27/04/2026
SCHOOLS TO HAVE LIBRARIES IN NEW INFRASTRUCTURE β VEEP
By Curiah Mpofu
All schools to be constructed in Zambia will include libraries in their structural design, Vice President W.K. Mutale Nalumango has announced.
Speaking during the official opening of the 27th Standing Conference of Eastern, Central and Southern African Library and Information Associations (SCECSAL) in Livingstone, Mrs Nalumango said Government had introduced measures aimed at strengthening reading culture and improving access to information in learning institutions.
She said a library period had been introduced on the national school calendar for primary schools to promote reading among learners, adding that existing schools without libraries were being progressively supported to establish the facilities.
Mrs Nalumango said a School Library Manual had been developed to guide operations in learning institutions, while the National Digital Library had been completed and would soon be made available to schools, institutions of learning and the general public.
She further stated that Government had facilitated the development of Zambiaβs first National Library Policy since independence in 1964 to strengthen coordination of library and information services and promote lifelong learning.
The Vice President added that four district libraries had been constructed in four provinces using the Constituency Development Fund.
Earlier, Education Minister Douglas Syakalima said libraries remain at the heart of knowledge creation, preservation and information dissemination, describing them as strategic partners in national development.
Mr Syakalima said the Ministry of Education remained committed to ensuring library services are modern, accessible and responsive, while supporting the transition towards digitally enabled knowledge hubs aligned with Zambia Vision 2030.
Meanwhile, SCECSAL President Jacinta Were called for increased investment in libraries and information services, noting their role in supporting education, research and informed decision-making.
And Library and Information Association of Zambia President Mubanga Lumpa commended Government for approving the National Library Policy, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening access to information and promoting literacy.
The conference is being held under the theme βAfrican Libraries and Information Services at the New Crossroads.β
Livingstone Reports