In an interview with Ghana News Agency (GNA), the Regional Librarian, Leslie kanang noted that patrons at the library consistently complained about the lack of modern reference materials for study and research and said since the establishment of the library in 1969, there has not been any major rehabilitation and restocking to upgrade the library to conform with modern standards and needs.

“Facilities at the Bolgatanga Regional Library have become old and uncomfortable for users. Currently, the library lacks reading and learning materials, it needs painting, re-wiring of the block, fixing of broken shelves, and regular supply of water, newspapers and electricity.

He added “currently, telephone lines have been disconnected by Vodafone Ghana due to unpaid bills thereby affecting internet service to the library.Mr Kanang mentioned other problems such as buying of electricity from individual staff pockets to light up the facility and said since government directives to fix pre–paid meters, management spent so much to buy electricity with the little resources that government allocated to the library which took too long to come and sometimes did not come at all.

He indicated that the library was patronised mostly by children, adults; distant learning students and tertiary students and said it was mandatory for the government to rehabilitate a learning and research centre like the library to improve on the academic performance of these patrons.

Mr Kanang added that the library was fortunate to have few computers and laptops which were donated by two NGOs in 2008 and said currently some of the machines were broken down and needed immediate replacement.

He urged government to reinstate the monthly imprest, fuel and maintenance allowances which was initiated by the then Kuffour administration.

The Regional Librarian mentioned that a mobile van which was supposed to visit communities in the various districts was unable to do so due to lack of funds to purchase fuel.