The Benin's National Library (BNB) has started a training program for 25 professionals from libraries and reading centers across the country. The program, which began on September 29 in Porto-Novo, focuses on building relevant collections, promoting local literature, and serving bibliodiversity. The training is supported by the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF). Participants will learn how to establish solid document policies and selection strategies tailored to their audience.
The training program aims to equip participants with the skills to create collections that reflect Benin's cultural diversity and showcase the talents of local authors, publishers, and artists. According to Koffi Attédé, Director-General of the BNB, the program addresses a crucial question: "Who decides what Benin will read tomorrow?" He emphasizes the need to break the isolation of the book chain's links, where each link has worked in solitude, and to create a connection between them.
The BNB Director-General highlights the importance of the library in promoting local literature and serving as a link between the different stakeholders in the book chain. He notes that a country that does not choose its books will have them chosen by others, and a Beninese library without local literature is like a mirror that does not reflect the country's face. The BNB aims to be a hub for promoting local literature and serving bibliodiversity.
The training program has received support from various stakeholders, including Marie Isabelle Ba, representing the OIF, who encouraged participants to take advantage of the workshop to share experiences and explore concrete solutions for promoting public reading in Benin. Zita Méhissou Gnidéhoué, President of the Association of Archivists, Documentalists, and Librarians of Benin (ADAAB), praised the initiative, noting that it will provide participants with technical tools to make local literature more accessible.
The BNB's initiative is part of a broader effort to promote local literature and reading culture in Benin. The country's literary scene has faced challenges, with each link in the book chain working in isolation. The BNB's program aims to address these challenges by creating a network of professionals who can work together to promote local literature and reading.
The training program will cover topics such as selecting and collecting local literature, creating document policies, and serving bibliodiversity. Participants will also learn about the importance of promoting local authors, publishers, and artists. The program is expected to have a positive impact on the literary scene in Benin, promoting a culture of reading and appreciation for local literature.
The BNB's effort to promote local literature is crucial for preserving and promoting Benin's cultural heritage. By training professionals to create relevant collections and promote local literature, the BNB is taking a significant step towards promoting bibliodiversity and reading culture in the country. The program is a significant development in Benin's literary scene, and its impact is expected to be felt in the years to come.
Key points
- The Benin's National Library is training 25 professionals to promote local literature and create relevant collections.
- The training program aims to equip participants with skills to create collections that reflect Benin's cultural diversity.
- The program addresses a crucial question: "Who decides what Benin will read tomorrow?"
