The children you help at Lubuto libraries (3 of 4)

We got that book back in her hands right away!


Lubuto libraries welcome Zambia's young people in safe, inclusive and joy-filled spaces-giving them opportunities to grow, learn and thrive. The libraries' doors are often the only ones open to the most vulnerable children, including those out of school, children with disabilities, young mothers and those living on the street. The libraries' supportive environments feature:

  • extensive and accessible collections of the best fiction and informational literature for young people, in English and Zambian languages, and the best print, film and digital media available
  • programming that has given over 25,000 children education and literacy, social and emotional learning and self-expression through reading, music, art, drama, technology, mentoring, English and Zambian literacy, and much more
  • regular, targeted outreach that ensures that each child in need finds a home in the library

The Model Library was perhaps never appreciated more than when it was no longer there. The scores of children who visited it every chance they got have missed it tremendously. They had a lot to say in anticipation of the new library:

"I miss doing art as a group sharing stories, ideas and I miss listening to the soft music uncle Enesto plays during art sessions on Saturday which helps me focus when drawing. At home a lot of my friends have joined groups with bad influence, I just want the library to open soon because I have missed art family."

"Am so excited about the new library. Am happy about the teen space, I think it's nice for us to be in our own space."

"You have no idea how excited I am to hear that a new library is coming. I wish I can help the contractor to finish fast so that we start using it immediately. I have two children and they'll be the first to enter the early childhood center. I guess the work will be a lot when this new library will be opened, I would love to volunteer too!"

"Wow! all those buildings will be built! Am so happy! See now, we'll have our library back and better! I can't wait to see how it looks! We'll protect this one!"

"Am happy knowing that the library is coming back bigger and better and I have missed a lots of programs like Art and Drama. I can't wait to be inside the new library with new books."

Please let the children know you're there for them: