About Us

About Us

Our Story

The Siaya Community Library (SCL) is a beacon of hope and empowerment for the people of Siaya County, Kenya. Established under the auspices of the Integrated Development Africa Programme (IDAP), a regional non-profit and humanitarian organization, the library has grown to serve as a hub for education, creativity, and cultural preservation. It is officially registered as a Community-Based Organization under the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Development.

The library was born out of a vision to support education programs, particularly for underserved and marginalized groups. From its humble beginnings as a community-driven initiative, it has blossomed into a multifaceted institution that caters to a wide range of patrons, including students, professionals, women’s groups, farmers, and young learners.

SCL doesn’t just provide books—it provides a space for personal growth, community building, and cultural exchange. Whether it’s through offering adult literacy programs, hosting vibrant children’s activities during school holidays, or providing access to modern digital resources, SCL remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the lives of those it serves.

Vision, Mission & Objectives

• Vision:
  “A legendary community library connecting local people through collaboration and outreach.”
• Mission:
  “To cultivate a reading culture for lifetime learning in the Siaya community.”
• Objectives:
  1. To be the most accessible community library that empowers youth to become engaged citizens while providing adults a space for knowledge and relaxation.
  2. To deliver excellent library services in a safe, inspiring, and attractive environment conducive to learning, creativity, and enjoyment.
  3. To connect the local community to diverse resources for knowledge and growth while preserving the past, serving the present, and shaping the future.

Our Services and Impact

The Siaya Community Library offers more than just books. It is a dynamic space where learning, culture, and community come together. Key highlights of our services include:

• Collections:
  Our extensive resources include a wide variety of books, magazines, newspapers, and multimedia materials such as DVDs and audiobooks. We also offer curriculum books for students and locally produced pamphlets on health, agriculture, and literacy.
• Programs:
  • Adult literacy sessions designed to empower individuals with lifelong skills.
  • Fun and educational activities for children during school holidays.
  • Youth mentorship programs to support academic and career goals.
• Digital Integration:
  As part of our commitment to innovation, we are embracing digital tools, including electronic book readers and internet access, to bridge the digital divide in our community.

The library serves a diverse patron base, including university students, professionals, farmers, women’s groups, and marginalized populations, providing them with the resources and space to thrive.

Our Partners

Collaboration is at the heart of our success. Over the years, we have partnered with esteemed organizations such as:

• American Friends of Kenya (AFK)
• The County Government of Siaya
• Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB)
• Jomo Kenyatta Foundation Publishers
• Phoenix Publishers
• Rotary Club of San Antonio
• World Bank

These partnerships have enabled us to expand our services, improve our infrastructure, and provide valuable resources to the community.

Board of Trustees

Our dedicated Board of Trustees ensures that the library remains true to its mission while driving its vision forward. The board members bring diverse expertise and unwavering commitment to our cause:

1. Dr. Charles Owino – Chairman
2. Mr. John Malamba – Secretary
3. Ms. Siprose Ouma – Treasurer
4. Mr. Tom Okoth – Vice Chairman
5. Mr. Calleb Ogutu – Vice Treasurer
6. Dr. Clarie Atieno Odhiambo – Board Member
7. Donatus Abwao – Board Member

Looking Ahead

As we continue to grow, the Siaya Community Library is focused on evolving with the needs of our community. Our future plans include:

• Expanding our physical and digital collections to ensure inclusivity and diversity.
• Leveraging technology to create seamless access to information and resources.
• Building partnerships with local and global stakeholders to support new initiatives.
• Promoting environmental sustainability within our operations and community programs.

We are committed to creating a library experience that transcends boundaries and empowers every member of the community to achieve their dreams.

This expanded version provides more depth, emphasizing the library’s impact, services, partnerships, and future plans. Let me know if further edits or additions are needed!