Poverty alleviation through strategic public library services in Nigeria in the 21st century: a model

This paper attempts to discuss the strategic roles of public libraries in Nigeria in poverty alleviation programmes in the 21st century. The various poverty alleviation programmes aimed at combating poverty that have been put in place by the successive Federal Governments of Nigeria are brought to light. Despite the poverty reduction schemes introduced by the successive governments, the soaring rate of poverty in the country is still very alarming. Furthermore, the roles of libraries, particularly, the public libraries, have not been realized in that regard. Within this context, the paper examines the strategic roles of the public libraries in reducing the rate of poverty in the country. It concludes by making some recommendations that can assist the Nigerian public libraries to actively play their deserved roles, and/or participate fully in the poverty reduction programmes.