Libraries as a Vehicle for Community Transformation: Assessing the Impact of Kwakupokela Community Library on the Well-Being of Community Members

Aubrey Chaputula

doi:10.25159/2663-659X/15771

Authors

Aubrey Chaputula Mzuzu University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3753-9934

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2663-659X/15771

Keywords:

community library, library services, library collections, community transformation, shortage of books

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the impact that Kwakupokela Community Library is having on the well-being of community members. This qualitative study was conducted in Lusangazi on the outskirts of the City of Mzuzu in northern Malawi. Data were collected through focus group discussions carried out with two groups of users, one comprising primary school learners and the other comprising secondary school students who are regular users of the library. The researcher also interviewed the librarian. The collected data were transcribed in MS Word, cleaned, and analysed manually by following the order of the themes. The findings showed that the library has had a positive impact on the life of community members in terms of enhancing literacy skills, improved academic performance of learners, and fostering developmental activities. The findings further show that the library faces some challenges that include a shortage of information resources, noise, and lapses in security that need to be addressed to ensure it remains relevant and meets the needs of its users.

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