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The Library Ecosystem Research Project

This website is the output of a multi year research project that set out to visit and document every public library in Kenya. We sought to understand how these spaces are built, used, funded, and experienced today. Here, you’ll find an interactive map of Kenya’s public libraries alongside insights from the field, stories from librarians and users, and data on collections, access, and infrastructure. This digital platform is both a research archive and an invitation to invest in libraries as essential infrastructure.

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Kenya Libraries Map

Explore the 360 libraries listed on this site and contribute information about your local library

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Beyond the Stacks: Mapping Kenya’s Libraries

The final draft of this report will be made public at the 4th Edition of Nairobi Litfest in June 2025. Final version will be published later in the year.

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Visit the Eastlands Library

A beautiful physical version of this library map lives on a giant wall at the Eastlands Library.

Explore the Library Map of Kenya’s Libraries

Looking for a local library in Kenya? We have 300+ listed here.

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Private Libraries

One established by individuals, groups, organizations, or institutions (excluding institutions of higher education), where access is restricted to members of that group or institution. These libraries are typically designed to serve specific audiences such as employees, members, or researchers  and are not generally open to the public, even if they hold significant collections or resources.

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Public Libraries

For this website, a public library refers to any library that was part of the KNLS network at the time of study or established, funded, or managed by a government body. It also includes community libraries founded by individuals or groups that offer open, public access and serve broader cultural and informational needs.

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School Libraries

Any library located within a primary school, secondary school, or university, regardless of how it was established or who manages it. These libraries are primarily designed to support academic learning, but many also serve as important community knowledge hubs, especially in areas where public libraries are limited or unavailable.