Global Conversations in Librarianship: Purity Kavuri-Mutuku (Kenya National Library Service)

About this event

Global Conversations in Librarianship is a series of public talks and dialogues highlighting international perspectives on libraries and information work. Speakers share current projects, institutional innovations, or emerging themes that shape the global library community. Held virtually throughout the year, the series fosters dialogue, connection, and collaboration. Register Here

November Speaker

Purity Kavuri-Mutuku — Kenya National Library Service

Assistant Director of Linkages & Partnerships

“Reaching Readers Where They Are: Literacy and Community Outreach at the Kenya National Library Service,” featuring the Toto Smart and Soma Safari initiatives.

Reading starts long before grade 1, yet too many children grow up without books, stories, or guided reading. In today’s presentation, Purity will share Community Reading Initiatives at KNLS that are transforming Children’s lives as well as demonstrate what happens when we meet children where they already are.

She begins with the TOTO Smart Book Club, launched in 2021 post-COVID-19 at Bondeni Maternity Hospital in Nakuru, which turned a maternity corridor into story time for mothers and infants. It thrived with strong county backing, then faded when key leaders and staff were transferred.

Then, she will show how Soma Safari builds on that lesson. A free take-a-book, share-a-book model that builds a home library by placing book stations in hospitals, schools, and community spaces. It tackles three barriers to reading: cost, convenience, and relevance. Books are free to keep, placed where children already are, and chosen so children see themselves in the stories. You will leave with practical lessons for making reading programs last

November 3, 2026

10 a.m. US Central / 4 p.m. GMT

In-person at Watson Library, Room 455 and on Zoom