Lubuto Library Partners, which started in Zambia, provides a framework for libraries serving young people in sub-Saharan Africa, exemplifying public libraries’ unique ability to include children and youth who are highly vulnerable and not in school. Lubuto libraries support the rights of all young people to equitable education and free expression in safe, accessible and supportive environments.
Lubuto’s objectives are to:
Create open access to child-friendly, culture-specific, expertly-staffed libraries with the highest quality literature for young people
Support holistic development and advocate for the rights of all children and youth, especially the marginalized
Provide training for librarians, communities and educators in public library educational, informational and social services for children and youth
Lubuto's approach is to:
identify target community and hosts
build library facilities reflecting social, economic and cultural patterns
provide great collections & resources
establish targeted and innovative programming
carry out effective outreach
provide training in library services for children and youth
monitor and evaluate libraries’ impact for learning and advocacy
