Lubuto Library Partners

Lubuto’s vision is a world where all children and youth are supported by libraries to reach their full potential and realize their rights to culture and information. Our mission is to demonstrate how a locally-owned network of dynamic, free libraries for African children and youth can enable them to develop the knowledge and skills to connect with their culture and community and participate fully in society.

Lubuto Library Partners (LLP), which started in Zambia, provides a framework for libraries serving young people in sub-Saharan Africa, exemplifying public libraries’ unique ability to include children and youth who are highly vulnerable and not in school. Lubuto libraries support the rights of all young people to equitable education and free expression in safe, accessible and supportive environments. 

Lubuto libraries serve as safe havens for all children and include all three components needed for successful public libraries: 

●      comprehensive, balanced collections of highest quality children’s books, technology resources and other educational and enrichment materials

●      dynamic programming offering education, psychosocial support and self-expression through reading, music, art, drama, computers, mentoring and other activities

●      ongoing, targeted outreach that brings young people into their library and brings library services to them

Lubuto libraries are owned and operated by local community-based organizations whose mission and values align with ours. Supporting the network of locally owned libraries are an urban library model in Lusaka and a rural library model in Nabukuyu, Southern Province. The urban Lubuto Model Library, which is situated on grounds provided by Zambia’s education ministry, is a center for education, training, and administration of children’s library services. The rural Mumuni Model Library is located on land provided by traditional authorities of the area and addresses the unique needs and situation of rural children and youth.  

Lubuto constructs sustainable library facilities whose design is inspired by traditional and contemporary social and cultural patterns. Separate buildings support the varied functions of the library, and the economical use of open space accommodates large numbers of children and activities and community participation. 

Lubuto partners with local and international rights organizations to advocate for the universal rights of young people. Sustainability has been central to all aspects of Lubuto's work since inception, guided by continuous monitoring, evaluation and learning from our evolving children and youth libraries and the communities they serve.

Lubuto’s objectives are to:

●      create open access to child-friendly, culture-specific, expertly-staffed libraries with the highest quality literature for young people

●      support holistic development and advocate for the rights of all children and youth, especially the marginalized

●      provide education for librarians, communities and teachers in public library services for children and youth

Lubuto’s approach is to:

1.     identify target community and hosts

2.     build library facilities reflecting social, economic and cultural patterns

3.     provide great collections & resources

4.     establish targeted and innovative programming

5.     carry out effective outreach

6.     provide education in library services for children and youth

7.     monitor and evaluate libraries’ impact for learning and advocacy