Zambia library service

14/10/2026

🌍 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐈 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐓 𝐓𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄! 🚶🏽

The reading campaign went into the community as an outreach programme was held in Chamunda Zone, Masaiti District, Copperbelt Province, to promote a reading culture and remind communities that books are powerful tools for learning and personal development.
In this era, if readers won't come to the books, the books must grow legs and follow the readers! 📚
When library doors remain unopened, our mission does not stop there. We will take books into communities, reach learners where they are, and continue championing reading as a pathway to improved academic performance and lifelong learning.

The Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) places emphasis on learner-centred and individual learning, making the library an essential resource in helping learners explore, discover, develop critical thinking skills, and take charge of their own learning.
Our message is simple: If the readers won't come to the library, the library will go to the readers! ❤️📚

Together, let us build a strong reading culture, one community at a time!

05/10/2026

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐒’ 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔📚

Today, we celebrate and honour the dedication, passion and invaluable contribution of teachers who inspire minds, nurture potential and shape the future of our communities and nation under the theme " Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures"

As we celebrate your commitment to educating, empowering and inspiring learners, we are reminded of the importance of standing with teachers, protecting the teaching profession, advancing its status and recognising the vital role teachers play in shaping our futures.
Thank you for being a guiding light and for helping to build a brighter future, one learner at a time.

Happy World Teachers’ Day to all our dedicated teachers!

03/10/2026

𝐁𝐄𝐘𝐎𝐍𝐃 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐕𝐄𝐒: THE TRANSFORMATIVE ROLE OF LIBRARIANS IN CHILD LITERACY IN ZAMBIA

A Story in Pictures-Milenge Primary School in Milenge District of Luapula Province

Child literacy is the ability of children to read, write, understand and use information from age 0-12. According to ZANEC 2023, 60% of Grade 6 learners in Zambia fail to read at the required level.

As passionate librarians, we have taken it personal. We are no longer just _keepers of books_ - we are teachers of reading.

10 KEY ROLES OF LIBRARIANS IN CHILD LITERACY

𝟏. 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 / 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬
Librarians make reading enjoyable and not a punishment through read-aloud sessions, storytelling and book talks.

𝟐. 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐠𝐞-𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬
Librarians select suitable materials to support child literacy e.g. picture books, story books, and educational board games according to age.

𝟑. 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝-𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬
Librarians create colourful, welcoming and safe spaces with low shelves and reading mats to make literacy interesting for children.

𝟒. 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲
Librarians teach children basic information skills such as how to hold a book, turn pages, use a dictionary and locate a book on the shelf.

𝟓. 𝐀 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥
Librarians connect home and school by promoting homework policy and encouraging parents to support reading at home.

𝟔. 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞
Librarians preserve Zambian culture by collecting and sharing local folktales, myths and stories in the seven local languages.

𝟕. 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬
Librarians help identify reading and writing challenges in a child at an early stage for quick intervention.

𝟖. 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬
Librarians advocate for the integration of ICT in early childhood education through e-books, audio books and educational tablets.

𝟗. 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬
Librarians organize programs such as spelling bee, reading competitions and literacy activities, especially in September which is National Literacy Month.

𝟏𝟎. 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲
Librarians advocate for and implement the existing National Library Policy and School Library Manual.

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO ACHIEVE THESE ROLES?

1. Deploy at least one children's librarian per district, even on a voluntary basis to start.
2. Enforce the School Library Policy under the Ministry of Education in all public schools.
3. Increase production of children's books in Zambian local languages through partnership with the Zambia Curriculum Development Centre (CDC).
4. Use the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to build community children's libraries.
5. Train librarians in early childhood literacy

CONCLUSION

To sum it up, librarians play a central role in laying the foundation for child literacy in Zambia. They are not just custodians of books but educators, motivators, cultural custodians and advocates. Without active librarians, Zambia's goal of achieving 100% literacy by 2030 and the 8th National Development Plan (8NDP) will not be achieved. Investing in children's librarians is investing in Zambia's future human capital.

Your Passionate Librarian/Child Literacy Advocate _Kaula Kanyemba Mwanza -DALICE_❤️

02/10/2026

𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐟𝐲𝐚 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡! 🌊

Following a week of activities dedicated to commemorating International Literacy Day, librarians took time to step away from the busy schedule of literacy-centred engagements and come together for a team-building and staff wellness session at Samfya Beach.

