Kenal Issue 14 Newsletter - Kenya National Library Service Knls

Whats INSIDE
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Ten CCK-sponsored E-Resource Centres Officially Launched.. The man who was instrumental in establishing Werugha library CCK sponsored e-Resource centres Tinga-Tinga project Knls Branch Network on the Map Support the Library - Empower the nation Promoting literacy through the Book Time Project Health Hub Launched in Nakuru Book Clubs promote reading in knls Libraries knls Nairobi Area Library (NAL) Baby Parent Book Club Developing Libraries in Children Homes in Meru Challenge Your Knowledge Youth in Meru promote reading
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Contributors
Compiled and edited by Nancy Ngugi, Principal Public Relations Officer
Caroline Kayoro, Projects & Resource
Mobilization Office. David Kangogo, Projects & Resource Mobilization Office. Beatrice Macharia, Nairobi Area Library Richard Wanjohi, Meru Library Timothy Mahea, Marketing Nancy Ngugi, Corporate Communication
Thanks to all who sent their contributions towards the publication of this (14th) issue. We continue to encourage branches to share about the activities they are undertaking to enhance a positive reading culture in their areas of jurisdiction. Kindly send in your articles for the 15th Issue by or before 30th November 2012.
All articles should be sent by email to:
The editor reserves all rights to publication. The views expressed in
this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of the knls Board.
corporatecommunications@knls.ac.ke and copied to nancy.ngugi@knls.ac.ke. A single article should not exceed 2 pages 1.5 spacing Font size 12, Arial Narrow
Design layout and printing by Colorscapes Media Ltd Published by:
P .O Box 30573 00100 Tel. : 020-2158352, 7786710 Fax: 2721749 E-mail: knls@knls.ac.ke Website: www.knls.ac.ke
Kenya National Library Service
Editors Note
Using technology to change lives of rural communities

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he public library is expected to provide access to all kinds of knowledge and information that is readily and freely available to all people regardless of race, nationality, age, gender, religion, language, ability, employment status and education etc. For any public library to perform well in meeting its customers information needs in this modern time, use of information and communication technology becomes necessary. As such, CCKs goal of establishing e-Resource centres in ten knls rural libraries was a great milestone that is already impacting positively in the lives of community members as you will read in this issue. The down-to-earth Mzee Nyatta is the man at the centre of the establishment of Werugha library, which his family together with his in-laws put up in memory of his late mother in law, Mary Patch Turnbull. In this issue Mr. Nyatta reveals the motivation behind his desire to establish the library at the hills of Taita. The library was officially opened in April 2008. Knls recognizes the fact that reading has a crucial role to play in creating independent learners, literacy promotion and educational attainment from a very early age. Reading plays a paramount role in childrens educational pursuit, promotes a deep awareness and
builds the child up emotionally and intellectually. Reading as a leisure activity contributes greatly to comprehension, vocabulary and reading speed of students. In an effort to stimulate reading from an early age knls received support from Pearson Foundation to train children librarians so that they are able to create an inviting and attractive reading environment for children. Book clubs including parent/baby book clubs have been established in various libraries with a view to promoting reading as interesting. This has also attracted various donors in support of the activities. Meru library staff have also engaged in every rational endeavor that can help to realize establishment of libraries in childrens homes and also enroll less fortunate children as members of the library. This involves giving personal contributions and fundraising from well-wishers. Human body has no spare parts; hence a medical practitioner you have to get it right first time in your practice. Knls has been partnering with Book Aid International (BAI) in providing health information to health workers and the general public. The most important wealth we can pass on from generation to generation is knowledge. It does not expire or depreciate in value over time nor get used up in the process of sharing. Knowledge outlives humanity and when built upon, it creates a new revolution in the way we perform various activities and indeed guide human behavior. Mostly it is the knowledge already acquired that guides our thoughts. It is often said that a man is nothing but a product of his thoughts. Therefore we need to feed the mind the right way. Read these and more stories inside this issue.
- Nancy
A child in a reading competition in Nyeri
KENAL NEWS | Issue14 | JUNE 2013
during library compound ha ug er w at e tre e Knls, ativ Mr. Atuti, Director ants a commemor is pl s) go ec ld sp ou (in sh g ku re the seedlin an Mr. Ben Gitu s. Pointing to whe re nt CCK Board Chairm ce ce ur so Re iles. of the er. Kituku is all sm M nd the official launch hi be a bi Ko ard chair Mr. while the knls Bo
Ten CCK-sponsored e-Resource centres officially launched T

he launch of the e-Resource public access centres project in ten knls rural libraries took place on 31st May 2013 at Werugha Library. The project was sponsored by CCK at a cost of over Ksh. 20 Million to ensure that the rural people and those in remote areas have access to affordable ICTs. In addition CCK committed another Ksh. 14 Million for two-year maintenance and Internet connectivity. Mr. Ben Gituku, Chairman of the CCK Board of Directors was the guest of honor. He was accompanied by Mr. Francis Wangusi, Director General of CCK, other CCK Board members and management staff. The guests were hosted by the knls Board Chairman, Mr. Silas Kobia,
knls Director Mr. Richard Atuti, three other knls Board members and staff. Other dignitaries included the District Commissioner Taita District, Mr. Njenga Miiri, County Governors Strategic Advisor, Mr. Mwasambo Shako, among others. Mr. Nyatta whose family donated the land for and sponsored the construction of Werugha Library too graced the occasion. The other benefiting libraries included: Laikipia, Muranga, Dzitsoni, Habaswein, Mandera, Kwale, Mwingi, Lusumu and Lagam. While appreciating the CCKs gesture, the knls Board Chairman, Mr. Silas Kobia emphasized the Kenya Governments vision at independence which
was focused on fighting three enemies of development namely: IGNORANCE, POVERTY and DISEASE. The Chairman expressed his conviction that the same vision is the one that has been elaborated in the Kenyas Economic Blue Print, Vision 2030. He rationalized that the said enemies of development can effectively and comprehensively be fought by a knowledge-enabled economy using affordable ICTs.
20 Million to ensure that the rural people and those in remote areas have access to affordable ICTs
JUNE 2013 | Issue14 | KENAL NEWS
From left Mrs
, Mr Nyatta onnie Nyatta
and family m
embers
Mr. Mwasi Nyatta
The man who was instrumental in establishing Werugha library

