Library in Békoko

More than just a library

Practicing reading, immersing yourself in another world, or learning something about a new topic – the effects and benefits of books are known to be diverse. So it is fortunate that a public library is soon to be built in Békoko.

A library is soon to be built in this building, in the center of Békoko and close to the schools. “The community has made a building available to Hope and Life Cameroun free of charge,” says the Vice President of Hope and Life, René Samuel Marcel. “This is an incredibly important step for the people of Békoko.” At the moment there is absolutely no access to books, neither for adults nor for children or young people. If you want to find out about something, you primarily use the Internet or your peers. This can be very problematic when it comes to medical questions, particularly when it comes to education: “Incorrect information is often passed on in this way, which does not necessarily prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, for example.” In order to promote education and provide medical information, the library will initially be aimed primarily at children and young people. “The staff will provide support in this regard, and will not only be responsible for lending and returning books,” explains Samuel. “They should be a kind of social worker who engages with the children and young people, talks to them and supports them as a confidant with personal concerns.” Ultimately, that is the main goal: to create a meeting place and a place of retreat where people can exchange ideas and get to know each other.

There is still a lot to do before the opening – the interior of the building is in dire need of renovation. Nevertheless, they consider themselves lucky to have a building available for free.

Opening planned for October

However, this staff still needs to be trained beforehand. And this is just one of the steps that still need to be taken before the planned opening in October: “The buildings need to be renovated, books and laptops need to be purchased and a lending system needs to be developed,” explains KamerunGo! President Ursina Sprenger. Once these steps have been taken, the library will soon also be able to purchase e-readers and tablets to enable the use of apps. “In the long term, another goal is to also appeal to adults with the library’s offerings.”

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Jana Arnold

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