There has been much talk about the poor writing and speaking ability of young Gambians - or is it so even among grown ups? Well, in any case, this phenomenon has perpetually been attributed to the low reading culture within the society. This, critics have pointed out, is also as a result of the unavailability of facilities like public libraries. Indeed, as some would say, there are libraries, but not evenly distributed for equal access. And don't be shocked if you are told that the majority of Gambian students do not know about the existence of the national library, or that they are entitled to its usage.

Have we thought of making a research about its usage among young students? May be this can be an assignment for those concerned. Anyway, the fact remains that the few public libraries in existence are not popular hideouts for students. Although this trend is being challenged by Give Gambia a Future.    

In the year 2007, the people of Bakau had the luck of having run into some philanthropists, Henny and Petter Goedhart. A long standing relationship that started as mere friendship between the two and some young Gambians, ended up with the construction of a near-modern library. Situated around the Serekunda car park in Bakau, the library is said to contain close to 7000 books, being taken care of by a staff of four Gambians. It operates for at least, 24 four hours daily.

The library study centre, formerly Bakau community library, is fast becoming more useful to the local community and some international researchers. Established by Give Gambia a future foundation, a charitable organization based in Holland, the library has the capacity to accommodate more than 8000 books.

Speaking to this reporter, Henny Goedhart, president of the foundation, said that her foundation have a great lot in store for the people of Bakau and the Gambia in general. She revealed that already a number of computers with internet service had been secured, and that the place was equipped with security camera, among others. According to her, due to high demand by the community, her foundation intends to lunch a search for African books, which, she believes, would better serve the reading need of the students.

Malang Fatty is one of the staff of the library. And according to him, the culture of reading in Bakau is taking a good shape. He pointed out that "contrary to what is often said about the reading culture of Gambians, I see great changes in the youth of school going age." He believes that the low reading habit has more to do with unavailability of facilities than lack of interest.

A finalist at the University of the Gambia, Mr Fatty is however taken aback by the fact that his colleagues to do not make use of the library, which he said have a lot in store for students of almost all the departments at the University of The Gambia. "Probably some of them are not aware of its existence", he concludes.