The session provided an opportunity for staff to reflect on the week’s activities, strengthen teamwork, build stronger working relationships and recharge in a relaxed environment. Through shared moments, team interactions and a little fun, staff were reminded of the importance of collaboration and camaraderie in advancing the work of libraries and promoting literacy.

After a productive week of engaging communities and championing the role of libraries and librarians in literacy development, the team closed the commemorative activities on a refreshing note, reconnecting as colleagues, celebrating shared efforts and strengthening the spirit of teamwork. 🌊🤝📖

02/10/2026

📚 𝐀 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐘 𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐄 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐓

The Ministry of Education through Zambia Library Service officially opened the Milenge Public Library as part of this year’s International Literacy Day commemoration, held under the theme “Literacy for the People, the Planet and Prosperity.”

The opening of the library brings this theme to life by creating greater opportunities for people in Milenge District to access books, information and learning resources. As a community space for reading, learning and knowledge-sharing, the library will contribute to building a more literate, informed and empowered community.

The establishment of the Milenge Public Library marks an important step towards promoting a reading culture for both personal and national development, while ensuring that literacy and access to information reach communities at the grassroots.

📖 Milenge opens its doors to knowledge, learning and opportunity!

01/10/2026

𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 | 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬

The Ministry of Education through Zambia Library Service (ZLS) continued its efforts to promote literacy and cultivate a strong reading culture through a school outreach programme on Day Four.

The outreach team visited Kasoma Bangweulu Primary School, Sanfia Primary School and Sanfia Secondary School, where learners were engaged on the importance of reading and making effective use of library resources to support their academic and personal development.

As part of the outreach, 120 books were donated to each of the two primary schools, Kasoma Bangweulu Primary School and Samfya Primary School, to strengthen their library collections and provide learners with increased access to reading materials.

At Samfya Secondary School, the team engaged Grade 12 and Form 2 learners in a session focused on examination preparation, including practical ways of managing stress during the examination period. The school also received a donation of books to further support learning and reading.

Through these school outreach activities, the Zambia Library Service continues to take library services closer to communities, promote a reading culture, and support learners with access to information and resources that contribute to lifelong learning and development.

📖 Promoting a reading culture for both personal and national development.

30/09/2026

𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄 | 𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐘 𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐊 📚🚶🏾‍♀️🚶🏾‍♂️

Day Three of the literacy activities in Samfya District was marked by a vibrant Literacy Walk, bringing together Librarians, learners from various schools, members of the community and other stakeholders in a collective effort to promote literacy and a culture of reading.

The walk was officially flagged off by the Samfya District Commissioner Mr Kanonko , as participants took the literacy message into the community and raised awareness on the important role libraries play in promoting literacy, supporting learning and providing access to information and knowledge.

The activity also encouraged members of the public to make use of libraries within their localities and take advantage of the resources and learning opportunities they provide.

Through the Literacy Walk, the Ministry of Education, through Zambia Library Service, continues to engage communities and promote greater awareness of the role of libraries in improving literacy levels and fostering a reading culture for both personal and national development.

📚 Taking the literacy message to the community, one step at a time

30/09/2026

29/09/2026

𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝟐 | 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐘 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

Day 2 of the literacy commemoration in Milenge District marked the official opening of the commemoration, bringing together learners, teachers, education officials, stakeholders and community members to celebrate the importance of literacy, reading and lifelong learning.

The day commenced with a colourful march-past, as participating schools and stakeholders came together to demonstrate their support for literacy and education.

The programme was further enlivened by a range of activities, including debates, spelling and reading competitions, poetry, drama and vibrant cultural dances, giving learners an opportunity to showcase their knowledge, creativity, confidence and talents.

The official opening was graced by the Milenge District Commissioner, Mr. Kayula Musonda, who encouraged parents and guardians to prioritise their children’s education and provide the necessary support for them to succeed. He further urged the community to make full use of the newly established Milenge District Library as a valuable resource for reading, learning and accessing information.

Also present was the District Education Board Secretary (DEBS) for Milenge, alongside other education officials and stakeholders.

A significant highlight was the newly established Milenge District Library, which has received 1,080 copies of books, further strengthening its collection and expanding access to reading and learning materials for the community.
The participating schools were also recognised, with the winning schools receiving books to add to their school libraries and collections, contributing to efforts aimed at strengthening reading and improving literacy levels among learners.

The official opening was a true celebration of literacy, bringing together education, reading, creativity, culture and community participation in recognition of the transformative role literacy plays in individual and national development.

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬.