Kenya National Library Service (KNLS)—Apply for Membership

Kenya National Library Service (KNLS) Board is a statutory body of the Government of Kenya established by an Act of Parliament, Cap 225 of the Laws of Kenya in April 1965. The Board‘s mandate is to develop, promote, establish, and equip libraries in Kenya.

Kenya National Library Service (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 knowledgeable and empowered people in 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 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, to borrow 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 categorized 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	A clear understanding of the library user manual. Duly completed membership form. Commitment from the Head Teacher and parent. One recent passport-size colour photos.
Non-Kenyan citizen – Adult	A 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	A 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