Dear Editor,
My attention was drawn to a large advertisement board which was recently erected in the city by a prominent local company. The billboard displayed a smiling and obviously elated youth with a 4G cell phone in his hand, and the caption read “Goodbye Library, Hello World”.
Now, I readily acknowledge the versatility and also note the cost of these advanced models of cell phones. The fact is that Guyana happens to be a poor country and most youths cannot afford the luxury of these devices.
How then, can we say goodbye to libraries when these institutions offer their books and even their computer services at no cost. A library can be the free friendly hand which introduces our youths to a whole new experience of the joys and benefits of reading.
At this particular time in our history, when we reflect on our country’s progress over the last fifty years, I contend that we should embark on a Crusade For Reading, primarily for our youths, in order to improve their literacy, stimulate their intellectual development and enhance their reasoning powers. Libraries can play a pivotal role in this endeavour. Earlier this month, I had the opportunity of visiting the New York Public Library in Manhattan, and I was amazed at the large number of persons from all strata of society who were in that building either engrossed in reading or selecting books of their choice and preference.
Especially in our economic situation, I think that this billboard is inappropriate, counter-productive and out of sync with reality. We should not teach our youths to live above their means.
Yours faithfully,
Lloyd H Marshall
