Lubuto Library Partners has proven to be a flexible, adaptable model that shapes its services around the needs of the community. One of the things that stood out to me the most as a volunteer was the emphasis placed on technology. Even in the rural libraries, Lubuto strives to provide computer access and valuable technology skills to the community. This technology has been used as a vector for providing online literacy lessons in native Zambian languages, breaking traditional gender norms, and expediting equity in the community. I am beyond thankful for the impact Lubuto has made on many Zambian communities and to have been a part of this impact myself.
Having volunteered at Lubuto Library Partners the past few months, it has be an amazing experience because i have had a chance to work on various activities which include my favorite hobby which is photography, i was given the opportunity to practice my photography by taking pictures at the various activities which happen not just at the library but also at schools where Lubuto had running programs. Aside from that i was given a chance to work with adolescent girls for a book club that happens at the Model Library. Lubuto gave me chance to learn how to work with a different computer program for data entry which in turn helped me acquire a new skill. Lubuto is doing an excellent job in improving literacy levels and among boys, girls and young mothers and allowing them to express themselves and become empowered and i am happy to be part of such a big project that continues to change the lives of people in communities and a learning process for me as an individual.
I have worked as a volunteer for Lubuto Library Partners under the DREAMS Family Literacy Program since May 2017, an experience I will cherish forever. As a fresh graduate with no prior work experience, I never thought that I would be given an opportunity to work as a volunteer for such a huge project. For the past one year, I have gained experience that I would probably have never gotten from any other organisation. Lubuto Library Partners is doing an amazing job in the lives of many young mothers who had lost hope after getting pregnant while in school. However, many of them now have the motivation they need to go back to school and finish their high school and all this is thanks to Lubuto Library Partners.
I have an amazing chance to volunteer with Lubuto Libraries. And i must applaud them for the amazing work they are doing with the kids and young women. Indeed we need more initiatives like this one to help groom our children, who are the future.
I enjoy every minute spent at the library, being someone who is passionate about helping kids.
Thank you Lubuto Libraries for your great work, keep it up!
During a career break in 2009 I contacted Jane to enquire about volunteering opportunities. Within a few hours we were chatting on the phone and soon after I was on my way to Lusaka! I had the privilege to work in the Fountain of Hope branch (the only Lubuto library at the time) for a few months and witness first hand the impact of the programs on children's lives. Jane was (and still is) a visionary leader, and her passion is a common thread throughout the organization. Since 2009 I have been in awe of the successful growth and expansion of Lubuto Partners. The innovative ideas abound - Lubuto Libraries are right on trend with what we do in my area! This is an amazing nonprofit that is doing everything right. I support them since 2009 and continue with no hesitation every year because the important work they do is done so well.
The actual books are only the surface of Lubuto. Behind every book is a heaping respect for the needs of the children who read them. Every book that Lubuto offers is deliberately researched and chosen to match the developmental stages of the children. And Lubuto offers more than books, providing a community that responds to the interests and needs that present themselves.
I have been following Jane Meyer’s dream for her Lubuto Libraries almost from its inception. Her overarching concern from the start was to make her dream one that would blend in with Zambian culture. This included the staffing and other personnel resources, the architecture, the books and other media, the specific needs of the communities the libraries are serving. Education in many forms has also been a driving force and her accomplishments, and those of the skillful staff implementing all the creative ideas generated are reflected in the success of the children who avail themselves of all that is offered. One of my favorite outcomes is the current librarian working in one of the libraries who once was a student there—proof positive that the Lubuto Libraries are fulfilling the original dream of Jane Meyers. I am happy to be a donor and will continue to be as long as I can.
In their new book, Our Towns, James Fallows and Deborah Fallows write that "[in]side public libraries…you see the people, programs, problems, and answers that offer a genuine look in to the heart and soul of a town." This quote resonates when I think of Lubuto’s mission and the inspiring work it has done to strengthen and empower communities in Zambia. It’s been privilege these past few years to help bring the uplifting stories and images from Lubuto to an audience around the world and illuminate the common threads that unite us all.
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I became aware of the Lubuto Library Project in the summer of 2012. Jane Meyers’ energy and enthusiasm for the Project was instantly infectious and I was excited to lend a hand with their digital marketing outreach. It's been a pleasure to work with the Lubuto team. Their focus and camaraderie has been inspiring and I've been moved by the positive impact the Project's work is having on the lives of Zambian street children. It’s rewarding to have the opportunity to play (a small) part in a project that is so clearly a big force in changing people's lives by providing access to resources previously unavailable.
I am consistently impressed by Lubuto.
- They are dedicated to the children they serve.
- Innovative in their programming. (I’m incredibly impressed by their efforts fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS. That’s just a year old. There was a growth in the rate of infection in young girls, and they were Johnny-on-the-Spot fighting back.)
- Have earned my trust. I have donated for almost ten years, and I earnestly believe that every penny I donate is used to the fullest.
- They make me proud to be a librarian and a human being. They help a lot of kids.
What I appreciate most about Lubuto Library Partners is that the founder, Jane Kinney Meyers, is a librarian. She knows how to effectively use donations not only to build physical structures, but to imbue those structures with the people, materials and processes that can transform libraries into community centers offering tools for health, education, inspiration and healing.