by Nancy Ngugi
when his mother-in-law passed on, he was definite that the only formidable way to honor her was to establish a library in her memory.
by CCK and knls was a confirmation that his familys efforts in establishing the library had been appreciated. Mr. Nyatta also revealed the motivation behind his desire to establish the library. He explained that while he was in the US several years ago, where he had met with his wife, he learnt critical insights from his mother-in-law. Whenever they failed to agree on an issue with the mother in law, she would challenge him to accompany her to the library and read about what writers had written about the subject in question. After thorough analysis they would use the information gained from the library to resolve their issues. From that time he developed a passion for libraries and when his mother-in-law passed on, he was definite that the only formidable way to honor her was to establish a library in her memory.
he down-to-earth mzee Nyatta is the man at the centre of the establishment of Werugha library, which his family together with his in-laws put up in memory of his late mother-in-law, the Mary Patch Turnbull. Mr. Nyatta together with his wife Constance Nyatta have been so passionate about the Werugha Library and they spend most of their free time helping to organize the library collection and reading. Mr. Nyatta thanked CCK and knls for considering Werugha as one of the ten e-Resource centres saying that installation of ICTs had greatly enriched the library collection. He termed the accessibility to affordable ICTs for the people of Werugha as a profitable investment that would no doubt change the livelihoods among the community members. He expounded that the gesture
Hence, he donated a piece of land (almost one acre) and together with his family, they constructed the Werugha library, also known as The Mary Patch Turnbull Memorial Library. They also partly furnished and surrendered it to knls Board for management and sustainability. The library was officially opened in April 2008.If Kenya could have more philanthropists like Mzee Nyatta, we would have public libraries in not only constituencies, but also in every ward. BRAVO MR. NYATTA AND FAMILY!!!
e-Resource centres changing lives of library customers
knls Board Chairman Mr. Silas Kobia right presents a library membership card to CCK Board Chair Mr. Ben Gituku after he registered as a member of the library
By Nancy Ngugi
he e-Resource centres established in partnership with CCK in ten knls libraries are already impacting positively in the lives of community members. A snap tour of some of the centres in the coast region by the knls Director and staff from ICT and Corporate Communication departments proved that Kenyans are overwhelmingly ready for ICTs utilization. Hence, more efforts should be made to ensure that everyone including those in the remotest areas have access to affordable ICTs, a goal that CCK has committed to undertake . In all the ten centres, the usage of electronic membership card has excited the library customers resulting to increase of the same. Internet connection has also drawn diverse members of the communities to the library. Young children are introduced to basic
usage of computers, appropriate computer games and simple research. They are also introduced to face book, twitter and emails so that they are able to communicate with their peers. In Werugha, students from both primary and secondary schools explained that access to ICTs in the library has helped them to interact with educational websites that provide them with opportunities to download examination past papers from different schools through e-Masomo. They are also able to post various subject questions where they have difficulties and they get answers for the same. The e-Resource facilities also enable them to keep update with the global current affairs that are of interest to them. The e-Resource centre in Werugha is also patronized by people from different parts of Wundanyi and its surrounding. Farmers
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and health workers have also benefited from the ICTs facilities in advancing their professions. One of the community members recounted how he has been visiting the e-Resource centre at Werugha to search for information on dairy farming. He then organizes groups of farmers and empowers them using that information. The farmers have been able to identify proper markets for their products and have learnt how to prepare quality milk products such as yoghourt that has a competitive edge in the market. Health workers from the district hospital have also been using the centre to advance their professional knowledge. They research on rampant sicknesses that are common among community members and they are able to address them appropriately. Teachers and other government and private employees undertaking distance learning have also benefited in that they are able to do their assignments and submit them online. In Kwale, Mr. Jacob Kimilu and his wife Sarah both teachers from Mvinden and Mwakigwena Primary schools respectively have been using the e-resource centre in Kwale library to pursue further education. Jacob, who confesses that he was introduced to the library by his pupils who were already members of the library, expressed his appreciation that he is able to access the ICTs facilities, which would otherwise have cost him a fortune if he were to use a commercial cyber caf. At the time, Jacob was undertaking a distant learning programme from
they liked to use the library because of the conducive reading environment and also the books available
Above, Jacob Kimilu uses the e-resource centre at the Kwale library.
the University of Nairobi. When he visited the e-Resource centre and registered as a member of the library in Kwale, he says he was mesmerized by the amount of information that he was able to access. The library staff gave him some basic training on how to use the available ICTs especially how to search for information while doing his assignments and term papers. He decided to introduce his wife Sara who was also undertaking a Diploma
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course in ECD. She says she uses the centre to undertake the assignments and also check her exam results. With the rich information available at the e-Resource centre, she is determined to continue with a degree programme once she is through with the diploma. Sarah who is more conversant with using computers has been teaching her husband at the library. They mostly come to the library together and they assist each other even with their assignments. They have also introduced other teachers and their friends to the library. In other libraries under the CCK project like Diztsoni, the e-Resource centre has been used to train youths from the community on life skills including entrepreneurship, proposal writing, preparing business plan, CVs, etc. This was done through a partnership with Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) who facilitated the training. Through such training, the youth are able to organize themselves, develop wining project proposals and submit them to the Youth Development Fund for consideration. During the tour, the Director also passed through Kilifi library, which was not under the CCK project. He interacted with other library clients who included Mr. Paul Mwandoe, a dairy farmer and also Administrator of CAST, an NGO in Kilifi. Paul said he frequented the library mainly to read newspapers and take note of government policies, which he said are communicated faster through the media than other channels. He requested the knls Director that an e-Resource centre be established in the library so that members of the community could access relevant information that would empower them for improved development. He explained that he had been working with fishermen and cassava/sorghum farmers in Kilifi County and would be grateful if the library could facilitate their access to relevant and timely information through appropriate ICTs. This, he said, would enable him and the farmers to engage in quality farming that would enable them face the available competitive markets. Other library clients on that day included college students who had come with their own laptops and modems to do their research in the library. They said they liked to use the library because of the conducive reading environment and also the books available. They too requested for online information resources through Internet connectivity. All these testimonies and more are clear evidence that ICTs have taken centre stage in any development. Accessibility and affordability of the same by all Kenyans is an undertaking that both CCK and other development partners should continue to embrace. We salute the CCK Board and Management for this noble course!
knls and CCK board members watch pupils research through computers
Some knls ch Tiild ng a a ns re Trin n Ti libng aini raria he ld a ng inho traini Nw ak ng ur on uve Ju mex to uia de children in the libraries. Gue lop st citing ou se ac tivH itie s fo r
Tinga-Tinga Project
Stimulating childrens reading in knls libraries
By Caroline Kayoro
The training exposed the librarians to the following: How to put the child at the centre of the library e.g. understanding the child and the different developmental stages and how to handle each stage. Changing roles of libraries and librarians in the 21st century which include among others, ability to embrace change, ability to learn new technology, project management skills, ability to question and evaluate services and ability to sell ideas. Overview of the Ministry of Education (MOE) Early Childhood Development syllabus and its application in the library setting. Bringing Books to life in the library i.e. using books as a resource through activities and excitement. Positioning the library as a key ECD provider Promoting and marketing library services Establishing, maintaining and sustaining collaborations and partnerships
JUNE 2013 | Issue14 | KENA NEWS
hildren form an essential component of the knls customer base across the branch libraries. Thus, knls endeavors to set up childrens programs and activities that will stimulate children to read. However, this can only be effectively realized if the children librarians are equipped with requisite skills to implement the programmes and activities. The Tinga-Tinga project is an Early Childhood Development (ECD) project funded by the Pearson foundation. The main objectives are to equip the librarians manning childrens sections with ECD skills so that they can handle the children in a better way, and to set up exciting children spaces. The first training under the Tinga-Tinga project was conducted in May, 2012 involving 21 librarians. The second training comprising of 23 librarians was conducted at Jumuia Guest House, Nakuru between 28th and 30th May, 2013.
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Stimulating childrens readership

The knls Director, Mr. Richard Atuti, who officially opened the training, challenged the participants to enrich their skills in order to remain competitive and relevant in their increasingly changing profession. The librarians were also addressed by American Embassy, Nairobi officials, Henry Mendelson and George Kamau who made a presentation on free, vetted and safe online resources available for children and teenagers. Such resources would contribute greatly in making the library exciting for children. He reminded the librarians that libraries are the safest places for children and it is crucial for librarians to make the children feel safe and excited whenever they visit the library. The participants were informed that knls must create centres of excellence in the childrens libraries because children will not come if the library is boring. This requires building capacity for the staff to think outside the box and use the resources available in the branch libraries to create exciting places for children. The second training targeted librarians that were not trained in the first training and another two from Kisumu and Mutyambua were invited to share how they had implemented lessons learnt from the first training. This helped the librarians understand that the concept of Tinga Tingarizing childrens libraries is indeed possible. The librarians collectively developed a six month work-plan to be implemented from July 2013 to December 2013. Equipped with the requisite skills, a booklet on bringing books to life, MOE ECD syllabus, 30 copies of the Tinga Tinga titles and a set of stationery, the participants will in no doubt be in a good position to implement the activities. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Pearson Foundation who made all this possible by providing the books, funds and training.
The main objectives are to equip the librarians manning childrens sections with ECD skills so that they can handle the children in a better way, and to set up exciting children spaces.
Children enjoying indoor games in a knls library

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Support the library to empower the nation
By Timothy Mahea
fundraising drives, donations and developments funds. This has enabled knls reach out to a wider population and expand its network to the current branch network of 60 branches countrywide. You can support the Kenya National Library Service through assisting through the following ways: 1. Establishment and construction of libraries 2. Renovation of libraries in necessitous areas 3. Acquisition of resource materials 4. Establishment of e-Resource Centres within libraries 5. Sponsoring reading promotion events such as community reading tents, children and youth book clubs, etc. 6. Acquisition of resource materials and equipment for the Braille section 7. Facilitation of outreach programs e.g. by donating a mobile library van/bus, information materials for the mobile library etc. For more details on how you can partner with knls in creating a knowledge driven economy, kindly contact us at: Kenya National Library Service (Headquarters) Mumias Road/Ol DonyoSabuk Road, Buruburu P .O. Box 30573-00100, Nairobi, KENYA Tel: +254 20 2158352, 7786710 Cell: +254 722 860 567 Fax: +254 20 2721749 Email: knls@knls.ac.ke corporatecommunications@knls.ac.ke Website: www.knls.ac.ke
he Kenya National Library Service (knls) offers information solutions to the communities for empowerment and fostering the growth of the nation in all spheres. This is done through promotion of literacy which is geared to ignorance, which the government identified alongside poverty and disease as one of the main enemies of development at independence. This challenge is still live today as it was then. Illiteracy remains as one of the main deterrents of development and innovation in Kenya among other developing nations. Consequently, knls has aggressed to tackle challenges related to ignorance. To achieve this, knls takes cognizance that books are a crucial resource in driving out illiteracy and in achieving vision 2030. Books are also vital in providing information to the communities, raising the quality of education and promoting creativity and innovation. However, there are various challenges that have hindered knls goal of providing access to information to all the 47 counties. Today, knls has managed to establish 60 libraries spread in only 33 counties. Thus, 15 counties have no public libraries. Yet everyone has a chance in making a difference in the lives of the underprivileged Kenyans by contributing to this worthy causes being spearheaded by knls. A great number of the information resource centres we have in various counties have been made possible through community support in terms of offering land, committing resources for construction through
Theres a future in books ... and a book in your future

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knls branch network Branch Network

