Lusaka Public Library, Downtown

Just around the corner from my hotel is the Lusaka Public Library where I met Stella Muntanga, one of the Lusaka Public librarians. She was very helpful in giving me background about the library, its collection, and the state of librarianship and public libraries in Zambia.

Stella tells me that libraries in Zambia receive very little funding as the government fails to make them a priority. When I asked her what does the government make a priority she gave me a simple smile but no reply. Change of subject.

The library building itself is very attractive with an interesting design. Stella tells me it was built in the 1940s, in the era of colonialism, although the style reminds me more of the 1960s. Most definitely, as Stella mentions, the library is in need of renovation. Inside the library are an estimated 50 college students studying for university exams.

The majority of books in the library have been received as donations from the British Consul and BAI (Book Aid International). Recently a representative from BAI came to Lusaka Public Library and had the staff fill out a form requesting materials. More than 2,000 new requested titles have arrived and now await cataloging.

The library is a circulating collection and Stella tells me that the residents of Lusaka do check out books for pleasure reading. The problem is that many of the books are not returned and when the overdue notices are mailed out they often come back, stamped addressee no longer at residence.

The Lusaka Public Library does have a children's library. It is a room with a large open space in the center, about ten small chairs for the children, book carts holdings picture books and textbooks, as well as a work station and newer materials kept on shelves behind the staff member.

Stella tells me that children are dropped off by their parents, especially during

the holidays, and are eager to read the books. She

also stresses that this is not a residential area and that the two library branches in the suburbs have more expansive children's collections. By Western standards, the children's library would not be recognizable as such. But I have also visited countries where the concept of childrens' libraries with picture books is non-existent.

Gladys Lilanda, sister cataloger, Lusaka Public Library.