National Library Service
Promoting Reading Culture in Malawi
The National Library Service Board is a Statutory Corporation established under the National Library Service Act of 1967. NLS operates nation-wide public library and information services in Malawi. Its mission is to ensure that people of Malawi have access to educational, training, recreational and information materials for national development.
Its statutory responsibilities, as stipulated in the Act, are to promote, establish, equip, manage, maintain and develop libraries in Malawi. The Service is governed by a Board which is comprised of a chairman appointed by the Minister responsible for Statutory Corporations; representatives from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology; the Ministry of Local Government and Rural development; The Malawi Police Service; Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning. There are also some members who are appointed in their personal capacities. The Board’s Chief Executive and Secretary is the National Librarian.
Vision
“A model centre of information and knowledge management”
Mission
“To provide access to library and information resources to the public through core service points and outreach centers for socio-economic development”
Message from the National Librarian
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A Reading Nation is a Leading Nation
Dear Esteemed Member & Customer,
Welcome to the National Library: your gateway to knowledge, growth, and endless possibility. We believe that a reading nation is a leading nation, and it is this conviction that drives everything we do.
We have journeyed boldly from bricks to clicks; transforming our institution from a traditional library into a dynamic learning, collaborative, creative, and innovative space. We invite you to a library that is truly beyond the walls.
We offer far beyond physical books. Whether you need access to our rich e-resources and digital collections, a seat in our state-of-the-art computer lab, the magnificent Pabwalo multipurpose space for knowledge, arts and ideas, or the convenience of our mobile library that brings knowledge directly to your community; we are here for you, wherever you are.
Digital Access
E-Resources & Online Databases
Tech Hub
Computer Lab & Digital Literacy
Outreach
Mobile Library Services
Community
Creative & Collaborative Spaces
“Our doors are open — physically and digitally. Step in, log on, and discover a library built for the nation’s future.”We warmly welcome you to explore, engage, and grow with us. The library belongs to you.
Yours sincerely,
Apatsa Selemani, PhD.
Chief Executive Officer, National Librarian.
National Library Service of Malawi.
NLS News
Standard Bank Malawi Donates K50 Million Worth of Books to National Library Service
Today, the National Library Service (NLS) proudly received a donation of books valued at K50 million from Standard Bank of Malawi, marking a significant step towards strengthening a reading culture and supporting local authors. Speaking during the handover ceremony, Mlangazua Chigaru highlighted that the donation is part of the bank’s Joy of the Arts programme, […]
Pabwalo Launches a New Chapter for Culture and Creativity in Lilongwe. 10 April 2026
Today marks an exciting milestone in the cultural and educational landscape of Lilongwe with the official launch of Pabwalo—a name that beautifully translates to “The knowledge square for citizens.” Located within the National Library Service Headquarters in the heart of the city, Pabwalo emerges as a vibrant, multipurpose space designed to inspire learning, creativity, and […]
Monkey-Bay branch monitoring and book rotation visit to Mvunguti Community (Apatsa Primary School)
Today, the Monkey Bay NLS team conducted a successful monitoring and book rotation visit to Mvunguti Community (Apatsa Primary School) under the Community Reading Award (CRA) project supported by Book Aid International. We reviewed the book loan registers and reading session logs, and we are pleased to report excellent progress — learners and community members […]
NLS Board orientation and library tour
NLS Board Orientation and Library TourThe National Library Service (NLS) conducted a Board Orientation session followed by a guided tour of library facilities to familiarize Board Members with NLS operations, programmes, and service delivery points.During the tour, the Board visited the newly constructed Auditorium Room under the Pabwalo Programme, which is sponsored by the REI […]