Lagos — The Centre for Research, Information Manage-ment and Media Development (CRIMMD) has established a free library to encourage reading among the youths in Ejigbo, a Lagos suburb, and its environs.

The library, which was recently commissioned by the former Minister of Information, Chief Alex Akinyele only requires users to register.

Located on Adewoyin Street, Orilowo Ejigbo, the library holds books and other resource materials for secondary and university students, those studying for various examinations and those reading for pleasure.

The CRIMMD, Mr. Raphael James said he was encouraged to establish the library because of his interest in the youths in the community. He said after discussing with some graduates in the area, he discovered that some of them could not express themselves properly. He decided to set up the library to improve their use of English Language.

He also discovered that many youths, these days, merely read to pass examinations and not necessarily to study and gain knowledge. The library is therefore expected to ensure that they achieve all three.

James said that the library has gulped a lot of his personal funds although some organisations have supported him by donating necessary books. But the library is in constant need of books. He has therefore appealed on individuals and organisations to donate more books to it.

"I will be a happy and fulfilled man if I can change the society through reading of books, through the use of the library. I am also willing to work with any organisation that will want to work with us in the cause of fulfilling the objective," he said.

He is happy that the library is being patronised daily by the youths in the area, "though when we started, the turn-out was low. But things are picking up now and that creates some sense of joy in me. For now we have over 150 youths registered with the library."

James appealed to all levels of government, individuals, corporate bodies, local and international organisations, to donate books to the library. "There should be more libraries in local communities in other to encourage and elevate the reading culture among the youths in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions", he concluded.