Winnipeg’s first snowfall coincided with my arrival back from Ghana last week, a lovely sight. Like most visits, my month-long stay felt like an extended ‘library family’ reunion.

OCLF libraries have elements that connect. The majority are clad in laterite, an iron-rich soil plaster, have ‘Jubilee blue’ painted doors and window frames, feature meandering pathways with flowering shrubs, and are welcoming spaces for all.

Each library sets monthly goals, and they are shared at monthly meetings. Head librarians learn from each other and adapt their own programming to inspire young minds.

Korle Gonno Library’s staff and children created a ‘Library Tree’ using papier-mâché and sticks for branches. Afterwards, everyone had fun attaching paper leaves with notes mentioning their favourite books and why they liked them. This same library was fortunate to receive eight new computers from a local company. Students from nearby schools now come for classes – far better than learning about computers from a blackboard!

Young musicians come for lessons and rehearse there, too. We remain fortunate to continue our collaboration with Musicians Without Borders, a German-based organization that provides instruments and instructors.

Fiifi Flawless, the concertmaster for Ghana’s National Symphony Orchestra, gave the keynote address at our annual librarians’ meeting. He emphasized the importance of music in a child’s life — beginning in utero. Following the talk, one librarian expressed his desire to learn the trumpet. He will soon join those taking lessons.

Goi’s library committee donated two containers of polish to refinish their library’s floor. This generous gesture conveys their desire to maintain their community resource.

I signed a Memo of Understanding with the Mayor of Ayawaso East, a municipality within Accra that includes two of our libraries. Winifred Obeng Kyeremeh, OCLF’s Library Coordinator, joined us to record the occasion along with the municipality’s Coordinating Director and Human Resources Manager. Such documents are important to ensure long-term sustainability.

It is always uplifting to see Mabel Hoduamedah, our tireless librarian from the salt mining village of Kablevu. In addition to reading stories aloud for hours to a room full of children, she remains steadfast with her mission to create a forest around her library

Over the course of my visit, I encountered several people who recognized Osu Library Fund’s motif on my skirt and top. They told me that they remembered the library as a significant part of their youth. Such moments of connection give depth to our message of Sharing the Joy of Reading

As we approach the end of this year and the dawning of the next, we thank you for your continued support and encouragement. extend our warmest wishes.

Warmest wishes, Kathy

I returned home from Ghana last week after a month-long trip. This time my 11-year-old granddaughter Madeline accompanied me, giving her an opportunity to meet my extended ‘library family,’ one she has heard about for many years.  

Madeline read countless books to children and played games too — learning new ones and sharing those she knew. She also taught violin to a few beginners at Korle Gonno Library’s after-school music program and joined their junior dance troupe. ‘Sir Ebenezer,’ their much-adored and gifted dance teacher, encouraged her as did her new friends on stage. Joana Felih, OCLF’s most senior librarian, jokingly said that she was only prepared to say goodbye if Madeline promised to return!

I was fortunate to be in attendance at the Nima Centre for the opening of a photo exhibit titled Kayanmata or “women’s things” in English. The Centre’s walls are now adorned with colourful images of women in their homes, all taken by a local female photographer. For 19 years, the Centre has been a community hub hosting a myriad of programs and workshops. Earlier this year, they promoted Glaucoma Awareness Month, a disease close to home. Ayisha Afagachie, one of our valued librarians at the Centre, was blinded in one eye by the disease and requires ongoing treatment.

Spending time with the librarians and children in the fishing and salt mining communities of Goi and Kablevu is always inspiring. Vivian Amanor, Goi’s librarian, continually amazes me with her ability to keep 100+ children spellbound as she reads story after story, first in Dangme and then seamlessly translating into English.

Many coastal villages and towns have a huge water crisis now. Untreated water brought in by tanker from the Volta River costs the equivalent of CDN 25 cents a bucket. These families spend 25 times more for untreated water than those accessing piped treated water in Accra.

Nungua Library children performed Fati and the Green Snake, a story from a well-loved OCLF book with the same title. The play featured a hand knit snake from Winnipeg. Receiving visitors gives children opportunities to showcase their talents.

