Public Libraries

The city of Nairobi has public libraries situated in the central business district, as well as in some of the outskirts, as indicated below. Most of these facilities are operated by various state organs, sadly with minimal budgetary support. As a result, they struggle to keep their inventory of books current. However, they have some of the best collections of Africana books, and old local newspaper copies dating to the beginning of the last century, providing an invaluable resource for researchers.Are you then a staunch reader? consider visiting the following libraries when you are within Kenya's capital 

East African Herbarium Library
This library is situated at the Nairobi National Museum. It has been engaged in the development and Management of botanical collections since 1982 when it was moved from the East African Community in Arusha, Tanzania.
Services: These include reading facilities, lending of books and journals, access to a large stock of flora from various continents, and other reference resources.

Opening Hours:
Mondays to Fridays, 8:00am to 5:00pm
Contact:
Tel: 254 20 4448930/3, 254 20 3742131/4

Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library, University of Nairobi

This Library is situated at the University of Nairobi main campus, off University Way. It was built in the 1980s following a rapid growth of its predecessor, the Gandhi Memorial Library that eventually led to the need for a bigger facility.
Services: These include reading facilities, lending of books, Internet and bureau services (photocopy & internet access), binding services, university theses, periodicals and newspapers.
Charges:
Reading only – daily membership Ksh 100, monthly membership Ksh 500.
External borrowers – Ksh 500 plus a refundable deposit of Ksh 3000.
Opening Hours:

On session	Monday to Friday 8 am – 10 pm
	Saturday 8 am to 5.00 pm
On vacation	Monday to Friday 8 am – 5 pm
	Saturday 8 am to noon
Closed on Sundays and public holidays

Contact:


Kenya National Archives

The Kenya National Archives is situated in the city centre on Moi Avenue opposite the Hilton Hotel. Although this facility was established in 1956, it moved to its current address in the 1970s, and now houses a library and an art gallary. In the 1980s, the government acquired the late Joseph Murumbis large collection of rare African books, which is now available for review in the library. Public records and documents are also available for review, subject to the 30 year rule for government documents to be made public, and your ability to master the complex cataloging system at the Archives.
Services: These include reading facilities, lending of books, rare african books, and access to public documents and records.
Charges:
Annual membership Ksh 200
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 4.30 pm
Saturdays 8.30 am to 1.00 pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
Contact :
Tel:  +254(0)20 2228959
Mobile: +254(0)722 599212

Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) Nairobi Public Library

This Library is situated in the Community area of Upper Hill opposite the NHIF Building. It first opened its doors to the public in 1974. Its location is the headquarters of the KNLS Board, a state corporation established by the Government of Kenya to promote a reading culture through library and information services.
Services: These include reading facilities, lending of books, Internet and bureau services (photocopy & internet access), access to Kenyan Daily newspapers, videos and public talks on HIV/AIDS information, Braille library services for the visually impaired, and a mobile library that takes services to the outskirts of the city.
Charges:
Registration fee for citizens Ksh 300
Annual fee Ksh 100
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 6.30pm
Saturday: 8.30 am to 5.00 pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
Contact:
Tel: 020 2158360, 020 272550 ext 222


KNLS Buruburu Public Library

This Library is situated in Buruburu Phase 2 along Mumias South Road. It is a branch of the main KNLS library in Community area of Nairobi.
Services: These include reading facilities, lending of books, Internet and bureau services (photocopy & internet access), access to Kenyan Daily newspapers, videos and public talks on HIV/AIDS information, and Braille library services for the visually impaired.
Charges:
Registration fee Ksh 300
Annual fee Ksh 100
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 6.30pm
Saturday 8.30 am to 5.00 pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays


McMillan Memorial Library

This Library is situated in the city centre on Banda Street next to Jamia Mosque. It was established in 1931 in memory of lord William Macmillan by his widow. Lord MacMillan was an American big game hunter in Kenya who owned Oldonyo Sabuk and the areas surrounding this mountain during the colonial era. The library was initially reserved for use by the European community only, until it was taken over by the Nairobi City Council in 1962 and is now the headquarters of the Nairobi City Library Services.
Services: These include reading facilities, lending of books, Africana section with some rare books, periodicals section with newspapers and journals dating as far back as 1906.
Charges:
Annual subscription adults Ksh100, children Ksh50
Researchers Ksh200 a week
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 6.00pm
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays
Contact :
Social Services & Housing Department, Nairobi City Council
Telephone: (254) 020 721 2651

Rahimtulla Trust Library, Library Information Support Services (LISS)

This Library is situated in the city center on Mfangano Street near the central bus station. It was established in 1953 by Rahimtulla Trust, an Ismailia  organization that set out to acquire books that would be representative of all subjects, and to allow readership of all walks of life regardless of creed, colour or religion.
Services: These include reading facilities, lending of books, and a periodicals section
Charges:
Subscription daily Ksh 30, weekly Ksh 150, monthly Ksh 500, Annually Ksh 4000
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 6.00pm
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays
Contact :
Tel +254(0)20 2312822