Remembering late President Kenneth Kaunda at the Lubuto Model Library opening

"I am convinced that the Lubuto Libraries are a one-time investment whose returns will multiply over generations."
-President Kenneth Kaunda, in his speech at the 2010 Model Library opening

Today, the day of burial for Zambia's First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda, Lubuto Library Partners joins the whole world in deeply mourning his passing. He was kind and gracious enough to attend the openings of the first two Lubuto libraries as our most honored guest - and was always in his element in an environment supporting education, music and enrichment of the lives of young people.

Prior to COVID-19 and the April 11, 2021 Reading Room fire, the Lubuto Model Library was Zambia's most visited public library, regularly having an average of 2,500 visits each week. Ever since its opening on November 10, 2010 -- attended by some 500 children, youth and adults, despite unseasonably early rains -- the library has been a welcome hub within the community and a success story.

President Kaunda's enthusiastic presence at the opening ceremonies meant so much to the hundreds of children in attendance -- and of course us at Lubuto -- as he greeted guests, delighted in children's performances, danced along with the crowd, eagerly toured the library buildings and delivered opening remarks that truly conveyed his passion for Lubuto libraries. He created a celebratory mood that was felt by all.

11 years later, fire destroyed the Reading Room of the same beloved library

Community members on the scene recalled KK's and U.S. Ambassador Mark Storella's presence at the opening and asked both for help to restore their library.

As word got out internationally, we received an outpouring of support. Here are just a few of the very kind messages people sent:

"Tragedy at the Library. One of the most beautiful libraries in the world, Lubuto Library Partners and with a very remarkable work alongside [its] community, has been devastated by a fire this Sunday, April 11. No [people] were hurt, but a community has become poorer and more isolated." -Lubuto supporter from Chile (as translated to English by Twitter)

"We are very sad to hear about the destruction of Lubuto's Model Library. We follow Lubuto's progress through your newsletters and other sources, and know how valuable the library is to vulnerable children, how rare such services are and so what a terrible loss this will be. We know your spirit is strong and resilient, and wish you all the best in rebuilding the library and restoring its services. With warm regards to you, from everyone at EIFL..."

"Hang in there! Support is around the bend! ... For every breakdown, a breakthrough to follow!" –Eileen Rourke

"I'm so sorry to hear about the model library. We are sending along our condolences. It's so sad and just terrible. Let us know if we can help in any way." -Ed Rumsey

“I just got an e-mail saying one of the libraries has burned down. I am profoundly sorry to hear this. I hope you are okay. If there is anything you need, please ask. If I can, I will.” -Travis Ferrell

Many asked questions about the fire -- and particularly how they could help. We are happy to report that no one was injured and that we have already begun to build the library's Reading Room back better than ever. But we are eager to share with all those who support Lubuto's mission how they can help.

Please register now to join us on July 14th to learn more about how you can help, hear the dramatic story of the fire and how we are rebuilding, and get answers to your questions from Model Library manager Given Besa, architect Eleni Coromvli and President Jane Kinney Meyers.