By Chisomo Phiri
Standard Bank Malawi Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting literacy and education in the country with a K50 million donation of books to the National Library Service(NLS).
The donation, made under the bank’s ‘Joy of the Arts’ initiative, is aimed at improving access to reading materials across the country. It includes K10 million specifically dedicated to books authored by Malawian writers, covering areas such as academic works, history, fiction, and children’s literature.
Speaking during the handover ceremony on Wednesday, Standard Bank Malawi Plc Head of Global Markets Mlangadzuwa Chigaru said the initiative reflects the bank’s confidence in locally produced literature and its role in shaping knowledge and culture.
On his part, NLS Board Chairperson Brian Ndawa said the institution has been facing challenges due to declining funding and reduced book donations, which have affected its ability to regularly restock libraries and adequately serve schools and the public.
He welcomed the contribution, describing it as timely support that will help improve service delivery.
Ndawa said the donated books will be distributed throughout its network, including to rural library centres, to broaden access to reading materials.
NLS is a government institution responsible for promoting reading culture, supporting education, and ensuring access to information across the country.
It was established to develop, maintain, and coordinate library services in the country, serving both urban and rural communities through a network of public libraries and outreach programs.
The organization plays a key role in literacy development, lifelong learning, and information access for students, researchers, and the general public.