Mandera Moyale
Bute Ol Kalou Kapsabet Kabarnet Eldoret Meisori Kisumu Lusumu Kimilili Kakamega Nyilima Awendo Rambula Ukwala Koru Kisii Kericho Silibwet Naivasha Lelechonik Narok Gilgil Nyeri Muranga Werugha Mombasa Kwale Kibera Mutyambua Buruburu knls Branch Knls Headquarters Kithasyu Wundanyi Dzitsoni Kilifi Malindi Kinyambu Chinga Embu Garissa Thika Mwingi Nairobi Area Library Munyu Lagam Timau Karatina Isiolo Meru Mikumbune Mbalambala Nakuru Rumuruti Laikipia Griftu Wajir Tarbaj
Habasweni
Masalani
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Creating independent learners and promoting literacy through Book Time

by Caroline Kayoro
nls recognizes the fact that reading has a crucial role to play in creating independent learners, literacy promotion and educational attainment from a very early age. Reading plays a paramount role in childrens educational pursuit, promotes a deep awareness and builds the child up emotionally and intellectually. Reading as a leisure activity contributes greatly to comprehension, vocabulary and reading speed of students. In an effort to stimulate reading from an early age among children of 3 to 5 years, knls partnered with Book Aid International to give away books donated by Pearson Foundation under the Book Time Project in 12 knls libraries between 24th May and 8th June 2013. Book time is the national free books programme for reception-aged children in the UK. Founded by Pearson, Book time programme provides a free book pack for children to share and enjoy with their family and friends. This pack comprises: a book bag, two new childrens readers with Book time logo/information printed inside and a Book time book-mark. Through the project a total of 7200 books worth about Kshs. 630,000 were donated by Pearson Foundation and given out to 3600 school pupils for sharing with their family members and friends. The benefiting libraries were; BuruBuru, Muranga, Nyeri, Embu, Meru, Nakuru, Kericho, Kisumu, Kisii, Garissa, Wajir and Masalani. Approximately 500 people were in attendance in each site i.e. 300 children together with their parents and teachers in each site.
The event was characterized by various activities such as singing, games, reading aloud, coloring/ drawing, poetry/Shairis, storytelling, jokes and spelling quiz. It was indeed very refreshing to see children between the age of 3 to 9 years show case various talents in public speaking, songs, dances, poetry, comedy, mimicking etc. The climax of the event was the book give-way, where each child received 2 books, 2 book marks and a book bag. The excitement on the childrens faces as they received their book packs was breathtaking. This is a wonderful way of introducing children to the library at an early age. At the end of the event one child in Buru-Buru remarked this is a good-good library. The event attracted other local partners who gave support in cash and in kind to spice up the event. E.g. in Meru Library, the Kenya Methodist University, Story Moja publishers, Eco bank, Equity bank, Super loaf Ltd, Mafuko industries,
Mewass and Ripples International. In Nyeri library, Family bank- Nyeri branch, NYEWASCO, Post bank, Kimathi University main and town campuses, Nyeri Technical Institute, Samrat supermarket, Chamken and Express bookshops actively participated by contributing both in cash and kind. Some of the partners also sent their representatives to grace the occasion. The project, which was the first of its kind in knls was well received by all the participants. The positive impact in the libraries is evident through increased registration of members and daily attendance. Knls is indeed very grateful to both Pearson Foundation and Book Aid International for this wonderful partnership. Many parents who accompanied the children were visiting the library for the first time and got an understanding of the benefits of the library. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our local partners and friends of the library who participated in the event.
School children are presented with
books through the Book Time Project
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This is my first time in this library and I am most surprised to find all the books I need. I have been looking for these books without success, yet they are all gazing at me at the knls library shelves I love the smell of new books and I cant wait to lay my hands on them Human body has no spare parts; hence you have to get it right first time in your medical practice. The rich information that we see here will no doubt enhance our efficiency in our practice From this health hub, patients can be able to get the right information to manage their ailments on their own knls has really transformed. The old building was analog but this new one is digital. I am proud to refer people to such kind of a facility. With all this rich medical information housed in this library, knls can be termed as a referral hospital Education is an asset that does not depreciate even when shared Students too said they had been using the medical books in the library to do their research/term papers. Jill, who revealed that this was her first time to be in Kenya, said that she was very impressed with the health hub project and the enthusiastic reception it had received from the health workers. Mr. Atuti also said that he was one of the greatest beneficiaries of the old Nakuru library while in high school and encouraged the Nakuru residents to make use of the available information resources and sources.
Quotes from participants
es, Head the picture are Jill Hayn In ru. ku Na in b hu h alt Launching of the he th other participants Richard Atuti (center) wi d an ht) (rig I BA at ms of progra
By Nancy Ngugi
Health Information Hub launched in Nakuru Library

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ealth hubs have been established in 15 knls libraries (i.e. Thika, Isiolo, Mombasa, Embu, Kabarnet, Garissa, Wundanyi, Kericho, Laikipia, Nyilima, Muranga, Buruburu, Nakuru, Mwingi, and Dzitsoni). This project was funded by Elsevier Foundation through the Book Aid International (BAI). The health hubs were officially launched in Nakuru on 26th April 2013 by BAI Head of Programmes, Jill Haynes and the knls Director, Mr. Richard Atuti. The event was attended by about 60 guests comprising health workers, medical lecturers and students, university librarians, youth representative and researchers from Nakuru. Through the project, the libraries involved received new books in both print and digital formats. Also present was Mr. James Kimani the BAIs E.A. Regional Representative.
Mr. Kimani challenged the participants to utilize the available information noting that one of the greatest challenges for information seekers was where to get reliable information. He emphasized that one such place is the library. The participants who decried the high costs of medical books appreciated knls and BAIs gesture of providing them with a rich collection of health information, which they said would help them in improving their professions. The health officers were excited about the program and recommended various other books they would love to have stocked at the library. Some of the medical lecturers in various university campuses in Nakuru acknowledged that they use the knls library information materials to prepare for lessons and also carry out research.
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Book Clubs promote reading habits in knls libraries

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ook clubs have become central and instrumental in promoting reading in knls libraries. Several book clubs comprising both primary and secondary students have been established in all branches. Some of the libraries such as Nairobi Area and Buruburu branch have also established parent baby clubs where parents come to the library with their babies to read for them. The book clubs programmes have various activities which include reading, debates, writing competitions, public speaking among others. For the young children the activities include reading, storytelling, poems, and both indoor and outdoor games. Some of the book club activities have attracted donor funding e.g. American Embassy sponsors Kisumu under the American Corner, KASNEB recently in May 2013 donated a cheque of Ksh. 100,000 for Nairobi Area parent/baby club, BAI has also sponsored Garissa book Club activities for 10 Months w.e.f March 2013, among others. Nairobi Area has also attracted support from Coca cola and individual parents in the past.
KeMU Library sponsors a Children Reading Tent in Meru
Benefits of joining a book club

by David Kangogo re you a book lover who finds pleasure in reading and discussing books and would like to meet with like-minded people? Well, look no further! knls libraries would like to extend an invitation to you and anyone interested in joining the Libraries Book Clubs. You can visit any knls library near you and express your interest at the customer care desk or simply talk to the librarian-in-charge. Some of the benefits that one gets from being an active member of the knls library book club include:
he Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) Library partnered with knls Meru Branch in organizing a Childrens Reading Tent (CRT). KeMU sponsored the event as part of their Community Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. The purpose of the CRT was to develop, inculcate, encourage, and sustain a desire, habit and culture for lifelong reading in children. The event was held on 24th May 2013 at KeMU Main campus compound from 9.00am to 4.00pm. Guided by the theme Reading is knowing Kusoma ni Kujua, the event brought together 198 pupils all drawn from 8 primary schools from Meru Municipality. The specific target groups were pupils from standard two to four. The event also brought together 24 teachers, 2 head teachers, one representative from District Education Office, one officer from NIC bank, KeMU students and 10 librarians from both KeMU and knls. The CRT activities included: reading activity, dictation, insha, composition, poem, shairi, mchongoano, creative drawing and Team building activities.
Gain new insights- This helps the members are to learn more about others experiences and look at the world in a brand new way. Most worries are left at the curb when you enter a book club meeting. For that amount of time, you are able to steep yourself in another world and forget your stresses, just as you do while reading. You also get a chance to also meet new people and make new friends in the process. Access to a variety of books- Exposure to many types of literature and lifes viewpoints help us grow as people. You might find yourself unexpectedly enjoying a new book you never thought youd like! Mental stimulation- Often people get so busy in their lives that their learning comes to a halt. The club makes us aware of new books and current trends. Get a break- Everyday life can be tiresome and we become stagnant. Getting a short break every week or even every month provides a safe place to escape and journey to a new and rich world and unknown authors. This helps expand our horizons and in enhances our understanding of the world. Some of the Book Club activities in the knls libraries are sponsored by our library partners in an effort to encourage reading, promote openness to cultural diversity, and provide stimulating discussions of the many book selections. Join a book club today!!!
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NAL Baby Parent Book Club taking one step at a time
knls Director Mr. Atuti in the company of NAL staff receives a cheque of Ksh.100,000 from KASNEB officials in support of NAL Baby-Parent Book club
he NAL baby-parent book club is a concept that was developed out of the large number of children interested in learning through reading, interactive play, drama, story-telling and other media that are able to hold childrens attention. The club seeks to provide an alternative forum by inducting children into the culture of reading, as well as helping them to learn through edutainment. The club is currently catering for children from as young as 2 years. During the monthly club meetings, children are taken through a guided programme during which they engage in various learning activities and interact with each other. Group educational trips such as to the National Museum, the
By Beatrice Macharia
Animal Orphanage, etc are also planned. However, due to limited space and resources, the club has not been able to stretch itself to its limits in terms of what it offers to the children. The club does not charge a membership fee; its members are drawn from the Library membership. The club therefore has no funds to adequately meet the learning needs of these children. With a view to overcoming these limitations, a Committee of the Kids club was formed to lobby prospective partners to sponsor the kids club activities. Thus far, Nairobi Bottlers has responded to this call by providing refreshments (soda and water) during the monthly club meetings. Nairobi
Bottlers supported the clubs annual Christmas party 2011 and 2012, each of which was attended by about 250 children.Individuals have also contributed occasionally to support the activities of the club. In May 2013, KASNEB also presented a check of Ksh.100,000 in support of NAL baby-parent book club activities. These funds were used to decorate the children section, acquire new shelves for the children section and at the same time purchase more local books. The success of creating a sustained reading culture among the children requires a good and attractive reading environment, which enables them to associate reading with excitement. To all our partners we say, thank you!!!!
17 Children Sections at the knls Libraries get a boost from Book Aid International (BAI) through Childrens Books and E-learning pilot project
Developing libraries in children homes in Meru

