Two public libraries in Bulawayo have received new furniture worth about US$860 under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), in a move aimed at improving learning spaces and encouraging a stronger reading culture.
The Entumbane-Njube Member of Parliament, Prince Dube, on Friday handed over furniture valued at ZiG30 000 to Njube and Entumbane libraries. Each library received two bookshelves, two tables, 12 chairs and a chemical storage shelf.
The donation is expected to improve conditions for learners and other residents who use the facilities for studying and research.
Dube said the project was identified by the Constituency Development Committee following consultations with residents on priority community needs.
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“As a constituency development committee, we are working together to identify important priority projects in our community,” he said.
“We exist exactly for that purpose – taking development directly to our citizens, ward by ward.”
Dube said libraries required more than books to fulfil their purpose, arguing that a comfortable environment was essential for effective learning.
“This is a facility for acquiring knowledge. Books without a space to read them and knowledge without a place to sit and think will not change people’s lives,” he said.
“With these new chairs, tables and shelves we have now created the right environment for studying.”
He said the initiative sought to promote reading, research and lifelong learning across the constituency while urging residents to protect public infrastructure from vandalism.
“This is a public asset. Let us protect it and use it well,” he said, warning against the destruction and misuse of community facilities.
Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart, represented at the ceremony by Councillor Ntombizodwa Khumalo, said the donation complemented the city’s efforts to modernise public libraries.
She said providing adequate furniture would encourage learners to spend more time reading while supporting the city’s broader digital transformation agenda.
“Equipping our libraries with furniture creates a conducive environment for learning and reading,” she said.
“This donation complements our efforts to equip our libraries with digital knowledge systems. Most of our libraries are now connected to the internet as we embrace digital learning in line with our vision of becoming a smart and sustainable city.”
Ward 10 councillor Khalazani Ndlovu called on parents to encourage their children to make regular use of public libraries.
He said reading not only improved academic performance but also helped young people make positive life choices.
“Knowledge is power and education is key,” he said.
“Reading helps children avoid drugs and contributes to building responsible citizens.”
The event also saw former Highlanders goalkeepers’ coach Cosmas Zulu donate books to both libraries, adding to the learning resources available to the community.
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