LibraryThe Kamuzu Academy Library
INTRODUCTION
The Founder, the late Dr. H. Kamuzu Banda, had from the start a magnificent concept and visionary approach to the Kamuzu Academy Library. This is revealed in one of the remarkable speeches that he made in the period leading up to and during the building of the Kamuzu Academy , “… some of the lessons can be carried on in the library surrounded by books.”
His vision, realised to some extent in the magnificent building modelled on the Library of Congress Reading Room, has found ample fulfillment in the role that the Library plays in the school curriculum.
The dome of the Library, according to the vision of the Founder, symbolises the Kachere Tree. The green line around the dome stands for the evergreen leaves of the Kachere Tree; the gold petals stand for the golden fruit of the Kachere tree, which represents Knowledge. This Knowledge is found in the Library.
THE ROLE OF THE SCHOOL LIBRARY
The principal function of libraries in any educational institution, (schools, colleges, universities, etc.), is to support teaching and research.
The School Library plays an active role in the work of the school across the full range of subjects, ages and abilities. Its main objective is central to the school curriculum and aims at equipping students with the knowledge, skill and understanding that they will require for adult life and employment.
WHAT IS IN THE LIBRARY
There are over 26,000 volumes in the library, which makes it one of the leading libraries in Malawi.
The library has the following sections:
• Reference Section – This is on the ground floor
• Lending Section – This in on the first floor
• The Malawi Collection
LIBRARY OPERATIONS
OPENING HOURS
Library opening hours are as follows:
TERM TIME
Monday – Friday
7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Weekend and Public Holidays
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
In the second and third terms the library opens in the evening for purposes of revision as follows:
Monday – Friday
6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
LIBRARY SEATING CAPACITY
The Library has seating capacity for 100 readers.
The Library is manned by five fully trained personnel.
SERVICES TO COMMUNITY
In addition to serving the school's main objective, i.e. the teaching of students and the support of staff, the Library trains school librarians, coordinates book donations from Leeds Girls' High School to other schools, coordinates inter-library loans, etc.
USER EDUCATION
The Library provides orientation programmes for first-form and new students for efficient library use. Library Studies are an established part of the curriculum.
AFFILIATION
The Library is affiliated to the Malawi Library Association (MALA).
