Edward Ndlovu Community Libraries

Our programmes continue to operate with some changes and developments as indicated below but maintaining the same objectives as in previous years. Our base continues to be the conventional library in gwanda town with distribution from there to schools in the rural areas some books being in permanent collections in schools and other schools receiving books each school term on a rotational basis. Books are supplied primarily by book aid international based in the uk. In gwanda programmes for children on wednesday afternoons continue in the library while reading at the hospital continue for pregnant and breast-feeding mothers as well as for children admitted in the wards. The rural schools programmes have been reorganised into three categories: book boxes on rotation: these continue to operate with a box on rotation each term but ten new schools have been added some in the adjoining beitbridge district. Inpriring readers: these five schools have permanent collections and do not participate in the rotating boxes; they are being monitored books to go: these three schools are also receiving permanent collections. They have special library buildings constructed by the school communities. They have integrated the libraries into the school timetable with library lessons included. They also have provision for loaning the books to children during the school holidays. The plan is for them to become hubs for distribution of book boxes to surrounding schools. Pioneer boxes in remote schools are no longer being monitored. The programme has been turned over entirely to the schools involved. A new programme has been initiated involving resource centres for youth. One is in conjunction with the zimbabwe family planning council in zezani in beitbridge district and the other is in conjunction with the red cross in gwanda. These resources and study spaces for youth. Staff have been trained by our librarian.