The National Assembly has passed the County Library Services Bill, 2024 (Senate Bill No. 40 of 2024), setting the stage for a structured system of public library services across the 47 counties.

The Bill seeks to provide a legal framework for the establishment and management of county libraries, with county governments taking responsibility for delivering library services to communities.

Among the key proposals is the establishment of county libraries and, through amendments considered by Parliament, provision for library services at sub-county level. The framework also assigns county governments responsibility for implementing national library policies, standards and norms while identifying training and capacity-building needs for library personnel.

The legislation further provides for expanded services, including lending and inter-library loans, outreach programmes, specialised and home-bound services, as well as advisory, reference and referral services. It also promotes the use of information and communication technology in accessing and disseminating information.

The passage of the Bill is expected to bring library services closer to communities, particularly learners, researchers, job seekers and residents who may not have access to private information resources.

By providing for libraries within counties and sub-counties, the framework could help address disparities in access to books, digital resources and other learning materials, especially in underserved areas.

The emphasis on ICT is also expected to enable libraries to evolve beyond traditional book-lending facilities into community knowledge and digital learning centres. This could provide young people with access to educational and research materials while supporting digital literacy and lifelong learning.

The legislation also seeks to strengthen collaboration between county libraries and the national library service, creating opportunities for improved information sharing and more coordinated delivery of library services.