by Richard Wanjohi
he idea of helping to establish libraries in children homes in Meru County was mooted in a December 2012 workshop for 4 children homes where 105 children and care givers attended. The workshop covered various issues including drugs and substance abuse, HIV/ AIDS, children rights and children in various orphanages by enabling them success to relevant information.
wards the kitty when they visited the Meru library in January 2013. This programme is being coordinated by stering committee drawn from Meru library staff. The committees mandate is to: Mobilize funds to facilitate registration of at least 1000 needy kids as members of the library Coordinate establishment of libraries in 4 children homes and 6 primary schools in the year 2013 Initiate partnerships with well-wishers and development partners within Meru County to support the programme. Organize for visits and reading activities in at least one children home per month Through these initiatives, the first library was launched at Ark Childrens Home on February 2013. The function was attended by County children co-coordinator Mr. Eluid mutwiri who was the Chief Guest, District Children Officer Mr. Benjamin Kinyua, Deputy Librarian KEMU, Mrs. Nancy Kamau, 50 KEMU students, American Friends of Kenya Coordinator Mr. Douglas Ruiga and SPARK under Diocese of Meru, which provides persons with disabilities with knowledge and skills to become useful members of the community was also represented.
Children using tablets to access learning information at knls Kibera library through a tablets project sponsored by Electronic Information for Libraries (eifl) in 2012 through its Public Library Innovation Programme (PLIP)
his is a two year project that aims to improve access to high quality reading and learning support materials in English and in local languages, for children aged 6-12 years, in print and digital format. The project will cover 22 branch libraries. The project is funded by a charity foundation through BAI to the tune of Kshs. 9 million and will run in the period between July 2013 and June 2015. The objective of the project is to develop the skills of librarians to establish better library services for children and to provide print and digital resources and training for librarians, to support those services.
According to the county statistical officer, Meru County has currently a population of approximately 706,621 children and there are 18 charitable children homes in the County and 27,724 children receive support from various stakeholders. Thus during the workshop, it was agreed that provision of library services in the children homes would endow the children with knowledge and skills that will enable them realize their rights to protection, development and participation. Consequently, in January 2013 Meru library staff resolved to raise funds to facilitate registration of needy children from children homes as members of the library. knls Director Mr. Richard Atuti and a Board member, Mrs Betty Buyu also contributed a Ksh. 3,200 to-
Provision of library services in the children homes would endow the children with knowledge and skills that will enable them realize their rights to protection, development and participation.
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By Timothy Mahea
he most important wealth we can pass on from generation to generation is knowledge. It does not expire or depreciate in value over time nor get used up in the process of sharing. Knowledge outlives humanity and when built upon, it creates a new revolution in the way we perform various activities and indeed guide human behavior. Knowledge comes from factual information and is the psychological result of perception, learning and reasoning. Thus, documentation of information becomes very instrumental since it is one of the main ways in which information is stored for future documentation. It is through such efforts that today we have access to information contained in most of religious books those focusing on other professions, written thousands of years ago. But foremost, we need to know how to acquire and translate this information into useful knowledge that will have positive impact to the future generations. In todays world, various efforts have been undertaken to make information available to all in an effort to empower everyone. We increasingly find ourselves surrounded by bodies of knowledge and its our responsibility to choose when, where and how to pick what we need. The information is readily available but unfortunately most people seek information when they find themselves besieged by challenges. Though there are lessons learnt from challenges too, this may not be the preferred way of learning new things. Similarly, knowledge is more important when it can influence decision making. Just as most of us are seriously worried about physical hunger since it hurts and it leaves us with little energy, we should be worried more about mental hunger which creates a craving to do wrong things. A good thought or action is a product of a well fed mind. Most of us also spend lots of time and effort in acquiring physical affluence while greatly ignoring our intellectual wealth which is equally if not superiorly essential. Though all are important to pursue, it is critical for us to strike a balance and ensure we attain homogeneous growth. Knowledge guides
by Timothy Mahea
James Kimani E.A. Regional representative reads a book at the health hub in Buruburu library
Challenge your knowledge feed your mind

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Knowledge guides our direction and fuels our imagination thus creativity and innovation
our direction and fuels our imagination thus creativity and innovation. It is therefore imperative for everyone to conduct an audit as to what information you routinely feed your mind with, in order to determine whether you are on the right path, or you need to make urgent action steps towards changing your situation. In the recent past we have witnessed glorification of degraded morals through various forms of media which are propagated everywhere and which pollute our minds subconsciously. The main question we need to ask ourselves today is how do we positively transform our minds to filter the right content that is relevant to our lives and eliminate whats irrelevant? Often, a man is nothing but a product of his thoughts. What we see and hear determines what our outputs will be in terms of how we speak and act. Psychologists enunciate that a habit is formed within 21 days. This means any wrong thing you do repetitively over a period of time forms into a habit that becomes part of you. Bad habits lead to undesirable behaviour which will often lead you away from the path of achieving your desired goals. It therefore becomes critical for us to teach our minds how to recognize garbage and identify ways of dealing with it and/or eliminating it altogether. Your frequent interactions also determine your character since your behaviour is average that of your friends. Having the right mind-set, surrounding yourself with the right people and the right resource materials will enable you to remain focused in attaining your goals. It would be unfortunate if you do not plan or set goals because the essence of your existence is confounded. To create that inner drive, one must come up with clear goals/intentions and the means to achieve them, then formulate clear action plans that you continuously work towards their execution.
Feeding the mind The right way

Watch Watch Watch Watch Watch your your your your your thoughts, for they become words. words, for they become actions. actions, for they become habits. habits, for they become character. character, for it becomes your destiny
Unknown
Caroline Kayoro,in charge of project coordination at knls, innocently humbled by the amount of information and knowledge contained on this shelve at Buruburu library
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Youth club in Meru promotes reading

By Richard Wanjohi
he Meru library started a youth club comprising of the youth library users. The club, dubbed Shiners Youth Club (SYC) comprises of the youth from within Meru County and is Co-ordinated by Patrick Wanderi a library staff in charge of security. SYC organizes for youth forums at the library to discuss issues affecting the youth and how they can be addressed. They are also committed to encourage the young people and children to enhance their reading habits to gain empowerment and be able to participate in making decisions that would help them in life. SYC members are also not ignorant of the space challenges facing the library especially during the school holidays.
Out of their own initiative they have managed to raise a total of 19,270/= to support needy pupils and also construct outdoor reading sheds within the compound to address the issue of space.
Mr. Ben Gituku (2nd Right) cuts the tape to signify the official launch of the e-resource centres at Werugha Library in May 2013
A jig dance at the e-resource launch
Whats INSIDE
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Ten CCK-sponsored E-Resource Centres Officially Launched.. The man who was instrumental in establishing Werugha library CCK sponsored e-Resource centres Tinga-Tinga project Knls Branch Network on the Map Support the Library - Empower the nation Promoting literacy through the Book Time Project Health Hub Launched in Nakuru Book Clubs promote reading in knls Libraries knls Nairobi Area Library (NAL) Baby Parent Book Club Developing Libraries in Children Homes in Meru Challenge Your Knowledge Youth in Meru promote reading
4 6 9 11 12 13 14
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15 16 17 18 20
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Contributors
Compiled and edited by Nancy Ngugi, Principal Public Relations Officer
Caroline Kayoro, Projects & Resource
Mobilization Office. David Kangogo, Projects & Resource Mobilization Office. Beatrice Macharia, Nairobi Area Library Richard Wanjohi, Meru Library Timothy Mahea, Marketing Nancy Ngugi, Corporate Communication
Thanks to all who sent their contributions towards the publication of this (14th) issue. We continue to encourage branches to share about the activities they are undertaking to enhance a positive reading culture in their areas of jurisdiction. Kindly send in your articles for the 15th Issue by or before 30th November 2012.
All articles should be sent by email to:
The editor reserves all rights to publication. The views expressed in
this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of the knls Board.
corporatecommunications@knls.ac.ke and copied to nancy.ngugi@knls.ac.ke. A single article should not exceed 2 pages 1.5 spacing Font size 12, Arial Narrow
Design layout and printing by Colorscapes Media Ltd Published by:
P .O Box 30573 00100 Tel. : 020-2158352, 7786710 Fax: 2721749 E-mail: knls@knls.ac.ke Website: www.knls.ac.ke
Kenya National Library Service
Editors Note
Using technology to change lives of rural communities

