Lamu Fort Library, Community library in Lamu old town, Kenya.
Lamu Fort Library operates from a two-story stone fortress structure in the heart of the old town and houses thousands of books alongside digital resources. The building uses the original fort architecture to create reading and study spaces for the community.
The facility was founded in 1978 as a reference library for museum staff and later moved to the restored fort building in 1986 to serve the broader community. This relocation transformed it from a private collection into a public institution.
The library holds works on Swahili poetry and traditional manuscripts that visitors can explore to understand local heritage. These materials reflect how the coastal region preserves its distinct language and storytelling traditions.
The library welcomes visitors and provides reading and study areas within the fort building. Come with an open mind to explore its collections and take time to adjust to the quieter pace of learning in this historic stone structure.
The library donated roughly 2,000 books to establish a sister facility at Siyu Fort in 2020, expanding access to learning across the county. This initiative reflects its role in strengthening education beyond just the old town.
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