Achieving and Sustaining Effective Reading Habits through Utilization of School Libraries in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

The paper presents strategies for achieving and sustaining effective reading habits through utilization of school libraries in Sokoto State. After defining the concept of reading and reading habits, it traces the brief history of Sokoto State as well as development of reading in the state. The authors delineate the importance of reading habit, in terms accruing benefits and give a picture of the current state of school libraries in Sokoto State. The special programmes such as – early reading agenda for the infants and toddlers, kidsread program, read at school program etc – aimed at improving reading habits of children successfully accomplished in Singapore are described. Factors such as absence of well-built school libraries, non - creative attitude of school librarians and absence of reading period in the school time table are pointed out as bane to successful implementation of these strategies. Government policies on the establishment and development of school libraries in all primary and secondary schools, organizing special training for the school librarians on how to create and facilitate reading habits in schools, making the reading period compulsory in the schools time table and improving on the standard of living of the citizenry etc. are suggested as ways forward.