Cowdry park youths came together to establish Minireads, a mini library that promotes a reading culture among the youths. The library was therefore capacitated with nearly 100 books yesterday.
Ngezi Platinum goalkeepers’ coach Mr Cosmos Tsano Zulu made the increase in capacity possible after learning of the youth’s movement towards education. Minireads was founded by 10 High School and University students based in Bulawayo who created mini-libraries without subscriptions.
The library grows on a daily basis as it has seen close to 80 to 90 new users since its launch last year. It is therefore utilized by Cowdray Park, Luveve and other neighbouring suburbs. The Highlanders Football Club coach fully believes in books and lives by the adage: “The power is in the book.”
While speaking, Mr Zulu said: “When I learnt about this initiative, I was very impressed especially by the fact that there are youths who still have a keen interest in reading. And for them to remember others too is beyond impressive. I usually donate books to schools, but this scheme deserved a shot in the arm. I would like to applaud them for the job well done, we need innovative youths in communities.”
According to Minireads President Mr Mzimkhulu Mbele (21), many high school students have been lending books from the library. He also mentioned that the library has been greatly welcomed by residents.
“Local residents and others from outside Cowdray Park have been active in this initiative. Mostly it’s high school students who are active. Some are saying that they need to keep themselves occupied since schools have been closed for a while. Generally, most people could not render the subscriptions at formal libraries. Adults have also shown a keen interest in borrowing books,” said Mbele.
“So far we have not had any challenges with people stealing books or not returning them. Everyone whom we have worked with has proved reliable and kept the books in good condition. The number of readers is gradually increasing which is however, in contrast with the number of books we have in store,” continued Mr Mbele.
When asked, he said the idea of a library came upon realisation that only those with disposable income had access to subscribed libraries. Mbele then thanked Mr Zulu for the books saying they will go a long way in accommodating their readers.
