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Community Libraries in Zimbabwe

Regional Library of the British Broadcasting Corporation in Bristol, England

The majority of public libraries in Zimbabwe remain legacies of the colonial era. Their stock is composed largely of donations which are frequently out-of-date or irrelevant. However, a number of initiatives are attempting to provide an appropriate service to both urban and rural communities. Emphasis is on books in the vernacular, follow-up materials for new literates and encouraging both children and adults to read for pleasure. The projects discussed highlight the importance of providing library services in appropriate locations, of talking to communities to discover their true book and information needs and the value of volunteers. These successful initiatives are set against the difficulties of the National Library and Documentation Service plans and its problems in reaching the less privileged members of society.

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