The Library of Africa and the African Diaspora (LOATAD) has been featured in the internationally acclaimed 150 Libraries to Visit Before You Die, a reader’s guide which showcases enchanting libraries across the world by Belgian publisher Lannoo.
Founded in 2017 by British-born Ghanaian Sylvia Arthur, LOATAD stands out as one of only three libraries in West Africa to make the list.
Starting with just 1,300 books from Sylvia’s personal collection, LOATAD has grown to over 4,000 volumes of literature, becoming a cultural landmark dedicated to preserving and celebrating African and Diaspora literature.
It boasts of a vibrant literary space that promotes reading, creativity, and critical thought while empowering writers through its writing residencies and community programmes.
The library also houses extensive literature from 45 of 54 African countries, with some books dating as far back as the early 20th century.
Speaking on this notable feat, Sylvia Arthur stated, “It is incredibly refreshing to see that our work at the LOATAD is not only impacting the lives of individuals visiting our library and writers involved in our writing programmes, but also piquing the interest of others beyond our continent.”
“Being one of three libraries in West Africa featured in a Belgian publisher’s work is truly outstanding and provides people across the world with a look into our work and the impact we are making in our immediate community as well as the world,” she said.
Sylvia noted that “for centuries, African stories and traditions have shaped socialisation and preserved history through oral expressions such as music, drama, and proverbs, serving as a living library of knowledge and culture.
At LOATAD, we’re passionate about capturing these rich narratives to preserve African and diaspora stories while nurturing emerging voices across the continent”.
Since its inception, LOATAD, located in Adenta, Accra, has helped address literacy challenges in Ghana and has empowered writers and storytellers to share their voices through the library’s residency programmes.
The Library also seeks to provide access to contemporary, culturally-relevant literature which is not readily available in the country.
This international acknowledgement reaffirms the library’s role in safeguarding African literary heritage and amplifying the continent’s creative voice on the world stage.
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