Established 2026
University of Port Harcourt Book Club
Donald E. U. Ekong Library, University of Port Harcourt
Introduction
The University of Port Harcourt Book Club thrives as a vibrant community at the Donald E. U. Ekong Library. Under the initiative of the 6th University Librarian, Professor Helen U. Emasealu, the book club was established to promote a strong reading culture, intellectual engagement, and lifelong learning within the university.
Official Launch: The Book Club was officially commissioned by Vice-Chancellor Professor Owunari A. Georgewill on Monday, 16th February 2026, with the principal officers of the University in attendance.
The inaugural meeting on 10th February 2026 was attended by fifteen pioneer members. The Club began its reading journey with Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, establishing a tone of reflective engagement and intellectual dialogue.
The University appointed Professor Obari Gomba as Patron to strengthen the Book Club’s literary foundation and mentorship structure.
OUR VISION
Building Tomorrow's Readers
To build a vibrant community of readers that promotes intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning within the university and beyond.
OUR MISSION
Fostering Literary Excellence
- To encourage a sustainable reading culture among students and staff
- To create a platform for intellectual discussions and the exchange of ideas
- To promote literature, creativity, and personal development
- To position the University Library as a hub for dialogue and discovery
Expected Impact
Transforming minds, one book at a time
01
Promote a strong reading culture among students and staff
02
Enhance communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills
03
Foster interdisciplinary conversations across faculties
04
Promote emotional and psychological well-being through reading
05
Promote literary scholarship and creativity
06
Support lifelong learning, personal development, emotional and psychological well-being
07
Support lifelong learning, personal development, emotional and psychological well-being
08
Enhance communication and public speaking skills
09
Encourage intellectual discourse and academic engagement
10
Strengthen the role of the university library in academic life and as a knowledge hub
11
Build an intellectual community within the university
Programme of Activities
Engage, Learn, and Grow Through Literature
Weekly Book Discussions
Members meet regularly to review books, explore themes, and connect literature with contemporary issues.
Author Conversations
Interactive sessions featuring writers, scholars, and literary enthusiasts.
Literary Dialogues
Platforms for members to share ideas and engage in intellectual debate.
Reading Challenges
Structured reading programmes designed to encourage consistent reading.
Creative Writing Workshops
Training sessions in poetry, drama, fiction, and literary criticism.
Special Literary Events
Book readings, themed discussions, and literary festivals.
Student Competitions
Essay writing, reading challenges, poetry, prose, and drama competitions.
Community Outreach
Extension activities to promote reading outside the university.
Programme Sustainability
Building a lasting legacy of literary excellence
1
Maintain structured weekly meetings
2
Partner with academic departments and faculties
3
Collaborate with publishers and literary organisations
4
Organise annual literary festivals and book fairs
5
Encourage alumni participation
6
Seek institutional support and sponsorship
7
Develop digital reading platforms and online engagement
8
Establish mentorship programmes
Membership
Join our community of passionate readers
Who Can Join
Students of the University
Academic staff
Non-academic staff
Alumni
Literary enthusiasts within the university community
Requirements
Registration through the membership form
Attendance at orientation
Participation in discussions and activities