Regional library in Ruvuma attracts growing number of users

RUVUMA: THE Ruvuma Regional Library is attracting a growing number of users, including pre-primary, primary and secondary school pupils, university and vocational college students, members of the public, as well as public and private sector employees, who visit the facility to read books and acquire knowledge.

The development was highlighted by, a librarian with Tanzania Library Services responsible for services in Ruvuma Region, Emmanuel Mwita when he spoke to the Daily News during a visit to the Ruvuma Regional Library, to assess residents’ use of the facility for reading, research and knowledge acquisition.

Mr Mwita said that from December 2025 to August 2026, the library had provided services to more than 1,600 adults and 1,300 children.

He said the majority of library users come from Songea Municipality, while others travel from different parts of Ruvuma Region, particularly during school holidays.

“During holidays, students from different parts of Ruvuma Region come here to study. Researchers also use this library, while public servants use it to acquire different forms of knowledge. Librarians also assist readers whenever the publications they require are not available on the shelves to ensure that everyone receives the service they deserve,” Mr Mwita said.

He said the government had continued to take measures to expand library services to different parts of Tanzania, including rural areas, to ensure that people have equal access to information and reading materials.

According to Mr Mwita, under the leadership of Tanzania Library Services Board (TLSB) Director General Dr Mboni Ruzegea, library services have continued to reach different communities across the country.

In 2025, a library was launched in Maguu Village, Mbinga District, Ruvuma Region.

He said the establishment of libraries in rural areas was driven by the need to ensure that rural residents also have access to books, journals and other reading materials.

“The reason for opening libraries in rural areas is to ensure that people living there also have access to library services through different publications, including books and journals. Statistics from those areas are also encouraging because residents are accessing and making good use of the services, and the response is strong,” he said.

Mr Mwita thanked his fellow workers for their cooperation in providing quality services to people who visit the Ruvuma Regional Library.

He also commended staff responsible for conducting preliminary assessments of newly received books before they are placed on library shelves and made available to readers.

Mr Mwita further praised Tanzania Library Services for providing reading services to the community, while thanking the government for facilitating the availability of books and supporting the construction and improvement of library infrastructure.

He also expressed appreciation to readers who use the various publications available at the Ruvuma Regional Library.

A member of the Ruvuma Regional Library, Upendo Augustino, praised the facility, citing the availability of books, quality services provided by librarians and the condition of the building as some of the factors encouraging people to visit the library and expand their knowledge.

The Daily News found Ms Augustino in the adult reading room, reading a book titled Familia, which focuses on family upbringing, particularly the upbringing of children.

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Ms Augustino said reading the book had increased her knowledge and skills on how to raise children and manage family life in today’s globalised world.

She said she chose to read the book because, in her view, contemporary family upbringing has increasingly been influenced by different cultures and social changes.

She explained that the book had enabled her to gain knowledge and learn appropriate approaches to raising children and building strong families.

“We should teach them good morals and things that are appropriate, but we should also teach them how to live in today’s society,” she said.

Libraries play an important role in promoting lifelong learning and personal development.

Regular reading can improve language and communication skills, increase knowledge, strengthen critical-thinking and analytical abilities and expose readers to new ideas and perspectives.

For students and researchers, libraries also provide valuable reference materials that support academic studies, while for ordinary readers they offer opportunities to learn new skills and make informed decisions in everyday life.

The Ruvuma Regional Library was officially launched by Ruvuma Regional Commissioner Brigadier General Ahmed Abbas Ahmed on December 3, 2025, following a three-year renovation project.

Speaking during the launch, Tanzania Library Services Board Director General Dr Mboni Ruzegea explained the significance of the renovation and reopening of the regional library.

The growing use of the facility demonstrates the continuing importance of libraries as centres of knowledge, education and research, providing communities with opportunities to learn, develop skills and improve their understanding of social and economic issues.