Membership

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LibraryMembership

knls is committed to offering access to information and knowledge for empowerment. At Kenya National Library Service, our tagline “Read Know Empower” tells of our desire to have a knowledgeable and empowered people of the country. With a library membership card, you have access to a world of books, magazines, newspapers, CDs, DVDs, e-books, databases, online journals, public computers and many more that is yours to discover. A library card is one of the best assets that you need to have in order to transform your life.

Membership is of the library is open to institutions and individuals, both Kenyan citizens and non-citizens.

Junior Membership

All primary children of school going age and below have access to the libraries within the knls network at no charge (free). However, for them to borrow books, they have to be registered as members of that library and also pay a book borrowing fee of Kshs. 5 per book borrowed.

Adult Membership

For adult membership, no charges are levied for registration but a minimal fee is charged for daily access. In addition, for borrowing of books, one has to be registered as a member and a book borrowing fee of Kshs. 20 is applicable per book borrowed.

Institutional Membership

Various categories of institutions may apply for registration at the library of their choice within knls network. The institutions are categorised as; primary schools, secondary schools, colleges, universities, NGOs Community based organizations and religious institutions. Under this category, institutions are required to pay an annual registration as per schedule 2 below.

Below are the registration requirements for Kenyan citizens and non-citizens.

SCHEDULE 1

Individual Membership Requirements Processing time
Kenyan citizen – Adult
(16 Years and above)
  • Clear understanding of the library user manual.
  • Duly completed membership form.
  • A copy of National Identification documents.
  • Commitment from the employer or Head of the learning institution.
  • One recent passport size colour photos.
 One week after presenting all the required documents or 5 – 10 minutes where library services are fully automated.
Kenyan Citizen – Child
  • Clear understanding of the library user manual.
  • Duly completed membership form.
  • Commitment from Head Teacher and parent.
  • One recent passport size colour photos.
Non-Kenyan citizen – Adult
  • Clear understanding of the library user manual.
  • Duly completed membership form.
  • Valid passport.
  • A letter of introduction from home office or a valid work permit.
  • One recent passport size colour photos.
 5 minutes after presenting all the required documents.
Non-Kenyan citizen – Child
  • Duly completed membership form.
  • Valid passport.
  • One recent passport size colour photos.
Institutional Membership
  • Clear understanding of the library user manual.
  • Application letter signed by the Head institution, who will also act as the guarantor.
  • Group to give the name and details of one of their staff, who would be in-charge of borrowing and returning library books.
 5 minutes after presenting all the required documents.

 

NB:Where Library Services are Automated, passport photos are taken instantly

 

 

 

SCHEDULE 2

Type of library

fees

 Library Customer Category

New Rates

(Kshs.)
Annual Membership/ Subscription Adults To be scrapped and registration as library members to be free
Secondary School Students
Junior Membership

Non-East African Nationals

 
Daily Library Access Fees Executive 100
Adults 20
Secondary School Students 20
Junior readers No charge
Book loan fees Adults and Secondary School Students 20 per book for 14 days
Junior Members 5 per book for 14 days
Overdue charges All 10 per book per day