A public library is one of the necessary components of any modern society as libraries provide communities with knowledge and information. Taking this into consideration, the Ethiopian government, initiated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has built the Abrehot Grand Public Library, which was officially inaugurated last year.
The Abrehot Library, which is a grand library in Addis Ababa, is a magnificent institution that has become a hub of intellectual activity in the country and a place where a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and other historical artifacts are found. The Library also houses numerous rare and valuable manuscripts, such as the ‘Kebre Negest’, 14th -century Ethiopian text that chronicles the history of the Solomonic dynasty. Using this opportunity, several researchers, students and others are visiting the Library.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Abrehot Grand Public Library Director, Engineer Wubayehu Mamo, said that the library’s collection is extensive, with over 700,000 books and manuscripts in various languages, including Amharic, English, French, and Arabic and books with local languages Amharic, Afan Oromo among others.
According to Wubayehu, in addition to its vast collection of books and manuscripts, the Abrehot Grand Library is equipped with modern amenities, such as computer labs, audiovisual facilities, and study rooms. It has a dedicated team of librarians and staff who are knowledgeable and passionate about their work, making it a welcoming and supportive environment for researchers and students alike.
“Abrehot Grand Public Library is a remarkable institution in Ethiopia’s intellectual and cultural landscape. Its impressive collection of books and manuscripts, state -of -the- art facilities and dedicated staff make it an invaluable resource for researchers, students and scholars alike. It is a shining example of the transformation power of education and an inspiration to all who seek to promote knowledge and understanding in their communities.”
Library’s commitment to education and research is further demonstrated through its various outreach programs and partnerships with universities and research institutions both locally and internationally. It hosts regular events, such as book launches, lectures, and exhibitions, which attract a diverse audience of scholars, researchers, and members of the public.
“The Abrehot is becoming one of the destinations for researchers and higher education students. Customers of the library include students from high school, junior high and elementary school. We provide services to all citizens around the clock. We are grateful for unparalleled support from Addis Ababa University and Addis Ababa City Government Mayor Adanech Abiebie.”
It is high time to nurture a reading culture in the community. Currently, the Library is ushering in more than fifteen thousand to sixteen thousands of readers per day, which range from researchers to junior students. Over the years, since it became operational Abrehot ushered in over nine million readers,” he opined.
According to him, reading culture can be best explained as a learned practice of seeking knowledge, information, or entertainment through written words. Such practice can be acquired by reading books, magazines, journals, newspapers etc.
According to recent developments, it has been revealed that the reading culture among Ethiopians, particularly the youth and students, has waned significantly. In fact, to state that the reading zeal among Ethiopian students is fast declining is basically just stating the obvious.
This unhealthy trend is glaring everyone in the face. Questions on what might have gone wrong have been asked by educators, but there seems to be no adequate response to the puzzle. To undo the dearth, Abrehot is striving to build a reading culture among the various layers of communities because it will help to build a nation and ensure quality education.
Readers have the ideas and can provide a tangible point of view towards personal and national affairs. Readers are open to discussion and resolve differences through dialogue. To expedite this effort the library is working with a number of institutions like correctional centers to support prisoners and Africa Silicon Valley letting young students nurture reading science technology.
Abrehot Grand Public Library is also planning a number of events that could promote the culture of reading among the communities through organizing events like street reading and reading competitions. It is an ideal time to nurture the opportunity, as national gearing efforts to provide the service at various parts of Ethiopia.
Ethiopia’s rich history and culture should be learnt by locals and the international community and let the new generation be informed, educated. He further noted that Abrehot Grand Public Library is not just a repository of knowledge; it is also a symbol of Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage and its commitment to education and intellectual advancement.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 28 JULY 2023