I met Jane Meyers almost 10 years ago and was immediately struck by her dedication and professionalism. As founder of the Lubuto Library Partners, she has worked diligently to change the lives of the orphaned and vulnerable in Zambia through exposure to library services. I trusted with my daughter, who volunteered for her in Lusaka for almost a year. I've personally seen the difference Lubuto makes in children's lives by visiting the Lusaka library and meeting the children there. It has been my pleasure to host a fundraiser for Lubuto and to donate for years. The world would be a better place with more Jane Kinney Meyers'.
A wonderful nonprofit that takes care to engage with the communities around their libraries, learning how to best serve each location.
Lubuto libraries are extraordinary! They are constantly learning and growing to meet the needs of the children and youth that they serve. In doing this, they help marginalized children to grasp their humanity and youth from the community to join together, gaining life skills and joy in programs ranging from drama and art to computers and chess. Lubuto's programs are also keeping teenage girls in school, supporting the development of career goals, and keeping them HIV/AIDS-free. Lubuto libraries save lives and help create a better future.
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I have visited the Lubuto Libraries and seen the joy on the faces of children for whom they are portals to the larger world, and oases in which they can share the simple pleasures of reading with friends, learning new skills, and finding a productive path in life. For some vulnerable children they have been the difference between hopelessness and hope. They are cherished by their users and communities.
I joined the Board this year, but have known about Lubuto Library Partner's work in Zambia for many years. Several years, I "dropped in" the Lusaka Library in Lusaka and was very impressed with the engagement of the staff, the friendly environment, and the variety of programs that were offered. I just thought what a great place for children to have so they can explore the world beyond their own sphere. Lubuto Library Partners is so much more than just a collection of books, and there is such a need for the kinds of programs that Lubuto implements to address the needs of the forgotten children around the world. After retiring from over 30 years in health and research training projects, I was pleased to be asked to join as a board member to help to support its work.
Although I’ve been on Lubuto’s Advisory Board since 2013 I visited Lusaka for the first time in July and actually saw my contributions at work. I volunteered in four very different Lubuto settings: Lubuto headquarters, the new Mthunzi Library on the outskirts of Lusaka, Ngwerere Library in the Garden Compound of Lusaka and the rural Mumuni Library outside Monze. Whatever the setting, the adage that “Libraries built communities” was clearly evident as staff engaged kids, teens and young mothers in games, story time, drama and mentoring sessions. The Lubuto staff were wonderful to work with and their dedication and enthusiasm are infectious.
I saw the DREAMS program at work and participated in mentoring and training sessions. I talked with some of the girls in the DREAMS program and was so moved when they told me what having a $230 DREAMS scholarship means to them and their families and how finishing high school will change their lives
Thank you Lubuto staff, volunteers and donors for making a difference.
I recently started volunteering at Lubuto Library Partners. From the moment I viewed their website, I was in awe. I am amazed by their mission and their holistic view on education. Lubuto Library Partners educates children in Zambia through their accessibility to children's books, visual arts, and technology. I have found great promise for the growth and enlightenment of the children in Zambia through the work of Lubuto Library Partners. As I searched through the photographs online, I noticed the genuine smiles of the children in Zambia. Their expressions share a love for learning. I highly respect this nonprofit organization and am excited to see what they have planned for the future.
I have worked in children's libraries for a long time now and from experience I can tell you that from the book selection process to what programs Lubuto is providing to the children of Zambia that they are doing things right. The children in Zambia and helping them in long lasting ways that will change each individual child's future is absolutely their focus and they are achieving amazing results.
I learnt about Lubuto Library partners in September 2015 on an online publication and was impressed with the services they offered to promote education to vulnerable children.
Many organisations focus on promoting and empowering people who have prior exposure to formal education, but Lubuto goes to the root of the problem by giving opportunities to marginalised children to fit into society through programs like visual and performing arts, mentoring programs, scholarships, fun and educational games and many more products.
Volunteering with Lubuto has been an amazing experience for me as I got to see, children from different backgrounds interact, share ideas, learn to read and write and discover their talents through the various programs.
Lubuto has a friendly environment for children and all users regardless of the age and social background.
Joseph M. Phiri.
I have seen what Lubuto Libraries are doing in Zambia for vulnerable children most especially at Ngwerere Library. They provide free access to information resources and in addition provide literacy lessons free of charge to children and youth needing the service. One special offer is that no membership fee is paid to use the services and this is great for vulnerable users. In addition, LLP has worked closely with the Library and Information Association of Zambia to ensure that we build capacity of public librarians in Zambia on how to provide quality library services to children.
Lubuto is great! The work they do with children is amazing. They provide a space for children to gather, create, and learn and they provide the mentorship necessary to help the students thrive.
From scholarships to classes to books, Lubuto Libraries does it all. And a special shout out to volunteer Ed, who is one of the greatest resources that Lubuto Library Partners has. The children love him, he mobilizes volunteers, raises money, and teaches the students everything from music to life skills to just being a good person. To put it simply, Ed is great, as is Lubuto Libraries.
