SERIKALI YA MAPINDUZI YA ZANZIBAR
BODI YA HUDUMA ZA MAKTABA ZANZIBAR
Learn about the Zanzibar Library Services Board — our history since 1988, our mandate under Act No. 7 of 1993, our mission and vision, the statutory functions of the Board, our governance structure, and the five branch offices that serve every community across Unguja and Pemba.
The Zanzibar Library Services Board (ZLSB) is a government organ under the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MoEVT), Zanzibar. It was formally constituted by the Zanzibar Parliament through Act No. 7 of 1993, which gave the Board the legal mandate to promote, establish, equip, maintain, and develop library services throughout the islands of Zanzibar.
The need to establish a public library in Zanzibar was first raised by the Hockey's Report. Although the political changes of the early 1960s interrupted the project, the spirit was revived in the 1980s — first through a proposal from USIS (United States Information Service), and then through the support of the British Council. In 1988, the Zanzibar Public Library — the first public library in Zanzibar — was established by MoEVT in Zanzibar Town, first housed in the Ex-Telecom Building (now the Serena Inn), then relocated in late 1989 to Vuga, near the High Court.
In December 1994, the first branch library opened in Chake Chake, Pemba. From April 2005, five district libraries were established in Zanzibar Island and three in Pemba, initially accommodated in Teacher Centres. Today, ZLSB operates five branches across Unguja and Pemba, serving children, youths, students, researchers, and all members of the community.
The need for a public library in Zanzibar was first identified through the Hockey's Report. However, the political changes in Zanzibar in the early 1960s interrupted the project before it could be implemented. The vision for a Central Public Library persisted quietly, waiting to be revived.
The spirit was revived in the 1980s. The United States Information Service (USIS) dispatched two containers of books and furniture, with the Ex-Telecom Building proposed as the library site. When the US Government postponed the programme, the materials were handed to the Ministry of Education. The Ministry then turned to the British Council for support — a partnership that would finally bring Zanzibar its first public library.
In 1988, the Zanzibar Public Library — the first public library in Zanzibar — was established in Zanzibar Town by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training. It was first housed in the Ex-Telecom Building (now the famous Serena Inn). In late 1989, it relocated to a temporary base in Vuga, near the Zanzibar High Court.
The Zanzibar Parliament formally constituted the Zanzibar Library Services Board (ZLSB) through Act No. 7 of 1993. This landmark legislation gave ZLSB the legal mandate to promote, establish, equip, maintain and develop libraries throughout the entire archipelago of Zanzibar.
In December 1994, the first branch library was opened in Chake Chake on the sister island of Pemba, extending ZLSB services beyond Unguja and bringing library access to the Pemba community for the very first time.
From April 2005, five district libraries were established in Zanzibar Island and three in Pemba. As a starting point, these were temporarily accommodated in established Teacher Centres (TC), centrally located in each district and supplied with initial book collections, with further supplies planned for September 2006.
ZLSB embraced digital innovation — establishing ICT labs, launching an Online Library Portal, and providing fast, adequate digital information through internet services. The Board partnered with the American Corner to provide English-language and cultural resources, and continues to offer short courses for library workers, support NGOs and schools, and conduct seminars in cooperation with TLA, AZLIS, and SLADS.
The guiding principles of ZLSB — as defined in the Board's official statements and the vision declared in 2004/2005.
To create a conducive working environment for efficient and effective delivery of services; to ensure good maintenance and provision of necessary facilities; to provide good library service; to purchase books, newspapers and periodicals; and to provide fast, adequate digital information through internet services.
"To have a society which is satisfied with good library and information services."
This vision was formally declared by the Zanzibar Library Services in 2004/2005 and continues to guide all that we do.
To help and support the education, cultural, leisure and information needs of all peoples of Zanzibar and Pemba — from the youngest child to the most experienced researcher, in both urban and rural communities.
As mandated by the Zanzibar Library Services Board Act of 1993, the following are the key functions of the Board:
To promote, establish, equip, maintain and develop libraries in the Islands of Zanzibar in such a manner as to meet the library requirements of the whole population.
To actively promote book reading and library use throughout the islands, stimulating public interest in literature generally and Swahili literature in particular.
To set up, establish, equip, manage, maintain and develop documentation centres and to provide documentation services throughout Zanzibar.
To initiate, sponsor, participate in, finance and assist in campaigns for the eradication of illiteracy across both Unguja and Pemba islands.
To provide efficient and effective library service in both urban and rural areas, catering for the library needs of all sectors of the community regardless of location.
To encourage the production and distribution of books and other literary works, contributing to the growth of a local publishing culture in Zanzibar.
To provide facilities for the study of and training in the principles, procedures and techniques of librarianship — including short courses for untrained library workers operating departmental libraries.
To sponsor, arrange and provide facilities for conferences and seminars on library and documentation matters, and to cooperate with TLA, AZLIS and SLADS.
To help schools, government institutions and NGOs establish their libraries or documentation centres, and to offer services to students conducting research.
To work with embassies and NGOs to conduct special programmes and paper shows — including the American Corner partnership which provides English-language and US cultural resources to the public.
The Zanzibar Library Services Board is a government organ under the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MoEVT). According to the MoEVT organisation chart, the Board is directly under the Minister.
The President of Zanzibar appoints the Chairman and the Director of the Board. The Minister of Education and Vocational Training appoints the remaining Board members.
For day-to-day management, the Director is responsible for all library affairs. The Director is also the Secretary of the Board and the Chief Librarian. The Director is assisted by two Assistant Chief Librarians — one for the Zanzibar Public Library (Unguja) and one in charge of the Pemba Public Library.
Appoints the Chairman and the Director of the Board
Appoints remaining Board members; Board is directly under the Minister
Chaired by appointed Chairman; oversees strategic direction and policy
Secretary of the Board, Chief Librarian, and responsible for day-to-day management of library affairs
One for Zanzibar Public Library (Unguja); one for Pemba Public Library
From Unguja to Pemba, ZLSB's five branches ensure that no community is too far from the knowledge they deserve. The Head Office is at Maisara, Unguja; the Pemba regional office is at Chachani, Chake Chake.
The Head Office and main library branch of ZLSB, serving as the academic and administrative heart. It offers the largest collection, research support, ICT labs, the Children's Corner, digital resources, and dedicated study spaces.
A well-established branch in Unguja supporting teaching and learning through access to textbooks, reference materials, and quiet study areas for students and community members.
Opened in December 1994 as the first branch library outside Unguja, and also serving as the Pemba Regional Office at Chachani, Chake Chake. A key resource for academic and community needs in central Pemba.
Strategically located in northern Pemba to enhance access for the Wete community. Provides essential academic materials, study facilities, and a supportive learning environment for students and community members.
Serving the academic and informational needs of southern Pemba. Offers organised library collections, study facilities, and dedicated information support services for residents across the Mkoani district.
Our dedicated leadership team drives the vision, strategy, and day-to-day operations that keep ZLSB at the forefront of library services in Zanzibar.