T
he public library is expected to provide access to all kinds of knowledge and information that is readily and freely available to all people regardless of race, nationality, age, gender, religion, language, ability, employment status and education etc. For any public library to perform well in meeting its customers information needs in this modern time, use of information and communication technology becomes necessary. As such, CCKs goal of establishing e-Resource centres in ten knls rural libraries was a great milestone that is already impacting positively in the lives of community members as you will read in this issue. The down-to-earth Mzee Nyatta is the man at the centre of the establishment of Werugha library, which his family together with his in-laws put up in memory of his late mother in law, Mary Patch Turnbull. In this issue Mr. Nyatta reveals the motivation behind his desire to establish the library at the hills of Taita. The library was officially opened in April 2008. Knls recognizes the fact that reading has a crucial role to play in creating independent learners, literacy promotion and educational attainment from a very early age. Reading plays a paramount role in childrens educational pursuit, promotes a deep awareness and
builds the child up emotionally and intellectually. Reading as a leisure activity contributes greatly to comprehension, vocabulary and reading speed of students. In an effort to stimulate reading from an early age knls received support from Pearson Foundation to train children librarians so that they are able to create an inviting and attractive reading environment for children. Book clubs including parent/baby book clubs have been established in various libraries with a view to promoting reading as interesting. This has also attracted various donors in support of the activities. Meru library staff have also engaged in every rational endeavor that can help to realize establishment of libraries in childrens homes and also enroll less fortunate children as members of the library. This involves giving personal contributions and fundraising from well-wishers. Human body has no spare parts; hence a medical practitioner you have to get it right first time in your practice. Knls has been partnering with Book Aid International (BAI) in providing health information to health workers and the general public. The most important wealth we can pass on from generation to generation is knowledge. It does not expire or depreciate in value over time nor get used up in the process of sharing. Knowledge outlives humanity and when built upon, it creates a new revolution in the way we perform various activities and indeed guide human behavior. Mostly it is the knowledge already acquired that guides our thoughts. It is often said that a man is nothing but a product of his thoughts. Therefore we need to feed the mind the right way. Read these and more stories inside this issue.
- Nancy
A child in a reading competition in Nyeri
during library compound ha ug er w at e tre e Knls, ativ Mr. Atuti, Director ants a commemor is pl s) go ec ld sp ou (in sh g ku re the seedlin an Mr. Ben Gitu s. Pointing to whe re nt CCK Board Chairm ce ce ur so Re iles. of the er. Kituku is all sm M nd the official launch hi be a bi Ko ard chair Mr. while the knls Bo
Ten CCK-sponsored e-Resource centres officially launched T

he launch of the e-Resource public access centres project in ten knls rural libraries took place on 31st May 2013 at Werugha Library. The project was sponsored by CCK at a cost of over Ksh. 20 Million to ensure that the rural people and those in remote areas have access to affordable ICTs. In addition CCK committed another Ksh. 14 Million for two-year maintenance and Internet connectivity. Mr. Ben Gituku, Chairman of the CCK Board of Directors was the guest of honor. He was accompanied by Mr. Francis Wangusi, Director General of CCK, other CCK Board members and management staff. The guests were hosted by the knls Board Chairman, Mr. Silas Kobia,
knls Director Mr. Richard Atuti, three other knls Board members and staff. Other dignitaries included the District Commissioner Taita District, Mr. Njenga Miiri, County Governors Strategic Advisor, Mr. Mwasambo Shako, among others. Mr. Nyatta whose family donated the land for and sponsored the construction of Werugha Library too graced the occasion. The other benefiting libraries included: Laikipia, Muranga, Dzitsoni, Habaswein, Mandera, Kwale, Mwingi, Lusumu and Lagam. While appreciating the CCKs gesture, the knls Board Chairman, Mr. Silas Kobia emphasized the Kenya Governments vision at independence which
was focused on fighting three enemies of development namely: IGNORANCE, POVERTY and DISEASE. The Chairman expressed his conviction that the same vision is the one that has been elaborated in the Kenyas Economic Blue Print, Vision 2030. He rationalized that the said enemies of development can effectively and comprehensively be fought by a knowledge-enabled economy using affordable ICTs.
20 Million to ensure that the rural people and those in remote areas have access to affordable ICTs
From left Mrs
, Mr Nyatta onnie Nyatta
and family m
embers
Mr. Mwasi Nyatta
The man who was instrumental in establishing Werugha library

by Nancy Ngugi
when his mother-in-law passed on, he was definite that the only formidable way to honor her was to establish a library in her memory.
by CCK and knls was a confirmation that his familys efforts in establishing the library had been appreciated. Mr. Nyatta also revealed the motivation behind his desire to establish the library. He explained that while he was in the US several years ago, where he had met with his wife, he learnt critical insights from his mother-in-law. Whenever they failed to agree on an issue with the mother in law, she would challenge him to accompany her to the library and read about what writers had written about the subject in question. After thorough analysis they would use the information gained from the library to resolve their issues. From that time he developed a passion for libraries and when his mother-in-law passed on, he was definite that the only formidable way to honor her was to establish a library in her memory.
he down-to-earth mzee Nyatta is the man at the centre of the establishment of Werugha library, which his family together with his in-laws put up in memory of his late mother-in-law, the Mary Patch Turnbull. Mr. Nyatta together with his wife Constance Nyatta have been so passionate about the Werugha Library and they spend most of their free time helping to organize the library collection and reading. Mr. Nyatta thanked CCK and knls for considering Werugha as one of the ten e-Resource centres saying that installation of ICTs had greatly enriched the library collection. He termed the accessibility to affordable ICTs for the people of Werugha as a profitable investment that would no doubt change the livelihoods among the community members. He expounded that the gesture
Hence, he donated a piece of land (almost one acre) and together with his family, they constructed the Werugha library, also known as The Mary Patch Turnbull Memorial Library. They also partly furnished and surrendered it to knls Board for management and sustainability. The library was officially opened in April 2008.If Kenya could have more philanthropists like Mzee Nyatta, we would have public libraries in not only constituencies, but also in every ward. BRAVO MR. NYATTA AND FAMILY!!!
e-Resource centres changing lives of library customers
knls Board Chairman Mr. Silas Kobia right presents a library membership card to CCK Board Chair Mr. Ben Gituku after he registered as a member of the library
By Nancy Ngugi
he e-Resource centres established in partnership with CCK in ten knls libraries are already impacting positively in the lives of community members. A snap tour of some of the centres in the coast region by the knls Director and staff from ICT and Corporate Communication departments proved that Kenyans are overwhelmingly ready for ICTs utilization. Hence, more efforts should be made to ensure that everyone including those in the remotest areas have access to affordable ICTs, a goal that CCK has committed to undertake . In all the ten centres, the usage of electronic membership card has excited the library customers resulting to increase of the same. Internet connection has also drawn diverse members of the communities to the library. Young children are introduced to basic
usage of computers, appropriate computer games and simple research. They are also introduced to face book, twitter and emails so that they are able to communicate with their peers. In Werugha, students from both primary and secondary schools explained that access to ICTs in the library has helped them to interact with educational websites that provide them with opportunities to download examination past papers from different schools through e-Masomo. They are also able to post various subject questions where they have difficulties and they get answers for the same. The e-Resource facilities also enable them to keep update with the global current affairs that are of interest to them. The e-Resource centre in Werugha is also patronized by people from different parts of Wundanyi and its surrounding. Farmers
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and health workers have also benefited from the ICTs facilities in advancing their professions. One of the community members recounted how he has been visiting the e-Resource centre at Werugha to search for information on dairy farming. He then organizes groups of farmers and empowers them using that information. The farmers have been able to identify proper markets for their products and have learnt how to prepare quality milk products such as yoghourt that has a competitive edge in the market. Health workers from the district hospital have also been using the centre to advance their professional knowledge. They research on rampant sicknesses that are common among community members and they are able to address them appropriately. Teachers and other government and private employees undertaking distance learning have also benefited in that they are able to do their assignments and submit them online. In Kwale, Mr. Jacob Kimilu and his wife Sarah both teachers from Mvinden and Mwakigwena Primary schools respectively have been using the e-resource centre in Kwale library to pursue further education. Jacob, who confesses that he was introduced to the library by his pupils who were already members of the library, expressed his appreciation that he is able to access the ICTs facilities, which would otherwise have cost him a fortune if he were to use a commercial cyber caf. At the time, Jacob was undertaking a distant learning programme from
they liked to use the library because of the conducive reading environment and also the books available
Above, Jacob Kimilu uses the e-resource centre at the Kwale library.
the University of Nairobi. When he visited the e-Resource centre and registered as a member of the library in Kwale, he says he was mesmerized by the amount of information that he was able to access. The library staff gave him some basic training on how to use the available ICTs especially how to search for information while doing his assignments and term papers. He decided to introduce his wife Sara who was also undertaking a Diploma
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course in ECD. She says she uses the centre to undertake the assignments and also check her exam results. With the rich information available at the e-Resource centre, she is determined to continue with a degree programme once she is through with the diploma. Sarah who is more conversant with using computers has been teaching her husband at the library. They mostly come to the library together and they assist each other even with their assignments. They have also introduced other teachers and their friends to the library. In other libraries under the CCK project like Diztsoni, the e-Resource centre has been used to train youths from the community on life skills including entrepreneurship, proposal writing, preparing business plan, CVs, etc. This was done through a partnership with Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) who facilitated the training. Through such training, the youth are able to organize themselves, develop wining project proposals and submit them to the Youth Development Fund for consideration. During the tour, the Director also passed through Kilifi library, which was not under the CCK project. He interacted with other library clients who included Mr. Paul Mwandoe, a dairy farmer and also Administrator of CAST, an NGO in Kilifi. Paul said he frequented the library mainly to read newspapers and take note of government policies, which he said are communicated faster through the media than other channels. He requested the knls Director that an e-Resource centre be established in the library so that members of the community could access relevant information that would empower them for improved development. He explained that he had been working with fishermen and cassava/sorghum farmers in Kilifi County and would be grateful if the library could facilitate their access to relevant and timely information through appropriate ICTs. This, he said, would enable him and the farmers to engage in quality farming that would enable them face the available competitive markets. Other library clients on that day included college students who had come with their own laptops and modems to do their research in the library. They said they liked to use the library because of the conducive reading environment and also the books available. They too requested for online information resources through Internet connectivity. All these testimonies and more are clear evidence that ICTs have taken centre stage in any development. Accessibility and affordability of the same by all Kenyans is an undertaking that both CCK and other development partners should continue to embrace. We salute the CCK Board and Management for this noble course!
knls and CCK board members watch pupils research through computers
Some knls ch Tiild ng a a ns re Trin n Ti libng aini raria he ld a ng inho traini Nw ak ng ur on uve Ju mex to uia de children in the libraries. Gue lop st citing ou se ac tivH itie s fo r
Tinga-Tinga Project
Stimulating childrens reading in knls libraries
By Caroline Kayoro
The training exposed the librarians to the following: How to put the child at the centre of the library e.g. understanding the child and the different developmental stages and how to handle each stage. Changing roles of libraries and librarians in the 21st century which include among others, ability to embrace change, ability to learn new technology, project management skills, ability to question and evaluate services and ability to sell ideas. Overview of the Ministry of Education (MOE) Early Childhood Development syllabus and its application in the library setting. Bringing Books to life in the library i.e. using books as a resource through activities and excitement. Positioning the library as a key ECD provider Promoting and marketing library services Establishing, maintaining and sustaining collaborations and partnerships
JUNE 2013 | Issue14 | KENA NEWS
hildren form an essential component of the knls customer base across the branch libraries. Thus, knls endeavors to set up childrens programs and activities that will stimulate children to read. However, this can only be effectively realized if the children librarians are equipped with requisite skills to implement the programmes and activities. The Tinga-Tinga project is an Early Childhood Development (ECD) project funded by the Pearson foundation. The main objectives are to equip the librarians manning childrens sections with ECD skills so that they can handle the children in a better way, and to set up exciting children spaces. The first training under the Tinga-Tinga project was conducted in May, 2012 involving 21 librarians. The second training comprising of 23 librarians was conducted at Jumuia Guest House, Nakuru between 28th and 30th May, 2013.
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Stimulating childrens readership

