In the September 2024 edition of the Librarian Spotlight Africa Programme, Dr. Sola Owolabi was recognized for his pioneering work in bibliotherapy and cinema therapy. A senior lecturer and public speaker, Dr. Owolabi uses storytelling through literature and media to address societal challenges such as juvenile delinquency, violence, and peer pressure—particularly among adolescents.

In an interview anchored by Sylvester Ebhonu, Dr. Sola Owolabi stressed that librarianship extends far beyond managing books. “Librarianship is not just about books,” he explained. “Librarians are philosophers and creators of knowledge. We must use our platforms to tackle real-world issues and foster healing.” His video, *Soliloquizing on Violence in Nigeria*, reflects his mission to use cinema therapy to promote unity and healing in divided communities.

Dr. Owolabi also shared his career transition from the corporate world—having worked with UBA and KPMG—to academia, where he now serves as a senior lecturer at Bells University of Technology. His work in bibliotherapy, including his book *The Library Boy*, demonstrates his belief in the transformative power of libraries to empower underserved communities.

During the event, Dr. Owolabi’s close friend and fellow academic, Dr. Ayodele John Alonge, commended Dr Owolabi’s  extensive knowledge and insight, describing him as “a living encyclopedia of ideas, libraries, and information.” Building a connection with Dr. Owolabi, he noted, is a wise decision for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding and knowledge…

Key Insights from Dr. Sola Owolabi’s Transformative Approach to Librarianship: Highlights from the Interview

A key takeaway from the interview was his advice to librarians interested in creative therapies: “Start small. Focus on the message and the needs of your audience, and you will grow.”

• Librarianship is More Than Books – Librarians play a vital role in addressing societal issues through storytelling, literature, and media.
• Use Bibliotherapy and Cinema Therapy – Creative therapies like bibliotherapy and cinema therapy can tackle challenges like juvenile delinquency and social violence.
• Start Small, Focus on Impact– Begin with simple resources, focusing on the message and audience needs. Your impact will grow over time.
• Leverage the Power of Narrative – Use storytelling to inspire, connect with people, and address personal and societal challenges.
• Embrace Technology – Integrate new technologies, such as AI, to ensure libraries remain relevant in the digital age.
• Empower Communities Through Libraries – Libraries are key to education and empowerment, especially for underserved communities.
• Prioritize Collaboration and Mentorship – Share knowledge, collaborate, and mentor others to advance the profession.
• Commit to Lifelong Learning – Continuously learn and adapt to stay at the forefront of technological and therapeutic innovations in the field.

The Librarian Spotlight Africa Programme, hosted by Sylvester Ebhonu (The Digital Librarian), with Mrs. Folashade Adepoju serving as the Evaluation Committee lead, recognized Dr. Sola Owolabi as the *Librarian of the Month* for September 2024. The certificate, signed by Mrs. Adepoju, honors his innovative work, which continues to inspire librarians and educators across Africa, showcasing how creativity can shape the future of libraries. Watch the full interview here.

Optimistic Scholar, congratulations, Dr. Sola Owolabi! This well-deserved award reflects your hard work and excellence. Your journey is truly inspiring, and we are proud of all you’ve achieved. Wishing you continued success and even greater accomplishments—keep shining and breaking new ground!