Library and Information Association of Zambia - LIAZ

Southern Province National Library Week 2026 Concludes Successfully

The Southern Province National Library Week 2026 celebrations concluded successfully at Rusangu University with an official closing ceremony officiated by Dr Oliver Kambuli, the Southern Province Education Officer. In his keynote address, Dr Kambuli encouraged stakeholders to continue re-igniting libraries by embracing innovation, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that libraries remain vibrant centres of learning, research, and community development. He emphasized that libraries are catalysts for literacy, lifelong learning, and the social and economic transformation of communities.

This year's exhibition attracted over 30 exhibitors from across Southern Province, demonstrating the growing commitment to library development and literacy promotion. Following a highly competitive exhibition, St. Secondary School emerged as the Overall Best School Exhibitor, while David Livingstone College of Education was crowned the Best Exhibitor in the Institutions of Higher Learning Category. Awards were also presented in a variety of categories, including Debate, Reading, Spelling, Poetry, Drama, Choral Performances, Cultural Dance, and other literary activities, celebrating excellence, creativity, and innovation among participants.

Hosted by Rusangu University, the 2026 Southern Province National Library Week provided an excellent platform for networking, sharing best practices, and reaffirming the vital role libraries play in education and community development. As the celebrations came to a close, participants left inspired to continue advancing the theme, "Re-Igniting Libraries: Building Partnerships for Thriving Communities," through collaboration, innovation, and sustained investment in library services.

Rusangu University Library joins libraries across the country in commemorating National Library Week 2026 under the theme:

"Reigniting Libraries: Building Thriving Communities."

Through its participation, the library reaffirms its commitment to promoting literacy, supporting teaching and learning, and providing access to information that empowers individuals and strengthens communities.

COPPERBELT PROVINCE CELEBRATES NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK 2026!

The spirit of reading, learning, and innovation was on full display in Kalulushi District as librarians from all ten districts of Copperbelt Province came together to commemorate National Library Week at the provincial level.

The event, graced by Copperbelt Provincial Education Officer Dr Zulu, celebrated the vital role libraries play in promoting literacy, lifelong learning, and equitable access to information. Dr Zulu applauded librarians and stakeholders for their dedication to nurturing a strong reading culture and supporting education through quality library services.

A major highlight of the commemoration was the exhibition showcase, where schools and libraries demonstrated innovative programs, creative initiatives, and impactful services transforming their communities through libraries.

🏆 Exhibition Results:
🥇 1st Place – Kitwe District
🥈 2nd Place – Ndola District
🥉 3rd Place – Kalulushi District

The winning districts each received K2,000 in recognition of their outstanding presentations and contributions.

The celebration provided a valuable platform for librarians, educators, and learners to exchange ideas, celebrate achievements, and renew their commitment to strengthening library services across the province.

📖 Together, we continue to re-ignite libraries and build partnerships for thriving communities!

NIPA Livingstone Campus Celebrates National Library Week 2026

The National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) Livingstone Campus is proud to participate in the 2026 Southern Province National Library Week Commemorations being held in Monze under the theme:

"Re-Igniting Libraries: Building Partnerships for Thriving Communities."

Representing the campus are Library Assistants Emmanuel Mwale and Rabecca Hamanzuka, who joined fellow information professionals and stakeholders in celebrating the vital role of libraries in community development.

The team participated in exhibitions showcasing diverse information resources and platforms while engaging learners from both primary and secondary schools on the importance of libraries as centres of knowledge, learning, interaction, and recreation.

The commemorations featured a variety of educational and interactive activities, including:
📖 Storytelling sessions
📝 Spelling competitions
🎤 Debates in English and Tonga
♟️ Board games, including chess

Learners from Monze Town Secondary School, Manungu Secondary School, and Chikuni Girls Secondary School actively participated, making the event both educational and memorable.

NIPA remains committed to supporting literacy, lifelong learning, and the promotion of libraries as vibrant spaces that empower individuals and strengthen communities.

4 DAYS TO GO!

The countdown is on to the 2026 National Library Week Commemoration under the theme:

"Re-igniting Libraries: Building Partnerships for Thriving Communities"

Join librarians, information professionals, educators, students, policymakers, and partners as we celebrate the transformative role of libraries in fostering knowledge, inclusion, innovation, and community development.

🚨 Don't be left out!
✅ Register today
✅ Connect with industry professionals
✅ Discover innovative library initiatives

📍 Solwezi, North-Western Province
📅 15th – 19th June 2026

LIBRARIANS BRING HOPE TO MONZE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY DURING NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK

As part of the ongoing National Library Week commemorations, librarians from Southern Province visited Monze Correctional Facility to share words of encouragement and promote the importance of reading and lifelong learning among inmates.

The delegation was led by the Southern Province Librarian, Mrs. Otiria Mufumbila, who encouraged the inmates to continue pursuing education and embrace reading as a pathway to personal growth, rehabilitation, and transformation. She emphasized that knowledge is a powerful tool that can help individuals develop new perspectives, acquire valuable skills, and prepare for a brighter future.

The visit also included a spiritual encouragement session during which scripture was shared, reminding inmates of God's love, hope, and the possibility of new beginnings regardless of one's circumstances.

In support of literacy and inmate welfare, the librarians donated a collection of books to enhance access to information and reading materials within the correctional facility. Additionally, the team donated 130 bars of soap as a gesture of care and support for the inmates.
The outreach activity underscored the important role libraries play in promoting literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement beyond traditional library spaces. Through this initiative, the librarians demonstrated their commitment to ensuring that knowledge, encouragement, and hope reach all members of society.

The inmates were left with uplifted spirits and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the librarians for their thoughtful gesture, words of encouragement, and generous donations. The visit served as a powerful reminder that education, reading, and compassion can inspire positive change and transformation in people's lives.

National Library Week continues to highlight the transformative power of libraries in building informed, empowered, and inclusive communities.

✨ "A reader today can become a leader tomorrow, and every new chapter offers an opportunity for a new beginning." ✨

By Joel Mulanda - Maamba

𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐙𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐈𝐀 𝐋𝐈𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐑

The University Of Zambia Library has taken a significant step towards promoting global learning and cultural exchange with the launch of the Indian Information Corner on 4th June 2026.

Officially launched by the High Commissioner of India to Zambia, His Excellency Alok Ranjan Jha, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Zambia, Prof Mundia Muya, the Corner provides access to resources on India's history, culture, literature, science, technology, and development.

The initiative, supported by a donation of over 80 books from the High Commission of India, serves as a bridge for academic collaboration, research, and intercultural understanding between Zambia and India.

A commendable milestone in strengthening international partnerships through libraries and knowledge sharing.