August 2025

“Librarianship Shouldn’t Be Confined to Books! We Have to Evolve as Librarians” – Maggie Kambai-Librarian Spotlight Africa Honoree – August 2025

📌 The title of this post is a direct quote from Maggie Kambai during her Librarian Spotlight Africa session, where she passionately reminded us that librarianship is about much more than books—it is about growth, innovation, and empowerment. <!– wp:embed {“url”:”https://youtu.be/JBWWD11oL2Y”,”type”:”video”,”providerNameSlug”:”youtube”,”responsive”:true,”className”:”wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio”} –> <figure class=”wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio”><div class=”wp-block-embed__wrapper”> https://youtu.be/JBWWD11oL2Y </div></figure> <!– /wp:embed –> When many people think of librarianship, the first image that comes to mind is books neatly arranged on shelves. While books remain an essential part of our profession, the role of librarians has expanded far beyond that traditional image. In the digital age, librarians are not only guardians of knowledge but also facilitators of access, champions of community empowerment, and drivers of innovation. This belief is passionately embodied by Maggie Kambai, the Librarian Spotlight Africa Honoree for August 2025. Maggie’s journey is an inspiring example of how librarianship must evolve to remain relevant and impactful in today’s rapidly changing world.

Beyond the Book: Maggie’s Vision

For Maggie, librarianship is about people as much as it is about information. She emphasizes that libraries are not merely repositories of printed materials but dynamic spaces for learning, empowerment, and transformation. Her work reflects a philosophy that a modern librarian must adapt, innovate, and take on leadership roles in literacy development, digital inclusion, and community engagement.

Maggie has dedicated her career to expanding the definition of what libraries can do. From spearheading digital literacy programs to creating safe learning environments for youth and underserved communities, she exemplifies how a librarian’s role can shape inclusive futures.

Evolving with the Times

Technology has changed how people consume, create, and share knowledge. Maggie insists that librarians should not resist these changes but embrace them. Her initiatives highlight the importance of:

Digital Access & Training – ensuring communities are equipped with skills to navigate the digital world.

Community Engagement – using libraries as platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and cultural exchange.

Lifelong Learning – providing opportunities not just for students, but for adults, professionals, and marginalized groups.

By expanding services and reimagining conventional practices, Maggie demonstrates that librarianship is about fostering resilience, equity, and creativity in communities.

A Call to Evolve

Maggie’s recognition in Librarian Spotlight Africa serves as a powerful call to action: librarians must be open to growth, learning, and reinvention. “We cannot be confined to books,” she stresses. “Our role is to connect people with knowledge in every form, to empower communities, and to be part of building inclusive futures.” Her story is not just about personal achievement, but about the collective future of librarianship in Africa and beyond. It challenges every librarian to step into new roles—innovator, advocate, educator, and community leader.