Kigali Public Library is an open and public platform that inspires communities to read, discover and learn.
We provide access to educational, cultural and inspirational materials in digital and physical formats.
We host and create programs, workshops and events that foster literacy, creativity and innovation.
The library project was initiated by Rotary Club of Kigali-Virunga, the project was later developed and funded by the Government of Rwanda. The library is financially funded and operationally supported by the Ministry of Education and from the 1st July 2015, the management of KPL was outsourced to Innovation Village
Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 8:00pmSaturday: 8:00am - 5:00pmSunday: 8:00am - 12:00pm
New Year’s Day: 1st JanuaryHeroes Day: 1st FebruaryGood Friday: VariableGenocide Memorial Day: 7th AprilLabour Day: 1st MayIndependence Day: 1st JulyLiberation Day: 4th JulyAssumption: 15th AugustEid: VariableChristmas Day: 25th DecemberBoxing Day: 26th December
Kigali Public LibraryKN 8 AveKacyiruKigali, Rwanda
Email: info@kplonline.orgTelephone: +250 788 500 777Facebook: @KigaliPublicLibraryTwitter: @KigaliLibraryInstagram: @Kigalilibrary
2
Innovation Village
Gallery
Mini Theatre
Co-Work Space
Cafe
1
Study Zone
Meeting Rooms
Study Desks
Non-Fiction/Adult Collection
French Institute Corner
G
Service Zone
Information Desk
Kids Zone
Internet CafÉ
B
Interactive Zone
Conference Room
Fiction Books
We hold a remarkable collection of over 19,000 books as well as periodicals and about 1000 new volumes will be added annually to cater to our diverse KPL reading community.
Borrow books, DVD’s and other materials at KPL for a maximum of two weeks.
The loan period may be renewed for another 2 weeks if the materials have not been requested by anyone else.
New members can get their library cards from the front desk, the following items are needed to apply:
Copy of ID/PASSPORTHeadshot ImageMembership Fee (See Membership Categories for prices)
For any questions related to our books or services please email info@kplonline.org or call +250 788 500 777
Can I access the Library if I am not a member?Yes, non-members have access to the library facilities but are not allowed to borrow books and to use the Internet Café.
How can I get a library card?Register in person at the library information desk and receive a membership card within 10mins.
When does my membership expire?The Library membership is valid for 12 months.
What if I misplace my library card?If you misplaced your library card, a new membership card can be issued for a cost of 2000 RWF.
How many books can I borrow?Individuals can borrow up to 5 booksSchools and Institutions can borrow up to 100 books.
How long can I borrow a book for?Individuals can loan books for a period of 2 weeks, this may be renewed for another 2 weeks if the books have not been requested by anyone else. Schools and Institutions can loan books for a period of 1 month.
What happens if I do not return a book on time?Content borrowed must not exceed 14 days (renewable for another 2 weeks if the books have not been requested by anyone else), after this period a fine of 300 RWF is added daily to the member account.The content must be returned and payments must be retrieved before the member can borrow additional content.
What does 'No more charges are allowed' mean?Late fines fees for non-returned books cost 300 RWF/day, if the cumulative fees reach 20,000RWF no more charged are allowed, the library card will be suspended.
Can I use Wi-Fi at the KPL?Yes, you can use the KPL Wi-Fi using your laptop or other portable devices.
Can I reserve a PC/Tablet?Yes, you can reserve a tablet/kindle as well as a PC to use within the library. Booking can be made at the information desk.
Can I reserve a space at the Kigali Public Library?The KPL Garden and conference rooms can be rented for events related to education, literacy and culture.
Can I ask a librarian?Yes, kindly use our email service info@kplonline.org for any questions or comments related to KPL content, services, events, programs and/or any concerns regarding technical issues.
How do I find an item in the library catalogue?Use the drop down menu to search by keyword, title, author, subject, tag, list, etc.After entering your search terms, you can see how many copies the library has, which locations have them, if they are checked out and if they are being held.
Can I access the online catalogue from places other than the library?Yes, you can access the online catalogue through the library website from any location, visit www.kplcatalogue.org
How will I know when my holds are available?You will be notified by email.
Can I suggest that the library purchase a certain book, audiobook, CD, DVD, etc.?Yes, you can fill the “Tell us what us missing?” list at the library counter, or request it via the library website suggestion page.
Can I share interesting links, content or comments with the KPL Community?Yes, feel free to share interesting content with us using our social media platforms:Facebook: @KigaliPublicLibraryTwitter: @KigaliLibraryInstagram: @Kigalilibrary
Can I donate materials to the KPL?Yes, the library accepts donated materials. If you or your organization is interested in donating books and materials to the KPL kindly contact us at info@kplonline.org
We accept cash, Mobile money and VISA card payments
Browse the entire library collection through our E-Catalogue
A librarian is available to assist you with all your library needs, send any questions or queries to info@kplonline.org
As a member of KPL, you can reserve and put books on hold, reservations can be done once you are logged into the system.
Send us ideas and suggestions on how we can improve our KPL services to suit your library needs, is there a particular book you want the library to acquire? Or a new program you would like us to introduce?
