In this article, we will look at a list of public libraries in Nairobi. Nairobi has several public libraries located both in the city center and the outskirts. Unfortunately, most of these libraries are operated by state organizations with limited budgetary support, which makes it difficult for them to maintain up-to-date book collections. Nonetheless, they have some of the most impressive African books and old local newspaper copies dating back to the early 1900s, providing an invaluable resource for researchers.
Here is a list of public libraries in Nairobi.
Public Libraries In Nairobi
1. Kenya National Library Service (KNLS)
This library is situated in the community area of Upper Hill, opposite the NHIF Building. It first opened its doors to the public in 1974. It is the headquarters of the Kenya National Library Service Board, a state corporation established by the Kenyan government to promote a reading culture through library and information services.
Reading facilities, book lending, Internet and bureau services (photocopying and internet access), access to Kenyan Daily newspapers, videos, and public talks on HIV/AIDS information, Braille library services for the visually impaired, and a mobile library that takes services to the city’s outskirts are among the services provided.
KNLS Entrance Fees
The daily entrance fee is Ksh 20 for adults and free for children. Membership entitles you to borrow books for 14 days at a cost of Ksh 20 for adults and Ksh 5 for children. The registration fee for citizens is Ksh 300 and the annual fee is Ksh 100.
KNLS Opening Hours
The Maktaba Kuu building is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 6.30 pm and Saturday from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm. It is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
KNLS Contact
Phone: +254202739893/2739894/2739896
2. KNLS Buruburu Public Library
This library is situated in Buruburu Phase 2 along Mumias South Road. It is a branch of the main KNLS library in the community area of Nairobi.
Services: These include reading facilities, lending of books, Internet and bureau services (photocopying and, internet access), access to Kenyan daily newspapers, videos, and public talks on HIV/AIDS information, and Braille library services for the visually impaired.
KNLS Buruburu Charges
- Registration fee: Ksh 300
- Annual fee Ksh 100
KNLS Buruburu Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 6.30 pm
- Saturday, 8.30 am to 5.00 pm
- Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
KNLS Buruburu Contact
Email: publiclibrary@knls.ac.ke
3. McMillan Memorial Library
This library is situated in the city center on Banda Street, next to Jamia Mosque. It was established in 1931 in memory of Lord William Northrup MacMillan by his widow. Lord MacMillan was an American big game hunter in Kenya who owned Ol Donyo Sabuk and the areas surrounding this mountain during the colonial era. The library was initially reserved for use by the European community only, until it was taken over by the Nairobi City Council in 1962 and is now the headquarters of the Nairobi City Library Services.
Services: These include reading facilities, the lending of books, an Africana section with some rare books, and a periodical section with newspapers and journals dating as far back as 1906.
McMillan Memorial Library Charges
- Annual subscription: Adults Ksh100, Children Ksh 50
- Researchers: Ksh 200 a week
McMillan Memorial Library Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 6.00 pm
- Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays
McMillan Memorial Library Contact
Phone: (254) 020 721 2651
4. Rahimtulla Trust Library, Library Information Support Services (LISS)
This library is situated in the city center on Mfangano Street, near the Central Bus Station. It was established in 1953 by the Rahimtulla Trust, an Ismailia organization that set out to acquire books that would be representative of all subjects and to allow readership from all walks of life regardless of creed, color, or religion.
Services: These include reading facilities, lending of books, and a periodicals section
Rahimtulla Trust Library Charges
- Subscription: daily Ksh 30, weekly Ksh 150, monthly Ksh 500, and annually Ksh 4000
Rahimtulla Trust Library Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 6.00 pm
- Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays
Rahimtulla Trust Library Contact
Phone: +254(0)20 2312822
5. Kenya National Archives
The Kenya National Archives is situated in the city center on Moi Avenue, opposite the Hilton Hotel. Although this facility was established in 1956, it moved to its current address in the 1970s and now houses a library and an art gallery. In the 1980s, the government acquired the late Joseph Murumbi’s large collection of rare African books, which is now available for review in the library. Public records and documents are also available for review, subject to the 30-year rule for government documents to be made public, and your ability to master the complex cataloging system at the Archives.
Services: These include reading facilities, the lending of books, rare African books, and access to public documents and records.
Kenya National Archives Charges
- Annual membership: Ksh 200
Kenya National Archives Opening Hours
- Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 4.30 pm
- Saturdays, 8.30 am to 1.00 pm
- Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
Kenya National Archives Contact
Phone: +254(0)20 2228959
Mobile: +254(0)722 599212
Email: info@kenyarchives.go.ke
6. East African Herbarium Library
This library is situated at the Nairobi National Museum. It has been engaged in the development and Management of botanical collections since 1982, when it was moved from the East African Community to Arusha, Tanzania.
Services: These include reading facilities, the lending of books and journals, access to a large stock of flora from various continents, and other reference resources.
East African Herbarium Library Opening Hours
- Mondays to Fridays, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
East African Herbarium Library Contact
Phone: 254 20 4448930/3, 254 20 3742131/4
7. Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library, University of Nairobi
This library is situated at the University of Nairobi main campus, off University Way. It was built in the 1980s following the rapid growth of its predecessor, the Gandhi Memorial Library, which eventually led to the need for a bigger facility.
Services: These include reading facilities, lending of books, Internet and bureau services (photocopy and Internet access), binding services, university theses, periodicals, and newspapers.
Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library Charges
- Reading only – daily membership: Ksh 100, monthly membership Ksh 500.
- External borrowers – Ksh 500 plus a refundable deposit of Ksh 3000.
Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library Opening Hours
| On session | Monday to Friday 8 am – 10 pm |
| Saturday 8 am to 5.00 pm | |
| On vacation | Monday to Friday 8 am – 5 pm |
| Saturday 8 am to noon | |
| Closed on Sundays and public holidays | |
Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library Contact
Email: librarian@uonbi.ac.ke
