National Library Service of Botswana
The National Library Service of Botswana is the legal deposit and copyright library for Botswana. It was officially opened on April 8, 1968. They strive to be a world class library and information hub. The library is considered one of the most centralized in the world, as it is responsible for the professional development for all libraries within Botswana, including academic ones.
History
Being established in September 1967 through the Act of the Botswana National Assembly. President Sir Seretse Khama, the first President of the Republic of Botswana, officially opened the service on April 8, 1968. It was one of seven departments of the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs. Its mission has been to preserve the national literary heritage and to provide the public with informational and educational services.According to the United Nations, as of 2003 approximately 81 percent of adult Batswana are literate.
Services
The library offers many services including:- Mobile Library Service
- Postal Service
- Reference Service
- Book Requests Service
- Children's Service
- Computer Training Service
- International Standard Book Number
- Maps
Divisions
The library currently encompasses many divisions including:- Bibliographic Support Services
- National Reference Library
- Public Libraries Division
- Library Service for People with Disabilities
- Projects Research and Publications
Programs
The library currently offers many programs to its patrons, including:- Reading Club
- Homework Assistance
- Youth Computer Training
- Braille
- Annes Stine
- Bana Ba Dinonyane
- Motswedi Rehabilitation Center
- Life-Line
- Storytelling
- Art and Craft
- Health Talk
- Sesigo