The knls Director, Mr. Richard Atuti, who officially opened the training, challenged the participants to enrich their skills in order to remain competitive and relevant in their increasingly changing profession. The librarians were also addressed by American Embassy, Nairobi officials, Henry Mendelson and George Kamau who made a presentation on free, vetted and safe online resources available for children and teenagers. Such resources would contribute greatly in making the library exciting for children. He reminded the librarians that libraries are the safest places for children and it is crucial for librarians to make the children feel safe and excited whenever they visit the library. The participants were informed that knls must create centres of excellence in the childrens libraries because children will not come if the library is boring. This requires building capacity for the staff to think outside the box and use the resources available in the branch libraries to create exciting places for children. The second training targeted librarians that were not trained in the first training and another two from Kisumu and Mutyambua were invited to share how they had implemented lessons learnt from the first training. This helped the librarians understand that the concept of Tinga Tingarizing childrens libraries is indeed possible. The librarians collectively developed a six month work-plan to be implemented from July 2013 to December 2013. Equipped with the requisite skills, a booklet on bringing books to life, MOE ECD syllabus, 30 copies of the Tinga Tinga titles and a set of stationery, the participants will in no doubt be in a good position to implement the activities. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Pearson Foundation who made all this possible by providing the books, funds and training.
The main objectives are to equip the librarians manning childrens sections with ECD skills so that they can handle the children in a better way, and to set up exciting children spaces.
Children enjoying indoor games in a knls library

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Support the library to empower the nation
By Timothy Mahea
fundraising drives, donations and developments funds. This has enabled knls reach out to a wider population and expand its network to the current branch network of 60 branches countrywide. You can support the Kenya National Library Service through assisting through the following ways: 1. Establishment and construction of libraries 2. Renovation of libraries in necessitous areas 3. Acquisition of resource materials 4. Establishment of e-Resource Centres within libraries 5. Sponsoring reading promotion events such as community reading tents, children and youth book clubs, etc. 6. Acquisition of resource materials and equipment for the Braille section 7. Facilitation of outreach programs e.g. by donating a mobile library van/bus, information materials for the mobile library etc. For more details on how you can partner with knls in creating a knowledge driven economy, kindly contact us at: Kenya National Library Service (Headquarters) Mumias Road/Ol DonyoSabuk Road, Buruburu P .O. Box 30573-00100, Nairobi, KENYA Tel: +254 20 2158352, 7786710 Cell: +254 722 860 567 Fax: +254 20 2721749 Email: knls@knls.ac.ke corporatecommunications@knls.ac.ke Website: www.knls.ac.ke
he Kenya National Library Service (knls) offers information solutions to the communities for empowerment and fostering the growth of the nation in all spheres. This is done through promotion of literacy which is geared to ignorance, which the government identified alongside poverty and disease as one of the main enemies of development at independence. This challenge is still live today as it was then. Illiteracy remains as one of the main deterrents of development and innovation in Kenya among other developing nations. Consequently, knls has aggressed to tackle challenges related to ignorance. To achieve this, knls takes cognizance that books are a crucial resource in driving out illiteracy and in achieving vision 2030. Books are also vital in providing information to the communities, raising the quality of education and promoting creativity and innovation. However, there are various challenges that have hindered knls goal of providing access to information to all the 47 counties. Today, knls has managed to establish 60 libraries spread in only 33 counties. Thus, 15 counties have no public libraries. Yet everyone has a chance in making a difference in the lives of the underprivileged Kenyans by contributing to this worthy causes being spearheaded by knls. A great number of the information resource centres we have in various counties have been made possible through community support in terms of offering land, committing resources for construction through
Theres a future in books ... and a book in your future

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knls branch network Branch Network

Mandera Moyale
Bute Ol Kalou Kapsabet Kabarnet Eldoret Meisori Kisumu Lusumu Kimilili Kakamega Nyilima Awendo Rambula Ukwala Koru Kisii Kericho Silibwet Naivasha Lelechonik Narok Gilgil Nyeri Muranga Werugha Mombasa Kwale Kibera Mutyambua Buruburu knls Branch Knls Headquarters Kithasyu Wundanyi Dzitsoni Kilifi Malindi Kinyambu Chinga Embu Garissa Thika Mwingi Nairobi Area Library Munyu Lagam Timau Karatina Isiolo Meru Mikumbune Mbalambala Nakuru Rumuruti Laikipia Griftu Wajir Tarbaj
Habasweni
Masalani
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Creating independent learners and promoting literacy through Book Time

