Author donates to Shurugwi library
By Dumisani Ndlovu
Internationally acclaimed author, Ignatious Musonza has urged members of the public to read more and collect many books for needy rural libraries and schools.
He said this while donating a consignment of books to Shurugwi based Khayelihle rural library in Gweru.
The consignment consisted of fiction,non-fiction books, subgenres such as literary fiction, mystery, thriller, horror, historical,western, romance novels, magazines, dictionaries among other books.
“I am extremely excited to donate this batch of books to Khayelihle Rural Library. It is always a pleasure when you meet people who are doing something which is great to those who are disadvantaged. “It’s a rare gift to identify people who are disadvantaged and do something about it. Some people see an effort to help being made and ignore but for me I couldn’t afford to ignore such a prudent idea,” said Musonza.
Hodzeko Arts and Culture Association board chairperson, Mavis Koslek who received the books on behalf of Khayelihle Rural Library, applauded, Musonza for his kind gesture. “On behalf of the association, we are far happier to have received the books for and on behalf of Khayelihle Rural Library, an affiliate of Hodzeko Association based in Ward 21 of Shurugwi South.
The books will go a long way in transforming rural lives as their motto speaks, a library is a gateway to wisdom,” said Koslek. Founder and Director of Khayelihle Rural Library, Siphosami Ndlovu said the rural library concept came into reality after realising serious need of a library in Dorset Resettlement area and local schools.
“I am impressed by Mr Musonza’s gesture, this will necessitate and speed up our ground breaking ceremony and eventually the official launch of the library. This will go a long way in mobilising participation of learners, teachers, authors, parents and librarians. It is our hope as Khayelihle that the official launch will leave the community and the key players in the book chain closely knitted,” said Ndlovu.
Khayelihle Rural Library, is a division of literature under Khayelihle Arts and Culture Centre whose programmes have so far in- volved collaboration with local schools and Rural Libraries and Knowledge Development Centre (RLKDC).
Ndlovu said the relationship with RLK- DC, began during the height of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when they realised that it was possible to promote literature through social media during the restrictive period. He is however, optimistic that the network and partnership will be endlessly fostered in order to have an efficient and state-of-the-art infrastructure that will see a consistent supply of latest books to the community and local schools.
