Utilisation of Public Libraries for Lifelong Learning in Benin City, Edo State

This study examined the utilisation of public library facilities for lifelong learning among adults in Benin City, Edo State, South South Nigeria. Public libraries represent underutilised assets for lifelong learning promotion, capable of providing free access to information, educational resources, and structured learning programmes for adult populations. The study adopted a descriptive survey design involving 130 adult library users and 15 library staff members drawn from the Edo State Library and two branch libraries in Benin City. Questionnaires, library usage logs, and interviews formed the data collection base. Findings indicated that most adult library users visited primarily for recreational reading and internet access rather than structured educational purposes. Awareness of dedicated adult learning programmes and services offered by the library was low among the general public. Regular library users reported significant self-directed learning benefits from library resource access, particularly in areas of professional development reading, news consumption, and children's academic support. Infrastructure challenges including irregular electricity, outdated book collections, insufficient computers, and slow internet connectivity were identified as barriers to maximising library utilisation for learning. Librarians reported receiving little professional training in adult learning facilitation or programme design. Recommendations include training librarians in adult learning facilitation and programming, establishing dedicated adult learning corners with structured self-study materials, expanding digital literacy workshops for adults, and conducting community outreach campaigns to promote library-based learning opportunities. Libraries' integration into formal adult education referral networks is also recommended. Keywords: public libraries, lifelong learning, adult education, Benin City, library utilisation.