by Caroline Kayoro
nls recognizes the fact that reading has a crucial role to play in creating independent learners, literacy promotion and educational attainment from a very early age. Reading plays a paramount role in childrens educational pursuit, promotes a deep awareness and builds the child up emotionally and intellectually. Reading as a leisure activity contributes greatly to comprehension, vocabulary and reading speed of students. In an effort to stimulate reading from an early age among children of 3 to 5 years, knls partnered with Book Aid International to give away books donated by Pearson Foundation under the Book Time Project in 12 knls libraries between 24th May and 8th June 2013. Book time is the national free books programme for reception-aged children in the UK. Founded by Pearson, Book time programme provides a free book pack for children to share and enjoy with their family and friends. This pack comprises: a book bag, two new childrens readers with Book time logo/information printed inside and a Book time book-mark. Through the project a total of 7200 books worth about Kshs. 630,000 were donated by Pearson Foundation and given out to 3600 school pupils for sharing with their family members and friends. The benefiting libraries were; BuruBuru, Muranga, Nyeri, Embu, Meru, Nakuru, Kericho, Kisumu, Kisii, Garissa, Wajir and Masalani. Approximately 500 people were in attendance in each site i.e. 300 children together with their parents and teachers in each site.
The event was characterized by various activities such as singing, games, reading aloud, coloring/ drawing, poetry/Shairis, storytelling, jokes and spelling quiz. It was indeed very refreshing to see children between the age of 3 to 9 years show case various talents in public speaking, songs, dances, poetry, comedy, mimicking etc. The climax of the event was the book give-way, where each child received 2 books, 2 book marks and a book bag. The excitement on the childrens faces as they received their book packs was breathtaking. This is a wonderful way of introducing children to the library at an early age. At the end of the event one child in Buru-Buru remarked this is a good-good library. The event attracted other local partners who gave support in cash and in kind to spice up the event. E.g. in Meru Library, the Kenya Methodist University, Story Moja publishers, Eco bank, Equity bank, Super loaf Ltd, Mafuko industries,
Mewass and Ripples International. In Nyeri library, Family bank- Nyeri branch, NYEWASCO, Post bank, Kimathi University main and town campuses, Nyeri Technical Institute, Samrat supermarket, Chamken and Express bookshops actively participated by contributing both in cash and kind. Some of the partners also sent their representatives to grace the occasion. The project, which was the first of its kind in knls was well received by all the participants. The positive impact in the libraries is evident through increased registration of members and daily attendance. Knls is indeed very grateful to both Pearson Foundation and Book Aid International for this wonderful partnership. Many parents who accompanied the children were visiting the library for the first time and got an understanding of the benefits of the library. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our local partners and friends of the library who participated in the event.
School children are presented with
books through the Book Time Project
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This is my first time in this library and I am most surprised to find all the books I need. I have been looking for these books without success, yet they are all gazing at me at the knls library shelves I love the smell of new books and I cant wait to lay my hands on them Human body has no spare parts; hence you have to get it right first time in your medical practice. The rich information that we see here will no doubt enhance our efficiency in our practice From this health hub, patients can be able to get the right information to manage their ailments on their own knls has really transformed. The old building was analog but this new one is digital. I am proud to refer people to such kind of a facility. With all this rich medical information housed in this library, knls can be termed as a referral hospital Education is an asset that does not depreciate even when shared Students too said they had been using the medical books in the library to do their research/term papers. Jill, who revealed that this was her first time to be in Kenya, said that she was very impressed with the health hub project and the enthusiastic reception it had received from the health workers. Mr. Atuti also said that he was one of the greatest beneficiaries of the old Nakuru library while in high school and encouraged the Nakuru residents to make use of the available information resources and sources.
Quotes from participants
es, Head the picture are Jill Hayn In ru. ku Na in b hu h alt Launching of the he th other participants Richard Atuti (center) wi d an ht) (rig I BA at ms of progra
By Nancy Ngugi
Health Information Hub launched in Nakuru Library

H
ealth hubs have been established in 15 knls libraries (i.e. Thika, Isiolo, Mombasa, Embu, Kabarnet, Garissa, Wundanyi, Kericho, Laikipia, Nyilima, Muranga, Buruburu, Nakuru, Mwingi, and Dzitsoni). This project was funded by Elsevier Foundation through the Book Aid International (BAI). The health hubs were officially launched in Nakuru on 26th April 2013 by BAI Head of Programmes, Jill Haynes and the knls Director, Mr. Richard Atuti. The event was attended by about 60 guests comprising health workers, medical lecturers and students, university librarians, youth representative and researchers from Nakuru. Through the project, the libraries involved received new books in both print and digital formats. Also present was Mr. James Kimani the BAIs E.A. Regional Representative.
Mr. Kimani challenged the participants to utilize the available information noting that one of the greatest challenges for information seekers was where to get reliable information. He emphasized that one such place is the library. The participants who decried the high costs of medical books appreciated knls and BAIs gesture of providing them with a rich collection of health information, which they said would help them in improving their professions. The health officers were excited about the program and recommended various other books they would love to have stocked at the library. Some of the medical lecturers in various university campuses in Nakuru acknowledged that they use the knls library information materials to prepare for lessons and also carry out research.
15
Book Clubs promote reading habits in knls libraries

B
ook clubs have become central and instrumental in promoting reading in knls libraries. Several book clubs comprising both primary and secondary students have been established in all branches. Some of the libraries such as Nairobi Area and Buruburu branch have also established parent baby clubs where parents come to the library with their babies to read for them. The book clubs programmes have various activities which include reading, debates, writing competitions, public speaking among others. For the young children the activities include reading, storytelling, poems, and both indoor and outdoor games. Some of the book club activities have attracted donor funding e.g. American Embassy sponsors Kisumu under the American Corner, KASNEB recently in May 2013 donated a cheque of Ksh. 100,000 for Nairobi Area parent/baby club, BAI has also sponsored Garissa book Club activities for 10 Months w.e.f March 2013, among others. Nairobi Area has also attracted support from Coca cola and individual parents in the past.
KeMU Library sponsors a Children Reading Tent in Meru
Benefits of joining a book club

by David Kangogo re you a book lover who finds pleasure in reading and discussing books and would like to meet with like-minded people? Well, look no further! knls libraries would like to extend an invitation to you and anyone interested in joining the Libraries Book Clubs. You can visit any knls library near you and express your interest at the customer care desk or simply talk to the librarian-in-charge. Some of the benefits that one gets from being an active member of the knls library book club include:
he Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) Library partnered with knls Meru Branch in organizing a Childrens Reading Tent (CRT). KeMU sponsored the event as part of their Community Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. The purpose of the CRT was to develop, inculcate, encourage, and sustain a desire, habit and culture for lifelong reading in children. The event was held on 24th May 2013 at KeMU Main campus compound from 9.00am to 4.00pm. Guided by the theme Reading is knowing Kusoma ni Kujua, the event brought together 198 pupils all drawn from 8 primary schools from Meru Municipality. The specific target groups were pupils from standard two to four. The event also brought together 24 teachers, 2 head teachers, one representative from District Education Office, one officer from NIC bank, KeMU students and 10 librarians from both KeMU and knls. The CRT activities included: reading activity, dictation, insha, composition, poem, shairi, mchongoano, creative drawing and Team building activities.
Gain new insights- This helps the members are to learn more about others experiences and look at the world in a brand new way. Most worries are left at the curb when you enter a book club meeting. For that amount of time, you are able to steep yourself in another world and forget your stresses, just as you do while reading. You also get a chance to also meet new people and make new friends in the process. Access to a variety of books- Exposure to many types of literature and lifes viewpoints help us grow as people. You might find yourself unexpectedly enjoying a new book you never thought youd like! Mental stimulation- Often people get so busy in their lives that their learning comes to a halt. The club makes us aware of new books and current trends. Get a break- Everyday life can be tiresome and we become stagnant. Getting a short break every week or even every month provides a safe place to escape and journey to a new and rich world and unknown authors. This helps expand our horizons and in enhances our understanding of the world. Some of the Book Club activities in the knls libraries are sponsored by our library partners in an effort to encourage reading, promote openness to cultural diversity, and provide stimulating discussions of the many book selections. Join a book club today!!!
16
NAL Baby Parent Book Club taking one step at a time
knls Director Mr. Atuti in the company of NAL staff receives a cheque of Ksh.100,000 from KASNEB officials in support of NAL Baby-Parent Book club
he NAL baby-parent book club is a concept that was developed out of the large number of children interested in learning through reading, interactive play, drama, story-telling and other media that are able to hold childrens attention. The club seeks to provide an alternative forum by inducting children into the culture of reading, as well as helping them to learn through edutainment. The club is currently catering for children from as young as 2 years. During the monthly club meetings, children are taken through a guided programme during which they engage in various learning activities and interact with each other. Group educational trips such as to the National Museum, the
By Beatrice Macharia
Animal Orphanage, etc are also planned. However, due to limited space and resources, the club has not been able to stretch itself to its limits in terms of what it offers to the children. The club does not charge a membership fee; its members are drawn from the Library membership. The club therefore has no funds to adequately meet the learning needs of these children. With a view to overcoming these limitations, a Committee of the Kids club was formed to lobby prospective partners to sponsor the kids club activities. Thus far, Nairobi Bottlers has responded to this call by providing refreshments (soda and water) during the monthly club meetings. Nairobi
Bottlers supported the clubs annual Christmas party 2011 and 2012, each of which was attended by about 250 children.Individuals have also contributed occasionally to support the activities of the club. In May 2013, KASNEB also presented a check of Ksh.100,000 in support of NAL baby-parent book club activities. These funds were used to decorate the children section, acquire new shelves for the children section and at the same time purchase more local books. The success of creating a sustained reading culture among the children requires a good and attractive reading environment, which enables them to associate reading with excitement. To all our partners we say, thank you!!!!
17 Children Sections at the knls Libraries get a boost from Book Aid International (BAI) through Childrens Books and E-learning pilot project
Developing libraries in children homes in Meru

