GTBank Revamps Herbert Macaulay Library

**flags off YOU READ initiative

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The old Herbert Macaulay Library in Yaba, Lagos, has been transformed by foremost African lender, GTBank, into a state of the art learning and recreation facility.

The project, we gathered, was executed by the bank in conjunction with the Lagos State government.

With the goal of raising the Herbert Macaulay Library to global standards, GTBank carried out a total overhaul of the internal and external structures of the facility.

These included a complete refurbishing of the building, equipping the library with state of the art furniture, the installation of computer and internet facilities to create an e-library and the provision of books to ensure a pleasurable and highly rewarding library experience.

In addition, to restore the lost reading culture in the society, GTBank has flagged of its YOU READ CSR Initiative which identifies, renovates and reequips public libraries, turning them into centres for learning and social engagements for students and the general public.

The leading financial institution has also called on members of the general public to donate new and used books in good condition to the library in order to expand the scope of resource materials available at the event.

Public libraries play a fundamental role in the lifelong mental and intellectual development of individuals as well as in enabling broad societal development.

However, the inadequacy of public library services and infrastructure in Nigeria has hampered the fulfilment of these crucial roles.

Concerned about the state of public libraries in Nigeria, and motivated by the belief that quality education is crucial for nation building and a fundamental right of everyone irrespective of background, race, or economic status, GTBank created the You Read Initiative to connect people with global resources of information and knowledge.

Commenting on the renovation of the Herbert Macaulay Library, Managing Director of GTBank, Mr Segun Agbaje, stated that, “We are happy to provide this much-needed upgrade to a facility that is crucial to the academic and personal development of members of the Yaba community as well as residents of Lagos State and beyond.

“Libraries are the cornerstones of our communities, and the new-and-improved Herbert Macaulay Library, Yaba will not only serve as a centre for learning and research, but will also provide a warm and welcoming environment for sharing experiences and creating new opportunities.”

He further stated that, “At the heart of the You Read initiative is our commitment to transform our organization into a platform for enriching lives that offers our customers and communities, benefits beyond banking.

“Beyond the renovation of the Herbert Macaulay Library, Yaba, we, through this initiative, seek to encourage and engage people, especially students in all stages of their education, to read, build capacity, gain exposure and connect with peers and educators around the world.”