National Library of Benin : A new device

Placed under the supervision of the Ministry of Tourism, of culture and the arts, the National Library of Benin is opening up to major structural reforms which should lead it to a profound institutional transformation. So, after 45 years of existence, the National Library of Benin has a board of directors. Its installation took place, mardi 31 August 2021 to Porto-Novo.

The new approach decided by the Head of State by decree dated 12 May 2021, aims to get the institution out of its lethargy and guarantee it quality governance. Outside of its mission as official depositary of legal deposit, guarantor of the national bibliographic memory, it now ensures the coordination and animation of the national reading network. During the ceremony, Minister Jean-Michel ABIMBOLA reminded the Chairman of the Board of Directors and all of the directors, the ongoing reforms and the major challenges to be met for the modernization of the national library. These include, to modernize the entire national public reading system through, especially, the introduction of digital tools and resources. An innovative approach desired and led by the Head of State and which ultimately aims : the redefinition of the national map of public reading ; the adoption of a National Book and Public Reading Policy, project for which work is at an advanced stage ; the service of the entire national territory with modern reading infrastructures, equipped and connected ; professionalization of players in the book industry ; support for the emergence of a national book industry, in particular through the implementation of innovative financing mechanisms for the benefit of the book and reading sub-sector ; strengthening the cultural offer of the territories through support for the organization of literary activities, particularly in public reading places and the dematerialization of populations' access to documentary resources and public reading services. To do this, the authority placed particular emphasis on the solidity and the good quality of the governance put in place and which will make it possible to resolve the problems which arise everywhere in the public reading network in Benin.

Patrice ADJAHO