Thanks to the generous support of the Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGHSP) Programme, ZLS is now able to complete the construction of a new central library and headquarters for Zanzibar Library Services in Gymkhana, Zanzibar Town.
Due for completion in late 2007, this construction project will provide Zanzibar Library Services with enough space to:
- Accommodate up to 200 library users at any one time
- Create a dedicated children’s area, separate from the rest of the library, where ZLS staff will be able to offer more literacy and reading promotion activities for children without disturbing the other users of the library.
- Set up new systems to manage the distribution of library materials and mobile library units to Teacher Centre and school libraries in isolated communities with greater speed and efficiency.
- Develop a training area within the new library, expanding the current provision on in-service training to prospective school librarians to include a professional development resource area and training and support activities to strengthen the LIS community in Zanzibar.
- Establish a computer room within the library with free Internet access for library members.
ZLS is still urgently looking for further help to equip the new library with furniture and computers, and to buy locally published books to fill the library shelves. If you or your organisation is in a position to help in any way, please do not hesitate to contact the Director of Zanzibar Library Services for more information about this ongoing project.
