SELI Community Children's Library

Saturday at the SELI Community Children's Library was a beehive of activity.

We had about thirty children through our doors. Those completing their assignments. Those who came to read independently. Those exploring the space for the first time. And our youngest visitors who were not quite satisfied with the games available and made sure we knew it. They also had a spontaneous spelling competition. At some point the place became hot and stuffy and we had to raise the windows to allow proper ventilation. A fan is clearly on our shopping list.

But we want to be honest about how the day began.

We opened two hours behind schedule. Some children had already arrived, waited and left before we could open. A parent came in later to let us know her children had waited over an hour and returned home. We apologised, took her contact and committed to doing better. When families trust us enough to show up, we cannot afford to let them meet a closed door. We are tightening our operations to ensure this does not happen again.

Now for the highlights.

Three young apprentices from the welding workshop next door were spotted outside, curious about what was happening inside the library. We invited them in. Their boss gave them the time and in they came. They spent about an hour with us, played with our Lego games and picked up books to read independently.

Three young men who had no plans to visit a library that day ended up reading because a door was opened and they were told they were welcome. That is what this space is becoming.

We also want to highlight one of our regular attendees, Azaf Gerald. A consistent and enthusiastic reader who simply needed a break that Saturday. Rather than push him to sit with a book, we let him play outside, get some fresh air and return when he was ready. Once in a while he wandered back in, read a little and went back out again.

Because the SELI Community Children's Library is a safe space, not a pressured one. Children are trusted here to know what they need.

Since opening in January we have recorded over three hundred entries in our logbook. Attendance is growing consistently. Children are returning and bringing friends and siblings with them.

At closing time the children did not want to leave. We gathered outside, took photographs together, laughed and closed out a full and meaningful day.

Next month we launch our dedicated literacy classes for children who are struggling to read. Our volunteer team is coming together and we are preparing to pilot this programme. We are grateful for every step of this journey.

I tell you, this is working.

More to come.

The SELI Community Children's Library is located at 14 Kyan Rikkos, Adjacent St. Gabriel's Parish, Bauchi Ring Road, Jos. We are open weekdays from 11am to 5:30pm and Saturdays from 10am to 5:30pm. Everything we offer is completely FREE.

SELI Community Children's Library
Read. Learn. Grow.

Spread the word. We're here to serve you.

Read. Learn. Grow.

It is 2026 World Book Day!

What book are you reading today?

Guided group reading sessions with the children with Aunty Rachel.

Because every child deserves a safe space to read, learn, and grow.
..
SELI Community Children's Library.
Read. Learn. Grow.

Creativity is one pillar behind our SELI Community Children's Library. We allow children to explore, to think, to imagine and to grow.

Through educational toys and resources, their curiosity shines.

Here are some of the works from our Early Years Section in our library.

Last week, as always, their curiosity took centre stage and we are glad.

..
SELI Community Children's Library
Read. Learn. Grow.

Last week at the SELI Community Children’s Library, we had a special visit!

Happy Child International Academy, Jos, brought their children over to explore our space, enjoy our books, and make the most of our learning resources.

For about an hour, the library buzzed with curiosity and little discoveries. Watching the children immerse themselves in reading and exploration reminded us why this space exists: to nurture young minds and build confidence while making learning fun!

We’re happy to welcome schools, children, and the community to be part of our library family. If you haven’t visited yet, come see what the excitement is all about!
..
SELI Community Children's Library
Read. Learn. Grow.

A quiet moment inside the SELI Community Children’s Library.

Children sit with their books, turning pages at their own pace, unhurried and focused. There is no pressure here, only the freedom to learn, imagine, and grow.

Sometimes, the most powerful learning happens in silence.
..
SELI Community Children's Library
Read. Learn. Grow.