The use of libraries among children in primary schools in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

This study investigated the use of libraries among primary school children in the public, private and missionary schools in Makurdi metropolis. Using a survey design method and structured questionnaire, data were collected from a total of 366 participants. The findings showed that generally, there was a high level of reading interest and proficiencies among the children which are good indicators of use of library resources; but a low level of volume of books read, which indicates  low level of library use. The test of the three research hypotheses, revealed that (i) There was insignificant difference in interest in reading among the children based on the type of school they came from (f(2,358)=8.6.7,pc.01).(ii) There was no significant difference in reading proficiency among children from the public, private, or missionary schools (f(2,352)=0.99,p>.05) and (iii) There was significant  difference in the volume/extend of reading materials among the children from the three categories of schools investigated.  It was discussed and concluded that although the children reported high interest and proficiencies in reading, their low volume of reading materials indicates low use of library. It was recommended that the government and private schools should provide and encourage children to use the library frequently.   Key words: Interest, proficiency, use of library, reading, education.