Many young people associate the library with old books and deadly silence. It is not a place where many will actually visit if they can avoid it but the Kenya National Library Nakuru branch is definitely in a class of its own.
Of course, the library has thousands of books on its shelves, but there are any who have found a reason to visit the place for other reasons apart from the books.
The free Wi-Fi is one of the reasons some visit the library. The peaceful atmosphere at the modern library gives them a chance to surf the net and do their research in peace using the free internet. For those who don’t have smartphones or laptops, the library provides access to high speed internet access through their computers on the mezzanine and 2nd floors.
Away from the e-resources, the library has partnered with Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) which is a Canadian based organisations and is offering free lessons to form four leavers on basic IT and entrepreneurship.
The programmes are popular with young people and more than a thousand have benefited from the programme by since it was introduced towards the end of 2014.
Free sign language classes that are offered at the library have also seen users flock the library.
These classes plus a host of other practical skills training sessions have attracted many to the library with its friendly and helpful staff.
The cafeteria within the library compound with its delicious and affordable array of delicacies has also driven traffic to the library and many visitors are quickly hooked to the picnic like atmosphere around the place.
Regular sessions of performing arts by the young people nurturing their talents are also a big draw to the library that a lot of youth look forward to.