On each visit, I arrive with books and educational materials. This time it included copies of The Flag Book, a Lonely Planet title, which I thought would fit well with sets of The World Game that we had distributed before. Staff members quickly adapted the game to having the end goal be to recognize all 194 country flag cards. Once the children knew the flags, country capitals became the next goal. One library even hosted a Know Your Flag talent show!

Beyond special events, library visits, and meetings, it is most meaningful to meet up with individuals who have passed through our library doors over the years. By chance I met up with a woman named Mercy. She said in her youth – going back more than15 years ago – our library in Mamprobi was her “paradise.” It was where she felt most at peace. Mercy remains an avid reader and is now sharing her joy of reading with her three-year-old daughter.

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement.

Kathy (and Madeline)

Dear Friends,

Since my return a week ago, Ghanaians have elected a change of government with the hopeful anticipation of an improved economy, the country’s most pressing concern. Despite the challenges, our libraries continue to thrive and expand their horizons. In addition to sharing the joy of reading, OCLF’s goal, our libraries act as community hubs and offer a range of exciting programs and varied activities.

Korle Gonno Library (2014) celebrated its 10th anniversary with three events. The first was a parade through the community with music provided by their very own energetic brass band. Days later, the library hosted a student-led panel discussion with the topic: The Rights and Responsibilities of a Child according to Ghana’s Constitution. The final event – almost four hours long – included multiple dance performances and a play.

Nungua Community Library (2003) hosted its first table tennis (ping pong) tournament. Matches took place over the course of a week, and I was fortunate to witness the final few games. Constance, a participant and library user, wrote, “A girl doing sports is not easy but I tried hard so that one day I can be a famous table tennis player. It is great and joyful to be a sport girl like me.” Librarians from other libraries are now pleading for our mason to make tables for their libraries, too.

Nima Centre (2006) held a spelling quiz for its three literacy classes. Surprisingly, learners from the beginners’ class won after their dedicated facilitator spent hours going over the words as selected from a Grade 7 spelling bee list. The Centre has hosted evening literacy classes since its inception, catering to learners from both Ghana and beyond. Sikira, a regular attendee of the beginner’s class, wrote, “Because I can read and write my friends respect me now.”

Accra College of Education Community Library aka Madina (2011) now extends its outreach to a nearby government school. Twice each week, a librarian visits three classrooms to read aloud, using both English and Twi. We are hoping that by reading exciting, meaningful stories that reflect the children’s own experience and told in their mother tongue, they will view books in a more positive light and become stronger readers. Sadly, many children in Ghana associate books solely with exams.

Each November, we host a workshop for all workers. It provides an opportunity for everyone to learn from each other, for workers to gain insight from the guest speaker’s keynote address, and for attendees to socialize throughout the day. In the afternoon, I read Bird is Dead by Dutch writer Tiny Fisscher. Afterwards, the librarians created their own birds using a collage method in the style of the book’s illustrator Herma Staffeveld. Learning new art ideas, especially those inspired by books, encourages librarians when they return to their own libraries.

Three libraries have formed French clubs. In just a few weeks, volunteer teachers have taught the children a repertoire of songs, and one club is putting on a nativity pageant using their newly-acquired skills. The idea for these clubs was spearheaded by a woman from Côte d’Ivoire, who on two occasions has brought students from there to visit our libraries in Accra and to experience Ghanaian culture.

Our annual Sports Festival is great fun with children playing according to their appointed team colour. The hula hoop contest was deemed a tie when the last two competitors looked as though they could hula hoop all day!

During these times, when one reads about a steady stream of world conflicts, I am pleased to report that our libraries are making a peaceful, positive difference one user at a time. Thank you for your help to make this happen.

Warmest wishes,
Kathy Knowles

May 15, 2024

Dear Friends,

Another visit has passed by with vivid memories lingering, each with a story.

We are busy now preparing for our annual fundraising events to be held in Winnipeg at Saucers Cafe next month.

