01 Jul 2013

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Mr Shaw Kgathi says Serowe public library was built in line with government’s commitment towards developing Batswana as well as enhancing their quality of life.

Therefore, Mr Kgathi urged the public to utilise the library so that it would not become a white elephant. He was speaking at the official opening of the library built at the cost of P18 million in Serowe on June 27.

Through the library, Mr Kgathi said, learners should be able to fulfill their learning needs that would ultimately produce improved examination results. He said the existence of facilities such as the library must foster a culture of reading and learning.

He urged the public to utilise the facility to advance developmental goals in areas such as health, agriculture, education, children and young people at risk, unemployment and various government initiatives.

He further said the facility had benefited from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Botswana partnership while Sesigo project donated 24 computers provided for use by children, youth and adults.

The minister said 16 computers at the library were used for basic computer training programme, which started in March this year. He said the staff should work closely with the Serowe community to ensure that the library remained relevant.

The facility  received an average of 130 customers per day as well as an average of 20 book loans per day. He challenged the staff to do more marketing of the various services offered there to attract more users.

Amongst the dignitaries was the former Vice President Lt Gen. Mompati Merafhe . ENDS