By DALCY LULUA
The Director General of the Office of the Library and Archives, Mr Dennis Bagelo, has underscored the vital role of libraries and books in empowering Papua New Guinea’s future during the launch of the 2025 National Book Week, held earlier this month at Iopara Primary School in Abau District, Central Province.
“This year marks the 45th National Book Week since its inception in 1980, and it is a dedicated celebration of books, reading, literacy, and the preservation of our heritage,” Mr. Bagelo said. “The library is a very important tool, and reading books is also very important for our children.”
Mr. Bagelo noted the increasing reliance of students on social media and digital platforms for assignments and learning. While acknowledging the role of technology, he stressed the need to maintain a strong culture of reading. “Many students are on mobile phones, tablets, and computers, doing much of their schoolwork through social media tools. But the book must always remain in the classroom, so every student is given the opportunity to make informed decisions for their future,” he emphasized.
The Office of the Library and Archives is working with donor partners, provincial governments, and education advisers to expand public libraries throughout the country.
According to Mr. Bagelo, this effort is supported by initiatives such as the introduction of the “Rachel Device,” which provides offline access to educational content and has already been rolled out in all provinces.
He added that collaboration with national universities, particularly the PNG University of Technology (Unitech), is also underway to strengthen digital learning infrastructure.
“Unitech will be hosting our core program, and together we are exploring ways to provide internet services to schools nationwide, so that books and digital resources can complement each other in supporting student learning,” he said.
Mr Bagelo concluded that National Book Week is not just a celebration of literacy, but also part of a broader strategy to ensure every student has access to knowledge and resources. “We have already provided the national blueprint for schools and learners, and our goal is to make sure books are available, read, and used meaningfully across the country,” he said.