Mrs Matilda Amissah-Arthur, wife of the Vice President, has launched the Third Library and Information Week in Koforidua, with a call on the public to utilize library facilities for information and knowledge to promote national development.

She observed that libraries were essential tools for development, noting that modern libraries now had computer and internet connectivities, and that had made libraries more relevant than before.

Mrs Amissah-Arthur, who is a librarian by profession, emphasized that reading and patronizing library facilities were habits that must be inculcated in children, from the early stages to improve upon their learning abilities.

The Library and Information Week was instituted three years ago jointly by the Ghana Library Association and the Ghana Library Authority, to highlight the benefits of libraries, as well as organize activities to generate library interest in children.

As part of the week, amnesty is given to defaulting users of libraries, and the facilities they enjoy include cancelation of every debt owed by the defaulters of the various libraries to enable them access the libraries again.

Dr Perpetual Dadzie, President of the Ghana Libraries Association, said as part of the activities to highlight the week, pupils and teachers from selected schools in Koforidua would take part in a three-day reading clinic, radio programmes, exhibitions and talks to school pupils.

She said the books for the reading clinic include some Burt Award winning books such as Perfectly Imperfect by Ruby Goka and Ossie’s Dream by Nana Yaa Amankwa.

Additionally, she disclosed that copies of the newly-published books by the Minister of Education are included in the reading material for the clinics.

Mrs Amissah-Arthur later donated assorted books to the Children’s Department of the Eastern Regional Library.