by Richard Wanjohi
he idea of helping to establish libraries in children homes in Meru County was mooted in a December 2012 workshop for 4 children homes where 105 children and care givers attended. The workshop covered various issues including drugs and substance abuse, HIV/ AIDS, children rights and children in various orphanages by enabling them success to relevant information.
wards the kitty when they visited the Meru library in January 2013. This programme is being coordinated by stering committee drawn from Meru library staff. The committees mandate is to: Mobilize funds to facilitate registration of at least 1000 needy kids as members of the library Coordinate establishment of libraries in 4 children homes and 6 primary schools in the year 2013 Initiate partnerships with well-wishers and development partners within Meru County to support the programme. Organize for visits and reading activities in at least one children home per month Through these initiatives, the first library was launched at Ark Childrens Home on February 2013. The function was attended by County children co-coordinator Mr. Eluid mutwiri who was the Chief Guest, District Children Officer Mr. Benjamin Kinyua, Deputy Librarian KEMU, Mrs. Nancy Kamau, 50 KEMU students, American Friends of Kenya Coordinator Mr. Douglas Ruiga and SPARK under Diocese of Meru, which provides persons with disabilities with knowledge and skills to become useful members of the community was also represented.
Children using tablets to access learning information at knls Kibera library through a tablets project sponsored by Electronic Information for Libraries (eifl) in 2012 through its Public Library Innovation Programme (PLIP)
his is a two year project that aims to improve access to high quality reading and learning support materials in English and in local languages, for children aged 6-12 years, in print and digital format. The project will cover 22 branch libraries. The project is funded by a charity foundation through BAI to the tune of Kshs. 9 million and will run in the period between July 2013 and June 2015. The objective of the project is to develop the skills of librarians to establish better library services for children and to provide print and digital resources and training for librarians, to support those services.
According to the county statistical officer, Meru County has currently a population of approximately 706,621 children and there are 18 charitable children homes in the County and 27,724 children receive support from various stakeholders. Thus during the workshop, it was agreed that provision of library services in the children homes would endow the children with knowledge and skills that will enable them realize their rights to protection, development and participation. Consequently, in January 2013 Meru library staff resolved to raise funds to facilitate registration of needy children from children homes as members of the library. knls Director Mr. Richard Atuti and a Board member, Mrs Betty Buyu also contributed a Ksh. 3,200 to-
Provision of library services in the children homes would endow the children with knowledge and skills that will enable them realize their rights to protection, development and participation.
18
By Timothy Mahea
he most important wealth we can pass on from generation to generation is knowledge. It does not expire or depreciate in value over time nor get used up in the process of sharing. Knowledge outlives humanity and when built upon, it creates a new revolution in the way we perform various activities and indeed guide human behavior. Knowledge comes from factual information and is the psychological result of perception, learning and reasoning. Thus, documentation of information becomes very instrumental since it is one of the main ways in which information is stored for future documentation. It is through such efforts that today we have access to information contained in most of religious books those focusing on other professions, written thousands of years ago. But foremost, we need to know how to acquire and translate this information into useful knowledge that will have positive impact to the future generations. In todays world, various efforts have been undertaken to make information available to all in an effort to empower everyone. We increasingly find ourselves surrounded by bodies of knowledge and its our responsibility to choose when, where and how to pick what we need. The information is readily available but unfortunately most people seek information when they find themselves besieged by challenges. Though there are lessons learnt from challenges too, this may not be the preferred way of learning new things. Similarly, knowledge is more important when it can influence decision making. Just as most of us are seriously worried about physical hunger since it hurts and it leaves us with little energy, we should be worried more about mental hunger which creates a craving to do wrong things. A good thought or action is a product of a well fed mind. Most of us also spend lots of time and effort in acquiring physical affluence while greatly ignoring our intellectual wealth which is equally if not superiorly essential. Though all are important to pursue, it is critical for us to strike a balance and ensure we attain homogeneous growth. Knowledge guides
by Timothy Mahea
James Kimani E.A. Regional representative reads a book at the health hub in Buruburu library
Challenge your knowledge feed your mind

19
Knowledge guides our direction and fuels our imagination thus creativity and innovation
our direction and fuels our imagination thus creativity and innovation. It is therefore imperative for everyone to conduct an audit as to what information you routinely feed your mind with, in order to determine whether you are on the right path, or you need to make urgent action steps towards changing your situation. In the recent past we have witnessed glorification of degraded morals through various forms of media which are propagated everywhere and which pollute our minds subconsciously. The main question we need to ask ourselves today is how do we positively transform our minds to filter the right content that is relevant to our lives and eliminate whats irrelevant? Often, a man is nothing but a product of his thoughts. What we see and hear determines what our outputs will be in terms of how we speak and act. Psychologists enunciate that a habit is formed within 21 days. This means any wrong thing you do repetitively over a period of time forms into a habit that becomes part of you. Bad habits lead to undesirable behaviour which will often lead you away from the path of achieving your desired goals. It therefore becomes critical for us to teach our minds how to recognize garbage and identify ways of dealing with it and/or eliminating it altogether. Your frequent interactions also determine your character since your behaviour is average that of your friends. Having the right mind-set, surrounding yourself with the right people and the right resource materials will enable you to remain focused in attaining your goals. It would be unfortunate if you do not plan or set goals because the essence of your existence is confounded. To create that inner drive, one must come up with clear goals/intentions and the means to achieve them, then formulate clear action plans that you continuously work towards their execution.
Feeding the mind The right way

Watch Watch Watch Watch Watch your your your your your thoughts, for they become words. words, for they become actions. actions, for they become habits. habits, for they become character. character, for it becomes your destiny
Unknown
Caroline Kayoro,in charge of project coordination at knls, innocently humbled by the amount of information and knowledge contained on this shelve at Buruburu library
20
Youth club in Meru promotes reading

By Richard Wanjohi
he Meru library started a youth club comprising of the youth library users. The club, dubbed Shiners Youth Club (SYC) comprises of the youth from within Meru County and is Co-ordinated by Patrick Wanderi a library staff in charge of security. SYC organizes for youth forums at the library to discuss issues affecting the youth and how they can be addressed. They are also committed to encourage the young people and children to enhance their reading habits to gain empowerment and be able to participate in making decisions that would help them in life. SYC members are also not ignorant of the space challenges facing the library especially during the school holidays.
Out of their own initiative they have managed to raise a total of 19,270/= to support needy pupils and also construct outdoor reading sheds within the compound to address the issue of space.
Mr. Ben Gituku (2nd Right) cuts the tape to signify the official launch of the e-resource centres at Werugha Library in May 2013
A jig dance at the e-resource launch

Kenal Issue 14 Newsletter - Kenya National Library Service Knls

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Whats INSIDE

Compiled and edited by Nancy Ngugi, Principal Public Relations Officer

Caroline Kayoro, Projects & Resource

The editor reserves all rights to publication. The views expressed in

Kenya National Library Service

Using technology to change lives of rural communities

Ten CCK-sponsored e-Resource centres officially launched T

JUNE 2013 | Issue14 | KENAL NEWS

From left Mrs

, Mr Nyatta onnie Nyatta

Mr. Mwasi Nyatta

The man who was instrumental in establishing Werugha library

KENAL NEWS | Issue14 | JUNE 2013

JUNE 2013 | Issue14 | KENAL NEWS

e-Resource centres changing lives of library customers

KENAL NEWS | Issue14 | JUNE 2013

KENAL NEWS | Issue14 | JUNE 2013

Stimulating childrens readership

Children enjoying indoor games in a knls library

Support the library to empower the nation

Theres a future in books ... and a book in your future

knls branch network Branch Network

KENAL NEWS | Issue14 | JUNE 2013

Creating independent learners and promoting literacy through Book Time

School children are presented with

books through the Book Time Project

Quotes from participants

Health Information Hub launched in Nakuru Library

Book Clubs promote reading habits in knls libraries

KeMU Library sponsors a Children Reading Tent in Meru

Benefits of joining a book club

NAL Baby Parent Book Club taking one step at a time

Developing libraries in children homes in Meru

Challenge your knowledge feed your mind

Feeding the mind The right way

Youth club in Meru promotes reading

A jig dance at the e-resource launch

KENAL NEWS | Issue14 | JUNE 2013

Compiled and edited by Nancy Ngugi, Principal Public Relations Officer

Caroline Kayoro, Projects & Resource

The editor reserves all rights to publication. The views expressed in

Kenya National Library Service

Using technology to change lives of rural communities

Ten CCK-sponsored e-Resource centres officially launched T

JUNE 2013 | Issue14 | KENAL NEWS

From left Mrs

, Mr Nyatta onnie Nyatta

Mr. Mwasi Nyatta

The man who was instrumental in establishing Werugha library

KENAL NEWS | Issue14 | JUNE 2013

JUNE 2013 | Issue14 | KENAL NEWS

e-Resource centres changing lives of library customers

KENAL NEWS | Issue14 | JUNE 2013

KENAL NEWS | Issue14 | JUNE 2013

Stimulating childrens readership

Children enjoying indoor games in a knls library

Support the library to empower the nation

Theres a future in books ... and a book in your future

knls branch network Branch Network

KENAL NEWS | Issue14 | JUNE 2013

Creating independent learners and promoting literacy through Book Time

School children are presented with

books through the Book Time Project

Quotes from participants