Sh2.4bn library to boost reading culture

A Sh2.4 billion modern library is set to deal ignorance a major blow by providing research services and boosting the reading culture.

The library in Nairobi’s community area, and whose first floor has just been completed, has a sitting capacity for 5,000, and boasts a full-fledged digital library, a publishing press and recording studios.

Other features of the Kenya National Library Service complex include auditoriums, a gallery and a cultural hub where artists will display their creative works to the public.

A digital library means readers can have access to books and other publications such as journals online, and they can be directed to directories that may contain information they seek through the Internet.

KNLS director Richard Atuti said the new library will not only change the impression that KNLS stocked old, outdated publications, but also address the needs of the current and future generations.

In particular, Mr Atuti said, the new library had invested heavily in information and communication technology following studies in best library practices globally in terms of design, technology integration and cultural values.

The library is expected to offer readers a fresh list of books, since all publishers in the country will deposit at least two copies of each new book, he added.

It will also serve as the repository centre for such global organisations as the World Bank and the International Labour Organisation.

“This is an iconic library which depicts the national aspirations and the seriousness of the government to win the fight against ignorance by promoting reading across all sectors,” he told the Nation.

International library

It will also bear the duty of international book exchanges, borrowing and lending among other libraries. Registered readers will borrow from the international library community and participate in the library information activities of related international organisations.

The library will also act as a training institution for librarians, where they will undertake document research and provide specialised consultancy services to both the government and others through storage and information searching technology.

“The library will serve as a tool for global competitiveness, as well as facilitate exchange of bibliographic information,” Mr Atuti said on Tuesday in his offices at the Buru Buru library, where KNLS headquarters have been moved for the time being.

At the same time, 27 other libraries have been earmarked for construction in various counties to cap the number of government libraries at 86 across the country.

The demand for library services, Mr Atuti noted, had increased following the banning of tuition by Education Minister Mutula Kilonzo.

“The library is the only place where the parents can send their children to spend quality time during the holiday seasons,” Mr Atuti said.

In Nakuru, for instance, attendance shot up from 18,000 in July to 68,000 this month, while in Buru Buru, the numbers rose to 28,000 from 10,000 in the same period.

“These are the only meaningful recreation centres where parents feel the children are constructively engaged during the holiday season.”

The counties where libraries are to be set up are Makueni, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Turkana, West Pokot, Samburu, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi and Machakos.

Others are Tharaka Nithi, Lamu, Kwale, Bungoma, Busia, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Nyamira, Vihiga, Taita Taveta, Kajiado, Bomet, Kitui, Tana River and Marsabit.

Mr Atuti noted that the setting up of the county governments will boost the establishment of the libraries.

The setting up of constituent colleges by public universities throughout the country has further increased the demand for the libraries as most of the colleges lack the facilities. “A population which is informed is an easily governed population,” he said.