SERIKALI YA MAPINDUZI YA ZANZIBAR
BODI YA HUDUMA ZA MAKTABA ZANZIBAR
Your gateway to borrowing and accessing library resources
The Circulation Desk is the central hub for all borrowing activities at the Zanzibar Library. Our friendly staff is here to assist you with checking out materials, returning items, renewing loans, and answering any questions about your library account.
We strive to make the borrowing process seamless and efficient, ensuring you have access to the resources you need for learning, research, and enjoyment.
Serving you with excellence
Comprehensive circulation services to meet all your borrowing needs
Borrow books, journals, media, and other library materials with your membership card.
Return borrowed items or renew them online, in person, or by phone before due dates.
Update your account information, check due dates, and pay fines at the circulation desk.
Place holds on materials that are currently checked out to other patrons.
Pay overdue fines and replacement fees for lost or damaged materials.
Get help locating materials, using library equipment, and answering general questions.
Simple steps to access our library resources
Register for a membership card with valid identification and proof of address.
Use our catalog system to locate books and other resources you need.
Bring your selections and library card to the circulation desk for checkout.
Return items by the due date or renew them if you need more time.
Understanding our borrowing guidelines
3 weeks (can be renewed twice if no holds)
2 weeks (one renewal allowed)
1 week (no renewals)
2 weeks (one renewal allowed)
TZS 500 per day per item (maximum TZS 5,000 per item)
Replacement cost plus processing fee of TZS 10,000
Repair or replacement cost assessed case by case
TZS 5,000 for lost or damaged library cards
Our service hours for borrowing and returns
| Monday - Thursday | 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Holiday Hours | Vary - Please check announcements |
Returns can be made anytime using the book drop located at the library entrance
Find answers to common questions about our circulation services.
To get a library card, visit any Zanzibar Library Services Board branch with a valid photo ID and proof of current address. For children under 18, a parent or guardian must be present with their ID to sign the registration form. Library cards are free for Zanzibar residents.
Regular members can borrow up to 10 items at one time. This includes a maximum of 5 DVDs or audiobooks. Teachers with educator cards may borrow up to 20 items for classroom use.
Most books circulate for 3 weeks (21 days). DVDs and audiobooks circulate for 1 week (7 days). Some high-demand items may have shorter loan periods. You can renew most items once if there are no holds on them.
You can renew items in several ways:
Late items accrue fines of 500 TZS per day per item. There is a maximum fine of 5,000 TZS per item. Accounts with more than 10,000 TZS in fines will be blocked from borrowing until the fines are paid. We send courtesy reminders before items are due and when they become overdue.
Still have questions? Our staff is happy to help!
Contact Circulation DeskOur circulation staff is ready to help with your borrowing needs and account questions
Welcome to the Zanzibar Library Service Board. Our mission is to provide accessible, high-quality library services to all citizens of Zanzibar. We are committed to fostering a culture of reading, learning, and intellectual growth in our community.
Dr. Ulfat Abdul-Aziz Ibrahim Director’s BiographyWe are delighted to have you at the Zanzibar Library Service Board (ZLSB). Our doors are open to everyone seeking knowledge, inspiration, and connection.
Explore our vast resources, join our community events, and let us support your journey of discovery and growth
Zanzibar Library Services Board (ZLSB) is a public institution responsible for the development, management, and promotion of library and information services across Zanzibar.
The Board plays a key role in supporting education, research, innovation, and lifelong learning by ensuring access to both physical and digital knowledge resources.
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Discover the range of public services we provide to support learning, research, and community development.
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