Poor internet, power supply threaten Isolo library 1000 users record
By Damilola Kushimo
Readers who use Isolo public library have appealed to the Lagos State Library Board to restore the internet connection and ensure steady power supply.
Since the library resumed from the New Year break, students and other library users have been complaining about the faulty internet facilities and unsteady power supply.
Concerns over the poor services are rising as library managers fear they might reduce attendance below the 1,000 users recorded between January and March last year.
It was gathered that the internet gadgets and the set of computers in the ICT room have been idle since the data finished early last year while the power generating machine has been out of fuel since 2018.
A reader, who simply identified himself as Samuel said: “The library is conducive and has the best environment for learning but I learnt that there has not been fuel in the generator and that’s why we are often thrown into darkness when the power supply is out. The generator needs to be fueled and also the internet connection needs to be restored. It will aid our study and encourage us to study for longer period. In fact, more readers will be encouraged to visit the library.”
Another user, Kehinde Kuola said: “m glad the library has resumed and I’m able to study here. It will just be better if the internet connection can be worked on and the authority sees to the issue of uninterrupted power supply. The provision of light encourages one to study longer,” said Kehinde Kuola.
Meanwhile, a source in the library told ECHONEWS that despite the challenge, the library had an impressive record of attendance last year even though it was under lock and key for seven months due to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the source, the library recorded over a thousand readers between the second week of January and Friday, March 20, 2020 before the lockdown.
“That is an average of 30 readers per day and between Monday, October 12 and Monday, December 21, 2020, the library recorded at least 20 readers daily.The drop in numbers can be attributed to the fear of coronavirus. So far, in the year 2021, since the library resumed on Monday, January 18, no fewer than a hundred readers have visited the facility”, he said.
Established on October 9, 1980, the board announced on its website that it would provide 21st century library and information services to the citizens through professional librarians’.
The renovation of the Isolo library is considered one of its key achievements in managing the 14 libraries across the state.
