More readers, please

THE OPENING of a multi-million dollar, comprehensively-equipped and well-planned National Library in a society that has lost its taste for reading and, in fact, is becoming more illiterate every day presents a fascinating prospect. In a sense, a significant battle has been joined. Will the National Library, with its huge stock of books, spacious reading areas, attractive sections for young people, large array of computers and aggressive programmes help to turn back the tide of illiteracy in our country and become a centre of intellectual activity or will it eventually become just another decorative facility overwhelmed by the growing obsession with technology?

It makes little sense, it seems to us, to provide such a library with its large and costly collection of books to a society not interested in reading them unless, of course, it is accompanied by a sustained programme designed to re-instill the joys of reading and literacy in the population, particularly among the country's young people. Recently, a university lecturer publicly bewailed the poor language skills he found among students writing examination papers, the inability of so many to express themselves precisely and in proper English. The reason for this, of course, is the failure of the education system not only to teach the language adequately but to inspire students to read, to develop a taste and love for books and the immense personal benefits to be derived from exploring the wonderful literary and imaginative world contained therein.

The reputation our country enjoys for having a very literate population is in fact a delusion. A few years ago, studies conducted by UWI and the Adult Literacy Tutors Association found that TT had a literacy rate of 45 percent. The studies revealed that 55 percent of the population "were mired in varying levels of illiteracy," with 12.5 percent completely illiterate. A society in which minds are not refined by reading for the sheer pleasure of it condemns itself to becoming more mercenary, more unenlightened, more ill-informed and more brutal. Knowing this, we were quick to applaud the decision of the government last year to present another President's Medal in the field of the Humanities, thus giving equal emphasis to the achievement of excellence in classical subjects which require extensive reading as compared to scholastic attainments in the sciences.

In our current intellectual environment, the National Library which was formally opened yesterday, must surely have its agenda ready made. Making books available to the public should only be a part of its operations. The Library must become a centre of cultural, artistic and literary activity and ferment, with programmes aimed specifically at inducing youngsters to love good books and to read. Those who planned and designed the physical amenities of the Library must be commended for providing all the spaces and facilities necessary for conducting such programmes. The Children's Library is a particularly attractive place with colourfully painted walls, magical entrance to its story-telling room where, we expect, many presentations will be organised for youngsters. There is also additional recreational space for craft work and dance performances.

The Young Adult's Library, with its vivid colours and modern furniture, should also provide an exciting yet studious environment for teenage readers. The Library complex also contains a cinema, amphitheatre and seminar rooms, all facilities designed to improve the country's cultural life. Once upon a time, the old Knox Street Library, as limited as it was, became a centre of intellectural activity in the nation's capital. We expect the new National Library to assume that mantle, apart from enhancing the city's landscape.