The Free Public Library For All: Inspiring Bright Futures

Access to knowledge should never be a privilege—it should be a fundamental right for all. In a world where education serves as the foundation for personal and societal growth, initiatives like The Free Public Library for All are breaking down barriers and opening doors to opportunity. Through books, digital resources, and a nurturing learning space, this library is transforming the lives of students and pupils, proving that knowledge truly has the power to change the world.

The Free Public Library for All, spearheaded by Kafilat Olanrewaju and the KOA Education Foundation, stands as a beacon of knowledge and opportunity in Giwa, Ogun State. Situated at 10, Unity Estate, Gideon Bus-stop, this library provides students and pupils with access to an extensive collection of books and digital resources. By fostering a love for reading and self-improvement, the library serves as a crucial support system for young learners beyond the traditional classroom. Students are encouraged to work on assignments, engage in research, and participate in literacy activities, cultivating lifelong learning habits in a safe and nurturing environment. The library’s mission is to create and strengthen reading habits from an early age, provide information for knowledge development, and enhance the overall educational experience of its visitors.

With the support of The Pollination Project’s seed grant, the Free Public Library for All has significantly expanded its services and infrastructure. The grant enabled:

• the construction of two large bookshelves;
• the repair of essential furniture;
• the introduction of an internet-enabled learning environment;
• a MiFi device;
• a laptop.

These improvements have facilitated better access to information, enabling students to conduct research effectively and engage more actively in academic pursuits. Additionally, the MiFi and the laptop provided have been instrumental in running the Saturday Book Club, further enriching the students’ learning experience.

The visibility gained through The Pollination Project’s support also attracted additional donations from organizations and brands, allowing the library to sustain and expand its mission of providing free educational resources to the community.

Building on the success of its first Free Public Library, the KOA Education Foundation remains committed to fostering accessible education for all. The current library in Ogun State will continue to serve as a free and welcoming space for students, with efforts to expand its book collection through donations from readers and corporate sponsors. Encouraged by the impact of the initiative, the foundation established another Free Public Library in Lagos State. This new library replicates and extends the positive influence of the first, offering more students the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in an environment dedicated to education and self-discovery. Through sustained efforts and continued support, the Free Public Library for All is set to transform even more lives in the years to come.

Kafilat Olanrewaju

Kafilat Olanrewaju is an educator, administrator, and advocate for quality education. With a B.Sc(Ed) in Industrial and Labour Relations, she taught at primary and junior secondary schools, eventually becoming a Head Teacher. Seeing students struggle due to financial and resource constraints, she founded the KOA Education Foundation to support less-privileged learners and establish free public libraries in underserved communities.

She continuously expands her knowledge through professional certifications and actively volunteers to give back to her community. Inspired by her own love for reading and lack of access to a public library growing up, her goal is to establish more free libraries across Nigeria, ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn and succeed.

Join The Pollination Project in seeding a global movement of grassroots change. When we invest in passionate local leaders, small acts of generosity blossom into lasting impact. Every dollar you give takes root in communities, growing into sustainable solutions that touch countless lives.