We were honoured to have former Winnipeggers Paul and Holly McNally join us in Ghana. They helped at our first Molly’s Camp, which took place at the Goi library. This five-day camp for 40 children was made possible thanks to a generous gift from the family of the late Molly Higginson, a former OCLF volunteer. Paul taught each child to make a wooden stool and Holly taught crocheting. It was exciting to see girls sawing away and boys eagerly crocheting. Local instructors taught broom making, reed mat construction, and weaving too. It is now up to other libraries to think of ideas for their own version of Molly’s Camp.

Ghana’s highly acclaimed illustrator Edmund Opare attended the launch for OCLF’s newest book, The Fisherman and His Wife, a retelling of a Brothers Grimm tale. Edmund’s watercolour illustrations beautifully convey the fisherman’s anguish as his wife’s demands go beyond reason with her final wish asking for dominion over the sun, the moon, the heavens, and the earth.

Our local board met and among other issues we discussed ways to raise funds to help our librarians facing health issues not covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme and beyond the scope of OCLF’s modest medical plan. During my month-long visit, I spent many hours in clinics with librarians suffering from malaria, typhoid, hypertension, and heart failure. Each condition required multiple tests and not one was covered by the national plan. Medications are costly too.

Adult learners at our Nima Centre embraced the writings of the late Efua Sutherland as part of the centenary celebrations for this remarkable Ghanaian woman, who was a playwright, author, and child’s advocate well before her time. Learners recited poetry from Sutherland’s book Playtime in Africa and shared games they played as children. The Centre was filled with laughter as we all stepped into the shoes of young children. Have you ever heard of “Ant and Tree”, a variation of “Simon Says”?

Former users of our Nima Centre of Accra, including an army sergeant, a nurse, and a midwife, approached me to thank OCLF for constructing this facility back in 2006. Rahma said her parents were very strict, and the library was the only place she was allowed to go apart from school. She went every single day. Rahma mentioned the kindness of Mr. Joseph, one of the librarians (now retired), who took a special interest in her well-being and ensured she had all the necessary textbooks to study. We were invited by CLASS FM radio to share this news on live radio.

Mabel Hoduameda, the head librarian in the salt mining village of Kablevu, has the book, The Boy Who Grew a Forest by Sophia Gholz, in her library. She is striving to create a forest too. Since her library’s opening in 2020, she has planted trees and bushes on her library grounds and with little success. That has not deterred her from trying! Recently Mabel introduced new species of trees known to have a greater tolerance to salty soil and all 25 are growing. Each requires daily watering, not an easy task considering their village doesn’t have a water source.

Warmest wishes,

Kathy Knowles

December 13, 2023

Dear Friends,

I recently returned from another month-long visit to OCLF libraries in Ghana, and I’m pleased to offer an update of some of the activities.

The annual meeting of 2023 brought together 70 library workers from nine libraries, ranging from cleaners to head librarians. Our guest speaker, David Anankaning, described how he makes bins from recycled bottles for plastic waste. His goal is to make Ghana cleaner, one bin at a time. Years ago, when David first came to our literacy classes, he could hardly write his name, and now he has the confidence to send letters and proposals to every level of government. Not long ago, he received a cash donation of GHS 20,000 (CDN $2,265) from Ghana’s First Lady to help.

The meeting continued with breakout sessions where library teams brainstormed ways to make their facilities more environmentally friendly. An enlightening discussion followed, with each panelist highlighting the pivotal role reading played in their lives. The day concluded with a buffet dinner and dance to celebrate another successful year.

The Nungua Community Library held its final 20^th anniversary event. The celebration began with a 90-minute health walk accompanied by a lively marching band. The formal program included speeches, poetry recitals, a drama and several dances. The library’s verdant grounds are beautifully kept, creating an oasis in what is otherwise a barren litter-strewn environment. We planted a tree in memory of Molly Higginson, a volunteer who was present during the library’s construction in 2003.

I spent four days in the fishing community of Goi and nearby villages. Librarians in these OCLF-sponsored libraries, both working in buildings and informally under trees, continue to do an outstanding job to inspire young minds.

