School libraries in enhancing children’s creativity: An evidence-based assessment from a developing country

Abstract

The study is an assessment of school libraries in enhancing children’s creativity from the experience of The Cradle Montessori School, Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. It examines some major activities the school engages in to stimulate and develop the imaginative and creative abilities of the children. Description of these activities was made and the pictorial representation of each of these activities was also presented. The study describes the processes involved in carrying out these activities, lessons learnt by the school children and the practical implications of these activities as it affects their all-round development. Thus, the study provides a template for school libraries in developing countries in stimulating creativity among school children. The study concludes that activities of school libraries open the minds of children to a world of possibilities, while inculcating in them basic life skills for a successful future. Consequently, suggestions were made to spur creative activities in school libraries.