Mr Luc’s Library opens first school library

Students of Chigumula Primary School in Blantyre were all smiles yesterday when Mr Luc's Library, spearheaded by Jaracanda School Executive Director Luc Deschamps, was officially opened.

Deschamps, who is also the French Consul in Malawi, said the library has been opened at Chigumula Prinmary School with the aim of promoting reading culture.

"I am happy that today we are celebrating the opening of Mr Luc's Library which is the first school library. I have a big passion for books and through the opening of this library we want to uplift education standards and promote reading culture," he said.

Deschamps said they invested a lot of money to set up the library and that they would want to reach out to several schools in the country and set up libraries.

"We want to reach out to several schools but what I can say is that those schools which have buildings we can renovate them and put in the books," he said, adding that they have so far received 38 requests from different schools asking for Mr Luc's Library.

He said he came to Malawi eight years ago to develop Jacaranda where he set up a small library and that later they started receiving more books from well wishers before they expanded the library and later also extended it to the secondary school.

"I set up Mr Luc's Library in Chemboma Village in Chigumula and another one in Trade Fair through the Malawi Reads Project. The two libraries are benefiting a lot of people and through these libraries we want to have a reading nation," said Deschamps.

He said they have put electricity in the library, computers, shelfs and books, adding that they are working in partnership with the Ministry of Education in the project.

Deschamps, who through the French office has also been setting up French Corner libraries, said that he will also be working hand in hand with National Library Service which is the main driving force of libraries in the country.

Guest of honour during the opening ceremony, Mayor of the City of Blantyre Noel Chalamanda, hailed Deschamps for setting up the library.

"Books are very important because in them we get knowledge and so I urge you (students) to take your time and utilise the library," said Chalamanda.

District Education Manager Evelyn Mjima commended Deschamps for the library, saying one cannot talk about quality education in the absence of libraries which houses books.

"The library has come at the right time, many schools out there are in need of libraries but students at this school can now count themselves lucky because they have this facility," said Mjima.

The library has been well decorated and is housing different books which include novels.

Village Head Mtambo said the opening of the library at the school will now keep students at the school busy.

"We now do not want students to be loitering around without anything to do, we have a library where you can spend time and learn. We want more students to be passing with flying colours and go to better secondary schools," said the traditional leader urging the school to take care of the library.

The opening ceremony, which was graced by several people including artists like poet and Book Publishers Association of Malawi (Bpam) President Alfred Msadala, Patrick Simakweli and Agorosso, also saw different performances from among others dancing group Floor Steppers and Jacaranda School Band.