How I Launched a Successful Local Library in My Town as a Library Science Graduate
By Efe Omovwe
When I first walked across the stage to receive my Library Science degree, I felt like I was holding a golden key. You know that feeling when you’re on the brink of something big, the air buzzing with possibilities? I had dreams, not just for myself but for my community—a small town in Delta State where access to books and resources was often a luxury. Little did I know, the journey to launching a local library would be as challenging as it was fulfilling.
The Spark of an Idea
It all started one sunny afternoon while I was chilling with my friends at a local joint, enjoying some suya and cold drinks. We were chatting about our childhood, and someone mentioned how great it was to have access to books while growing up. Suddenly, it hit me: how many kids today even know what a library is? I couldn’t shake the thought. With my background in Library Science, I felt like I had a secret weapon to change that narrative.
Gathering My Community
I knew that to make this dream a reality, I had to rally my community. I organized a town hall meeting. The vibe was electric! People poured in, curious about the idea of a library. I shared my vision, painting a picture of a space filled with books, computers, and a place for learning and growth. The reactions were mixed, of course. Some were skeptical—"Library? In this town?"—while others were excited, nodding their heads in agreement.
It was important to me that I listened to their concerns. I realized that to make this work, we needed to not just build a library but also create a sense of ownership within the community. I asked them what they wanted to see in this library. Their input shaped my vision. We discussed everything from the types of books to include to hosting community events.
Planning and Fundraising
Once we had a solid plan and a group of passionate supporters, it was time to figure out the money side of things. Let me tell you, this part was no joke. I applied for grants, reached out to local businesses, and even organized fundraisers. One memorable event was a bake sale. You should have seen the turnout! We sold chin chin, puff-puff, and all sorts of goodies. The community really came together, and we raised a surprising amount.
One smart move was partnering with local organizations. They had resources and networks that opened doors we didn’t even know existed. Together, we wrote proposals, and after several nerve-wracking months, we secured funding to kickstart our library.
Finding the Perfect Space
Finding a location for the library was another adventure. We needed a space that was accessible and welcoming. I remember walking around town, eyeing different buildings, imagining how each could be transformed into a library. Finally, we found an old community center that was just gathering dust. It had great potential!
Renovating the space was a labor of love. We painted the walls, arranged furniture, and filled the shelves with books. I can’t express the joy I felt when I saw the place come to life. It was like watching a child grow up—every brush stroke and book placed felt like a step towards something beautiful.
Building a Team
A library isn’t just about books; it’s about people. I knew I needed a team that shared the same passion. I brought together volunteers from the community, many of whom had never worked in a library before. We held training sessions, shared ideas, and built a culture of learning and collaboration. Every Saturday morning, we would gather to discuss plans over jollof rice and stories of our week.
The diversity of our team was our strength. Some had lived in the town all their lives and understood the community’s needs, while others brought fresh ideas from different walks of life. It was like mixing different spices to create a delicious pot of stew—each ingredient made the outcome richer.
The Grand Opening
The day of the grand opening was surreal. I stood at the entrance, watching the community filter in, excited smiles on their faces. We had planned activities like storytelling sessions for kids, book readings, and cultural showcases. It felt like a festival!
As I looked around, it dawned on me: we had created a space that belonged to everyone. The laughter of children echoing through the aisles, the whispers of friends discussing books, the elderly flipping through magazines—all of it was a beautiful symphony of community spirit.
Overcoming Challenges
Of course, not everything went smoothly. There were days when funding ran low, or when volunteers didn’t show up. I faced criticism too—some thought we were wasting our time. But here’s what I learned: resilience is key. I reminded myself why I started this journey. Each challenge was a stepping stone, not a roadblock.
I reached out to mentors, attended workshops, and continuously sought feedback from the community. Every setback taught me something new—how to manage finances better, how to engage young readers, and even how to use social media to promote our activities.
Celebrating Success
Fast forward to today, and I can’t believe how far we’ve come. The library has become a hub for learning and creativity. We host book clubs for adults, coding classes for teens, and art workshops for kids. It’s not just about reading; it’s about building a community.
The most rewarding part? Seeing young kids come in, eyes wide with wonder as they explore new worlds through books. I’ve watched shy children find their voices during storytelling sessions and see friendships blossom over shared interests. That’s the magic of a library!
Closing Thoughts
If there’s anything I hope you take away from my journey, it’s that dreams can come true with hard work, community support, and a bit of resilience. You don’t need to wait for someone else to make a change; you can be the catalyst.
So, what do you think? Do you have a dream you want to chase? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Let's inspire each other.