who rarely go there to read but, with the intervention of the Library of Things they will benefit by visiting the place for equipment that will enhance the development of their work,” he said.
The tools and equipment were sewing machines, hand dryers, screwdriver set, photo cameras, projector, car battery, and playing materials for children.
Participants at the launching ceremony were executive members of the National Association of Beauticians (NAB), Air Conditioners Repairers Association, and technical students.
Mr. Korletey-Tene said the “the Library of Things” supports the library’s goals of providing new resources to stimulate imagination, provide new leisure activities and experiences, and promote lifelong learning.
“This will offer patrons new resources to explore topics of personal interest where money, space, or other issues may prevent one’s ability to do so,” he indicated,” he said.
He appealed to philanthropists, and Non-Governmental Organizations to provide them with more equipment that would benefit all categories of artisanal work.
The Library of Things innovative programme is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through the Technology and Social Change Group of University of Washington.
Mr. David Karikari Frimpong, Head of Informal at the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Service, Eastern Region advised that the artisans should properly maintain the tools and return them in time for others to be served with.
Mr. Eric Obeng, Eastern Regional Manager of the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA) addressing participants said the agency worked with associations and when it came to financial support to the youth, the agency directs them to register at the gea.gov.gh portal.
He said the agency had a series of programmes of support that everyone could apply for.
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