Developing a Sustainable School Library Model for Promoting Reading Culture and Academic Success in Jigawa State, Nigeria

School libraries play a vital role in promoting literacy, independent learning, and academic achievement. However, many secondary school libraries in Jigawa State, Nigeria, face persistent challenges that undermine their effectiveness and long-term sustainability. This study aimed to assess the current state of school libraries in selected secondary schools, identify the structural and operational challenges affecting their effectiveness, examine students' reading habits, and develop a sustainable school library model for promoting reading culture and academic success. The study adopted a mixed-methods research methodology, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of the research problem, while a descriptive survey research design guided the collection of data from participants in their natural settings. The target population comprised students, teachers, and librarians in selected secondary schools in Jigawa State. Using stratified purposive sampling, a sample of 160 participants, consisting of 100 students, 50 teachers, and 10 librarians drawn from ten secondary schools, was selected for the study. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and observation checklists. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed moderate library utilization but significant challenges, including inadequate funding, outdated collections, shortage of qualified librarians, poor ICT infrastructure, weak institutional support, and a declining reading culture. Based on these findings, the Jigawa Sustainable School Library Transformation Framework (JSSLTF) was developed, integrating sustainable funding, professional staffing, ICT integration, curriculum-aligned collections, reading promotion programmes, and stakeholder collaboration. The study recommends increased investment in school library infrastructure, continuous professional development for library personnel, stronger policy implementation, enhanced ICT integration, and active community participation. The study concludes that sustainable school libraries can be achieved through coordinated policy support, adequate funding, professional staffing, and stakeholder collaboration, and that implementing the JSSLTF has the potential to significantly strengthen reading culture, improve literacy, and enhance academic performance among secondary school students in Jigawa State.