Library

A Premier Natural History & Cultural Research Library

The National Museums of Kenya (NMK) Library is a leading research facility supporting the study of natural history, cultural heritage, anthropology, and scientific conservation. It is a joint facility with the East African Natural History Society (Nature Kenya), established in 1910, and is recognized as one of the finest Natural History Libraries in Africa.

The library is an essential knowledge hub for researchers, museum professionals, students, and the general public, offering an extensive collection of books, journals, reprints, digital resources, and archival materials.

Library Services & Functions

  • Preserving and Organizing Knowledge Resources

    • The library collects, catalogs, and conserves resources covering a wide range of academic disciplines, with a focus on natural sciences, anthropology, archaeology, botany, museology, and conservation biology.

  • Providing Research & Reference Support

    • Assisting students, scholars, and researchers in accessing specialized materials for scientific and cultural studies.

  • Enhancing Access to Digital & Printed Information

    • Digitizing rare publications, offering electronic resources, and collaborating with global knowledge networks to provide open-access research materials.

  • Facilitating Educational & Public Engagement

    • Hosting public lectures, workshops, and exhibitions to enhance scientific literacy and cultural awareness.

  • Archiving & Conserving Rare Materials

    • Maintaining historical documents, rare books, and unique collections, ensuring their preservation for future generations.

Library Holdings & Special Collections

The NMK Library houses an extensive collection of scientific, historical, and cultural resources, making it a premier center for natural history and conservation research.

  • Over 30,000 books covering diverse academic disciplines.
  • 30,000+ scientific reprints, including historical research findings.
  • 60,000+ periodicals and journals, with international and regional publications.
  • A newspaper archive dating back to the 1980s, featuring over 28,000 issues for historical reference.
  • 500+ audiovisual materials, including documentaries and recorded lectures.

The library maintains several unique and rare collections, including:

  • Leonard Beecher Collection – Featuring historical records of East Africa’s first Archbishop.
  • Prof. Jack Harris Collection – A comprehensive resource on archaeological and anthropological research.
  • Nature Kenya Conservation Action Section – Focusing on biodiversity conservation and sustainability research.
  • Belcher Birds Collection – A detailed catalog of Kenya’s avian diversity, crucial for ornithological research.

The library offers a dedicated children’s section, aimed at cultivating an early love for reading and environmental awareness.

  • Stocked with books across various subjects, including science, history, and culture.
  • Designed to inspire the next generation of naturalists, researchers, and conservationists.
  • Parents are encouraged to register their children for library membership at a minimal fee.

Library Facilities & Digital Access

The NMK Library is equipped with modern research facilities to enhance information access and knowledge preservation.

  • Computers & Internet Access – Providing access to online research databases.
  • Scanners & Printing Services – Supporting researchers and students in document retrieval.
  • Public Access Catalogue – Facilitating quick searches of books, journals, and archived materials.
  • Compact & Rolling Shelves – Preserving rare and fragile collections.
  • A Dedicated Lounge – A relaxing space for reading newspapers, conducting informal research, and group discussions.

Electronic Resources & Digital Research Platforms

The NMK Library has digitized its archives and provides access to a wide range of electronic resources, in partnership with global knowledge networks.

  • Journal of East African Natural History Society – Access Online
  • Swara Magazine Digitization (East African Wildlife Society)
  • Tanganyika Notes & Records Digitization (University of Dar es Salaam)

Access to Online Research Journals & Databases

Through agreements with international research platforms, NMK offers online access to thousands of peer-reviewed journals and e-books:

  • Research for Life (R4L) – Explore
    • Access to over 700 scientific journal titles and professional peer-reviewed content.
  • Journal Storage (JSTOR) – View JSTOR
    • Access to 12 million academic journal articles, books, and primary sources across 75 disciplines.
  • Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL) – Browse BHL
    • A global initiative to digitally preserve biodiversity literature.

Library Partners & Collaborations

The NMK Library collaborates with several local and international institutions to improve knowledge accessibility.

  • Biodiversity Heritage Library Africa (BHL Africa)
  • Kenya Library and Information Services Consortium (KLISC)
  • Kenya Library Association

National Museums of Kenya

The National Museums of Kenya (NMK), established under the Museums and Heritage Act (2006), is a multi-disciplinary institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, researching, and presenting Kenya’s cultural and natural heritage.

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Headquaters

  • Museum Hill, Kipande Rd
  • P.O. Box 40658 00100
  • Nairobi, Kenya
  • +254 (0) 721 308 485
  • info@museums.or.ke

Admission Hours

  • Monday to Sunday
  • 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
  • Open all year round
  • Night Tours (Min 10 Pax)
  • 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

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  • © 2025 National Museums of Kenya. All Rights Reserved

The National Museums of Kenya (NMK), established under the Museums and Heritage Act (2006), is a multi-disciplinary institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, researching, and presenting Kenya’s cultural and natural heritage.

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