ASBTRACT

 This study investigated Role ofSchool Library in the Development ofChildren’s Reading Habit: a study of Ibeku High School Umuahia Abia State. The descriptive research design with a population of254 and a combination ofthe proportionate sampling and simple random sampling techniques was adopted. The instrument used in collecting data was the closed-ended questionnaire designed in line with the four-point rating scale model. 254 copies representing 100% were successfully completed and returnedfor use in the analyses. In the analyses, mean score and standard deviation were computed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) while the results were presented in frequency tables. The findings revealed that Ibeku High school to some extent is playing its role very well where it concerns provision ofstandard school library, furnishing the library with modernfurniture, making sure tha students ofall level uses the library by putting library hour in the school time table etc. It also showed the level of studentsfrequency visit to the school library that most students visit the school library at least up to five times in a week. The study revealed the purpose ofthese student visit to the school library sa , to read for their examination , to read for pleasure, to do their assignments, and also to make use ofthe reference resources available in the school library. The study also identified the factors affecting the role ofschool library in the development of children reading habit more especially in Ibeku high school as teachers not having reading as a habit, the library resources being out-dated materials and the library being mann by a non- librarian etc. The studyfurther proffer solutions to all the findings as providing a very conducive environment wellfurnishedfor the student to stay and read, making sure that school librarians are allowed to be in-charge of all the school library providing current information resources to the library for students use, Putting Library hour in the School Time Table and also ensure that the Student at any giving time make Proper use ofIt etc