Our users can enjoy high speed Wifi connection and we also have an Internet café that allows members to reserve and use one of our 30 computers for a maximum of 3 hours.
Conference rooms are available to book for small to medium conferences, for a maximum of 35 people.
KPL has meeting rooms that are ideal for small business meetings and brain storming sessions.
KPL has study rooms ideal for small study groups or private study.
The KPL Rooftop (Innovation Village) and Gardens are available for rent, provided that the events promote the KPL vision of literacy, creativity, education and culture.
KPL works with partners to organize relevant and inspiring programs, activities and events for all our members.
We collaborate with existing partners and initiatives to provide fun, interactive and educational workshops for our KPL members.
We host a range of book clubs and reading programs that cater to all our members. We also encourage members to create their own clubs, fuel their interests and explore our existing collection.
Tribu ImaginaireExhibition
An Exhibition by Nelson Niyakire
7 - 28 August 2015
Umoja Village is an all-female matriarch village located in Samburu County, 380km from Nairobi. The village is a sanctuary for homeless women and girls, fleeing violence and forced marriages; this sanctuary is a stand against the traditional subordinate position of women in the Kenyan society and as such, focuses on women empowerment.
This makeshift tribe inspired Burundian visual artist Nelson Niyakire. Tribu Imaginaire (Imaginary Tribe) pays tribute to the women of Umoja Village by re-creating an imaginary village of women from all corners of Africa, seeking a safe haven grounded on unity, defiance and re-inventing of oneself.
Tribu Imaginaire is a story of dreams, culture and beauty.
Kigali Global Shapers
Once a monthEntrance: Free
The Global Shapers Community is a network of Hubs developed and led by young people who are exceptional in their potential, their achievements and their drive to make a contribution to their communities.
Young Writers' Club
An initiative by Youth Literacy Organisation (YouLI), the Young Writers' Club brings together young Rwandans who share the passion for writing, to connect, share and learn.
Meeting on a monthly basis, club members - aged between 15 and 30 - engaged in writing workshops, discussions, guest-speaker series and other creative sessions that help trigger creativity and foster writing.Entrance: Free
Initially, the club has welcomed young people who are passionate about creative writing and have been involved in writing; published or unpublished.
For any further information about the club and how to participate, please contact info@youli.org.rw
Abana writing Café
Venue: Innovation Village (Rooftop, Kigali Public Library)Entrance: FreeDate: Every last Monday of the monthTime: 6:00 p.m - 7:30 p.mLanguages: Kinyarwanda, English, and French
Abana Writing Café is a monthly children’s book event, open to the public and serving as a platform to upcoming and established writers, poets, artists, storytellers and other enthusiasts with a keen interest in children’s books. The first of its kind in Kigali, AWC is organized by Rwandan Children’s Book Initiative, a project of Save the Children, whose mission is to see more children reading more and better books” in Rwanda.
The main idea is to combine three activities which people enjoy: storytelling, sharing knowledge on children’s books and receiving/giving feedback on individual children’s writer’s projects or works.
A trip to the KPL is a trip around the world! With this membership, children up to 13 years old can explore new worlds, learn new things and expand their fertile minds through books, multimedia and age-specific activities.
The KPL Student membership is designed for high-school, university students and young researchers. Here, avid learners have access to a wide collection of academic materials, books , inspiring talks and open online courses such as ItunesU and Coursera.
The adult membership is for individuals looking to take advantage of KPL’s wide variety of written, audio and multimedia content for personal or professional use.
KPL content are a source of inspiration and imagination. The storytellers membership encourages musicians, playwrights, painters, filmmakers, writers and all artists to make the Kigali Public Library the go-to institutions for their personal and professional development.
Through this membership, schools and institutions can integrate the KPL’s collections and programs into their own content. Staff members from the registered institutions can also explore the KPL’s inspiring collection and enhance their teaching curriculum.
We offer short-term library memberships for individuals looking to take advantage of KPL’s wide variety of content and facilities for a limited period of time.
Apply for a Kigali Public Library membership online
GalleryMini TheatreCo-Work SpaceCafe
Meeting RoomsStudy DesksNon-Fiction/Adult CollectionFrench Institute Corner
Information DeskKids ZoneInternet CafÉNon-Fiction/Adult Collection
Conference RoomMeeting RoomsFiction Books
Your time is your most valuable contribution!We are always open to students, artists, working parents, teachers (active or retired), professionals and any other individuals willing to contribute their talents, skills and knowledge to our communities at the Kigali Public Library.
Areas of Involvement:Children programsTeenager ProgramsPrimary and Secondary Students MentorshipCirculationCataloguing and Shelving
Copy of ID/PASSPORTPassport PictureMembership Fee (See Membership Categories for prices)
Not a member? Register here
Forgot your password?
MON - FRISATSUN
8:00AM - 8:00PM8:00AM - 5:00PM8:00AM - 12:00PM
info@kplonline.org0788500777www.kplonline.org
© 2015 Kigali Public Library. All rights reserved
