{
  "id": 13032716,
  "title": "National Library tasks pupils on regular use of physical libraries",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/national-library-tasks-pupils-on-regular-use-of-physical-libraries",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-09T05:06:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/national-library-tasks-pupils-on-regular-use-of-physical-libraries/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The National Library of Nigeria and Zaccheus Onumba Dibiaezue Memorial Libraries have encouraged students and pupils to frequently visit physical libraries and develop a habit of reading beyond their textbooks. This call was made during the 2026 International Literacy Day celebration organized by ZODML in collaboration with the National Library of Nigeria, Lagos State Branch, in Lagos. Obianuju Onuorah, Head of the National Library’s Lagos branch, urged young participants to read one book monthly outside their textbooks, visit libraries monthly, and share what they have read with someone else. Library services will be expanded beyond Yaba branch to schools and communities through book donations and other initiatives. The event, themed \"Literacy for People, Planet and Prosperity: Reading, Creating and Protecting Our Future,\" saw the distribution of 60 titles, comprising 80 volumes, to eight Lagos schools. Onuorah emphasized that literacy involves more than just reading and writing, enabling children to think, question, and make informed choices. ZODML's CEO, Ego Mbagwu, encouraged students to make reading a daily habit and explore libraries, stating that books open doors, knowledge provides power, and ideas can change communities. ZODML believes every child should have access to books, knowledge, and opportunities to learn. Adedamola Oguntuga of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation urged students to adopt responsible environmental practices and relate Sustainable Development Goals to everyday life.",
  "summary": "The National Library of Nigeria and ZODML have urged pupils to cultivate a reading habit and make regular use of physical libraries beyond their textbooks. Read More: https://punchng.com/national-library-tasks-pupils-on-regular-use-of-physical-libraries/",
  "key_points": [
    "National Library and ZODML encourage students to visit physical libraries regularly.",
    "Obianuju Onuorah urges students to read one book monthly outside textbooks.",
    "60 titles distributed to eight Lagos schools at the event."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The National Library's push for pupils to regularly use physical libraries signals a shift towards fostering a culture of reading beyond textbooks, aiming to empower young people with knowledge and critical thinking.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "National Library tasks pupils on regular use of physical libraries",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/national-library-tasks-pupils-on-regular-use-of-physical-libraries-13037523",
        "published": "2026-10-09T05:34:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}