The Denise C. Hogan Library
The Denise C. Hogan Library in Kenya has been serving its community for over 18 years. The library is committed to developing and sustaining a reading culture in Kenya. It is located in Zimmerman, a suburb of Nairobi. The library management recognizes the importance of reading as a tool for empowering Kenyans politically, socially, and personally. The library accomplishes this by developing staff, improving computer and internet infrastructure, and focusing upon the particularly important issue of the intellectual and cultural enrichment of children.
This year, the library has put together a strategic plan seeking a well-defined road map to direct and promise progress for the next five years. The plan was carefully crafted to express vision, mission, and core values. The library vision is to be the best community library known for its quality book collection, service for all ages, and appealing ambiance.
We first visited the library in August 2013, and were taken aback by how many kids could be packed in such a small space. All of them were reading and working silently on school assignments. There is no lack of motivation in there. This library is so much more than a place to read, it offers a true refuge to learn peacefully.
In July of 2014, the library moved to a much better location, thanks to a micro-loan from Above the Seas. The new quarters offer more room and a pleasant outdoor space for reading. It is now located in the heart of Zimmerman, well centered and easily accessible.
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| The Denise C. Hogan Library | R E P O R T C A R D |
|---|---|
| In our network | Yes |
| Library visited by our team | Yes |
| Library visit date | August 16, 17 and 26 of 2013; May & June 2014 |
| Library context | The library is located in Zimmerman, a suburb of Nairobi. It is the only library in the area and supports a number of schools. |
| This library needs: (reviewed and approved by ATS) |
The library is moving to new quarters using the micro-load ATS provided. The library needs furniture to fill the new space. It has recently received a number of computers which needs to be connected to the Internet. Library needs: - Tables - Chairs - Shelves - Faster Internet service - Wifi |
| Region | Zimmerman, Nairobi, Kenya |
| Google maps link | Locate on Google Maps (approx.) |
| Observations | The library has 40,000 books and 20,000 magazines (mostly back issues) and daily newspapers. Many of these books are in circulation through the schools of Zimmerman.
Regarding Internet service: the library currently uses a low speed 3G usb stick antenna. This works only for one computer used by the library staff. Members can have access to this internet connection as a special request. For this reason, we do not consider this library to provide open internet access to library users. |
| Address | Zimmerman Estate, off Kamiti Road. From Base stage road continue 100m on soft road, take a right and continue about 50m down the road to arrive at the library building. Nairobi, Kenya |
| Postal address | P.O.BOX 54625. Zimmerman Estate, 00200, Kenya |
| Point of contact | Harrison Kilonzo, Founder and Director |
| Website | http://hoganlibrary.kbo.co.ke |
| dhlk2005@gmail.com | |
| Year founded | 1995 |
| Serving population | The library provides services to a population of about 500,000 people. |
| Surface size (approx.) | 1,200 sqft or 110 m2. An extra class room is available for overflow |
| Access to electricity | Yes |
| Number of visitors per day (approx.) | 80 to 100 |
| Number of seats | 85 |
| Number of tables | 15 |
| Number of books | 20,000 |
| Internet | Yes by ATS |
| Wireless Internet available (Wifi) | No |
| Internet speed | Very slow |
| Number of computers | One computer with access to the Internet. The library has just received a donation of many computers from the Nederlands. |
| Services offered | Book consultation, book borrowing, study space, special tuition. |
| Support this library directly | You can send money directly to the library account using Western Union. Safaricom mobile banking donation number: 0724369655 |
| Additional supporting material | Five years strategic plan Video 1: An Introduction to the Hogan Library in Kenya Video 2: Interview with Harrison Kilonzo Library Photo Album Membership fee sheet |
| SUPPORT PROVIDED BY ATS | May-June 2014: ATS provided a micro-loan enabling the library to move to much bigger space and a better location. Once established, the library should be able to generate more revenues.
August 2013: ATS provided one laptop, two Android tablet PC, two wireless routers, and partial financial support for a high speed Internet connection. The library also recieved a micro-loan from ATS to pay for the fixed costs of moving to their bigger location. |