The Korle Gonno Community Library, in partnership with German volunteers from Musicians Without Borders, honoured teacher librarian Irene Togobo with a concert. Irene is well loved by everyone and has spearheaded the library’s music program for the last four years. Thanks to Irene’s efforts, Korle Gonno’s library boasts an orchestra comprised of library members, including children whose lives have been transformed by this experience. Sadly, Irene is presently battling cancer..

An MP invited a small delegation of librarians and myself to the Ghanaian Parliament to be formerly introduced to the speaker. It was an honour to be invited for such an occasion and to be recognized.

Yet, despite these accolades and the more formal events I attended last month, a true highlight of this trip was encountering a father reading to his two young children. According to Isaac Ofori, a volunteer librarian at Korle Gonno, the father faithfully brings his children every weekend. This was a first for after more than 30 years of visiting OCLF libraries.

During these days, when there are more people in conflict than at any other time since World War II, it is heartening to find a bit of hopeful news and peace at our libraries that are changing lives one reader at a time.  Thanks for your help in making this happen.

Warmest wishes,

Kathy Knowles

After a month away, I am back to Winnipeg and my rhythm of life. This visit, like all others, was rich with varied experiences, each one linked to books or to libraries. A focus was OCLF’s newest book, The Land of Plenty. Clearing these books from the port, coordinating storage logistics, and seeing to its launch three weeks later took considerable time. There was a flurry of activity at our Nima Centre. There is nothing like an event to make a place shine. Launch day featured children singing Imagine with lyrics by John Lennon from a new library book with the same title, a quartet of young musicians playing a Ghanaian melody, two library dancing troupes, adult literacy learners reading from their creative writing pieces (as encouraged by The Shoe Project, a Canadian initiative), and the mayor speaking on behalf of her municipality. Ronke Ampiah, local board chair, and I presented copies to all head librarians.

I visited nine OCLF libraries. It is always encouraging to see that these facilities remain welcoming and neat. At Goi I marvelled as their librarian Vivian Amanor read book after book for 2 ½ hours (!) to kindergarten children. She swiftly changed back and forth from English to Dangme with such ease and enthusiasm. Vivian strongly believes that books change lives.

I also ventured to a small farming community in the north where Mawuli Fianyo, a former library member, is now teaching. Living there is challenging with no potable water (water is fetched from a river 15 minutes away), no electricity, and the school is void of any learning materials. Just the same, Mawuli does his best. After reading OCLF’s Fati and the Green Snake to a group of students, Mawuli divided the children into different characters from the story. Soon children were jumping around as monkeys and flying like birds, Fati was collecting firewood with her family, and, of course, the snake was nearby waiting in a bush. His school even has a chess club, a skill Mawuli learned from his library days.

Librarians continue to expand their outreach with ideas and new activities. Many now go online to find out what days are celebrated around the world, and they create their own rendition whether it’s Mother Language Day, Earth Day, Colour Day, Chocolate Day or Poetry Day. Library Coordinator Winifred Kyeremeh organizes monthly meetings for head librarians. These sessions provide opportunities for librarians to learn from each other.

Thank you for believing that OCLF is making a difference.

Warmest wishes,

Kathy Knowles

June 3, 2022

Dear Friends,

After a month away, much of it spent in the bustling city of Accra where traffic is ever-present and concrete covers much of the land, it was soothing to arrive back in Winnipeg and see its emerging green canopy. (When I left in late April, our city was still covered in snow.)

Yet, while in Ghana, I adore the rhythm of my day-to-day life and library routines, my extended ‘family’ of Ghanaian friends, and delight in the various events that keep me busy. Here’s a snapshot of a few recent library highlights.

Mother’s Day is an honoured tradition in Ghana. OCLF’s library in Korle Gonno hosted a multi-media production of Eté, a poetic eulogy written by Ladé Wosoru, a highly acclaimed Ghanaian poet and retired surgeon, for his late mother. He generously graced the occasion. His powerful words conveyed the depth of his love and admiration for his strong mother. Youthful narrators and a chorus recited his poem against a backdrop of dancers, drummers, and a small musical ensemble of recorders and a violin.

