Ghana Library Authority pays tribute to first female librarian
The legacies of great people are hidden treasures that everyone should strive for but only the wise can find. Their ideas become the charter of the future and their deeds the hallmark of progress. They may be unsung heroes but the echoes are often heard about their work.
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And so it was with Madam Grace Amoakoa Ofori-Atta, one of the greatest Children’s Librarians Ghana has ever had. She was simply, the Doyen of Gold Coast Librarianship!
In the annals of the Ghana Library Authority, established in 1950 (before Independence) Madam Grace Amoakoa Ofori-Atta will be remembered for her legendary pioneering work in the promotion of reading amongst the children and youth of Ghana.
She was unequalled in the introduction of Library Work with Young People; the planning and establishment of children’s libraries; the organisation of reading promotion activities; Readers’ Clubs; and the development of children’s literature and services in Ghana.
In fact, she laid the foundation for reading and work with children in public school libraries in Ghana.
Madam Ofori-Atta understood Professor Ranganathan’s maxim that books are for use; books are meant to be read; children and young people must be taught how to read and develop the interest and skills in reading lest the classified and catalogued books gather dust in our libraries.
Forty-eight years ago, she opined that, …the parents too need to be taught to read just as well as the children.
To promote the use of books by young people and to encourage the production of children’s books, Madam Ofori-Atta partnered with others to organise the first ever International Exhibition of Children’s Books in Accra. It was held at the old Children’s Library near the Accra Community Centre.
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Even though many identified her with only Children’s library work, Madam Ofori-Atta was a versatile librarian and personality.
Her core duties included school library services, book selection, book display and exhibition, voice production, storytelling, presentation and discussion of papers on different aspects of children’s literature, radio talk shows as well as the promotion and advocacy of public libraries.
As a mother, she was compelled to take the painful decision to resign rather prematurely at the age of 38 years. Five years after the break in service, Grace re-applied for re-instatement and was re-engaged on September 1, 1973.
No librarian who knew Madam Grace Ofori-Atta, doubted her prowess as an astute librarian: she was interested in the organisation and administration of all sizes and types of library systems and services with special emphasis on children’s libraries.
She was also keen in promoting the establishment of a mobile book service.
Burial
Burial of Grace Ofori-Atta takes place at Kyebi after burial service at the Ebenezer Presby Church, Kyebi from 8:30 am on Saturday, April 9, 2016.