Zambia library service

Zambia library service Formally the Northern Rhodesian Library Services which later became Zambian Library Services after independence in 1964 and inaugurated in 1962.

(ZLS) came into existence in 1962 as a Department of Ministry of Education (MOE). Welcome to the ZLS HQ page. Formally the Northern Rhodesian Library Services, which became the Zambian Library Service after independence in 1964, was inaugurated in 1962 as a department of the Ministry of Education (MOE). The purpose of creating the library service was to develop and establish a public library network in the country. Currently, ZLS is a unit under the Directorate of Teacher Education and Specialized Services (TESS) at Ministry headquarters. ZLS runs a network of public and branch libraries across the country namely; Kasama, Chipata, Solwezi, Mongu, Choma and Mansa Provincial Public Libraries. Some branch libraries include Kaoma district branch library and some library centres. The general objectives of the ZLS are to:

• Establish a library network throughout Zambia
• Provide policy guidelines in the provision of library services
• Provide technical and professional support to Ministries, government agencies and schools
• Assist in the training of librarians;

It is responsible for the provision of logistical support for the development of School and College Libraries as well as Teacher Resource Centres. Additionally, ZLS assists in the establishment and promotion of community libraries. To ensure there is an improvement in library service provision in schools and colleges, ZLS collaborates with Provincial Education Officers (PEOs) and District Education Board Secretaries (DEBS) in sensitising authorities in these instructions on the significance of libraries in the teaching and learning process.

IN PICTURESOn 7th August 2026, the Permanent Secretary - Educational Services, Dr. Kelvin Mambwe, officially launched th...
08/08/2026

IN PICTURES

On 7th August 2026, the Permanent Secretary - Educational Services, Dr. Kelvin Mambwe, officially launched the National Library Policy, the National Digital Library, and the School Library Manual.

The ceremony was held at Best Western Plus Hotel in Lusaka. It was led by the Assistant Director of Zambia Library Service, Mrs. Sharon Liato, and supported by Mrs. Mutinta Nabuyanda, who delivered remarks on behalf of the National Library Policy Drafting Technical Committee Chairperson, Mr. Benson Njobvu.

The launch of these three key documents reflects Government’s commitment to strengthening libraries as drivers of knowledge, learning, and national development.





_Remember: FREE EDUCATION is LAW!_
😊🏆🥇🙏🏼

07/08/2026

YOU ARE WATCHING LIVE STREAMING /LAUNCH OF THE NATIONAL LIBRARY POLICY, NATIONAL DIGITAL LIBRARY AND THE SCHOOL LIBRARY MANUAL AT BEST WESTERN PLUS HOTEL -LUSAKA

Where imagination takes you further than you ever thought possible. Welcome to the Imagination Oasis, a place where ever...
30/07/2026

Where imagination takes you further than you ever thought possible. Welcome to the Imagination Oasis, a place where every book opens a new world, every story sparks hope, and every child is free to dream beyond limits.

30/07/2026

𝐀 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 "𝐈𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐬" 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 – 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐬 (𝐔𝐓𝐇)

The mini library was established by the Ministry of Education, through the Zambia Library Service, in collaboration with Book Aid International, to create a welcoming reading space where children receiving treatment can enjoy books, spark their imagination, and find comfort during their hospital stay.

This initiative reflects the shared commitment to ensuring that every child has access to the transformative power of reading, regardless of their circumstances. Books have the ability to educate, inspire, entertain, and provide moments of joy and hope, especially for children facing difficult health challenges.

The Zambia Library Service sincerely thanks Book Aid International for its valued partnership and generous support in making this initiative possible. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of Health for its collaboration and unwavering support in bringing the "Imagination Oasis" Mini Library to life.

Together, we are creating a nurturing environment where reading, learning and imagination continue to thrive.

23/07/2026

BIG NEWS FROM LUAPULA!
We are so excited to announce that Luapula Provincial Library, under the Zambia Library Service, has finally received the long-awaited computers from ZICTA today!

The donation includes:
12 Computers
1 Printer
1 Projector

This generous support will help us expand digital literacy and bring more technology services to the people of Luapula Province.

Thank you ZICTA for investing in the future of learning!

23/07/2026

NEW COMPUTER LESSONS!
The library is no longer just a place for reading!
The Northwestern Provincial Library, in partnership with Next Year Skills, is now offering FREE computer lessons to surrounding communities.

Learn: Basic Computer Skills, Microsoft Office, Internet, Email, and eLibrary use.

Visit the Northwestern Provincial Library to register for the next intake.
Let’s build a digitally skilled community together!

14/07/2026

A powerful reminder that libraries are a shared responsibility 📚🌍

𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠At the just-ended Zambia International Trade Fair, Zamb...
10/07/2026

𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠

At the just-ended Zambia International Trade Fair, Zambia Library Service showcased its services and programmes in line with the theme “Bridging Markets, Building the Future.”

The exhibition provided an opportunity to highlight the 𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬
in promoting access to information, literacy, digital inclusion, and lifelong learning. Through our exhibition, we demonstrated how libraries continue to adapt and create opportunities for communities in an ever-changing world.

A key highlight was the
𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐭 , which encouraged young learners to discover the joy of reading and experience libraries as spaces for imagination, creativity, learning, and growth. Building a strong reading culture starts from a young age. Children should grow up understanding that libraries are not only places to visit during examination periods but valuable spaces that enrich their lives.

As we continue to transform and adapt to the changing needs of our communities, there is a need to breathe new life into libraries by reminding society of their value beyond exam periods. Libraries are more than buildings filled with books; they are gateways to knowledge, innovation, opportunity, and empowered communities.

Every conversation and every platform is an opportunity to advocate for libraries, speak libraries, and inspire a renewed appreciation for these important community spaces.

Let us breathe new life into libraries. Let us grow a reading culture. Let us build the future together.

# Ministry of Education- Zambia

10/07/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐬 𝐄𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝—𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

Today's libraries are no longer silent spaces defined only by bookshelves and reading desks. They are dynamic centres of innovation, digital learning, creativity, and opportunity, equipping people with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century.

At Solwezi Provincial Library, the future is being coded.
Through our Coding from Scratch Boot Camp, participants are discovering the fundamentals of programming, developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills and gaining the digital competencies needed for an increasingly technology-driven world.
This transformation reflects the evolving role of libraries. They are not only gateways to information but also vibrant community hubs where ideas are nurtured, talents are developed, and lifelong learning is inspired.
As Zambia embraces the digital age, libraries continue to play a vital role in empowering citizens with knowledge and future ready skills that contribute to national development.

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭.

06/07/2026

Times of Zambia stopped by our stand at the trade fair and found their 1970 publications with us.

Address

Curriculum Development Centre Building, Haile Selasie Avenue
Lusaka
10101

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 21:55
Tuesday 08:00 - 21:55
Wednesday 08:00 - 21:55
Thursday 08:00 - 21:56
Friday 08:00 - 21:55

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