On May 17, the Nima Centre offered blood pressure checks to commemorate World Hypertension Day. Naomi Awusi, the Centre’s manager, set up a table outside the main reading hall and 87 adults came. High blood pressure is often called “the silent killer” as many people are unaware of their condition until it’s too late. Offering such a service identifies individuals at risk. Participants were grateful.

Throughout the month, OLCF was privileged to host Cheryl Schramm, a volunteer from Ottawa. She delighted eager minds with daily science experiments, Wordle puzzles, chess games, and book clubs. Thank you, Cheryl.

Another event, and this one in the rural community of Goi, celebrated Grandmothers’ Day. Seventy grandmothers arrived clutching their hand-drawn invitations. They enjoyed hearing their grandchildren recite poetry, read from their favourite stories, and act in plays. The grandmothers had their turn to share their words of wisdom too. The event was supposed to begin at noon, but some of the grandmothers were in their seats by 9 a.m. To accommodate the early arrivals, we started just after 11 a.m.

Two hundred female upper primary and junior high school students gathered at the Mamprobi Gale Community Library to attend a program highlighting World Menstruation Day. Librarian Belinda Dogbatse presented information and gave detailed explanations as to the different products available. Everyone left with a package of pads.

At our newest library in the village of Kablevu, I was in awe of the dozens of children who sat on the floor for hours while listening to stories read aloud in their mother tongue.

David Anakaning, a long-time current literacy learner, provided constant inspiration. He is making plastic recycling bins using discarded plastic bottles and putting them on street corners near his home. Every Sunday he travels with his wheelbarrow, empties his plastic bins, separates the plastic accordingly, and builds more bins to extend his outreach. His dream is to “help keep our environment clean.” How beautiful is that!

My favourite moments are always sharing books with children. I delighted in meeting little Edna, just over age 2, who lives next door to our library in Osu. She was often the first to arrive and among the last to leave. On this visit, I was most grateful to OCLF donors who donated their Aeroplan Member Donation Program miles for my travel.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

December 10, 2021

Dear Friends,

Once again I am writing from my desk in Winnipeg, nice and cosy from Winnipeg’s cold air.

I celebrated a number of events including the 10th anniversary of the Accra College of Education Community Library. Matilda Yeboah, its head librarian, organized a full program that included an eight-school reading competition, a health walk, a panel discussion titled The Importance of Libraries for National Development, and a birthday cake for the children!

Climate change hit home during my stay when huge waves came crashing down and wiped out hundreds of homes in fishing villages along the coast. Three of our librarians serving at our informal mini-libraries lost their homes. Ruth (pictured at right) was one of them. After relocating, Ruth is still returning to gather and read to children in front of her old home. She also wants to initiate a new library where she now lives – a couple of kilometres inland.

Part of my trip included doing research for a new illustrated book, one that will include approximately 700 English words depicting day-to-day Ghanaian life. Toby Newsome, a South African illustrator, sent me rough drawings by email that I was able to show around. To better reflect the entire country, I travelled north more than 800km by car. Foods definitely do vary depending on one’s location and most are season-dependent.

We held a book launch for Maa and Me, an OCLF mother tongue Dangme/English board book, with children at Kablevu’s library. After the brief ceremony we gave out copies to those featured in the book and frozen yogurt – all 300 pieces – to everyone. Sophia was delighted to receive her own copy.

Some of you might remember from a previous newsletter that I found a stuffed toy bunny on the beach. After multiple COVID-related delays, a carton of new stuffed bunnies from Brauns-Heitmann finally arrived. We had a ‘Bunny Party, and the children who wrote to Germany each received a toy. Children are always fascinated when I show them Bunny’s ears that still have a few grains of sand left from his arduous journey!

The highlight of the month was hosting a jazz party with all library workers to honour the late Joan Mariacher, a tremendous supporter of OCLF from Vancouver, who passed away last year. It was partially through Joan’s generosity that we were able to build a network of libraries in the Greater Accra region. Joan loved jazz, and although she never wanted any recognition for her donations, I thought this was a fitting tribute. Joana Felih, OCLF’s longest serving librarian, wrote,“ Due to the jazz performance most of us will be jazz lovers.”