Help & Support
We're here to help you make the most of your library experience. Find answers to common questions or contact our support team.
How can we help you today?
Help Categories
Account Help
To become a member of Zanzibar Library, you can visit any of our branches with a valid ID and proof of address. Membership is free for all residents of Zanzibar. You'll need to fill out a registration form and we'll issue your library card immediately.
You can reset your password by clicking on the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. You'll receive an email with instructions to create a new password. If you don't receive the email, please check your spam folder or contact our support team.
As a member, you can borrow books, access our digital resources, reserve study spaces, attend exclusive events, and get discounts on library programs. Members also receive our monthly newsletter with updates on new arrivals and events.
Borrowing & Returns
Regular members can borrow up to 5 items at a time, including books, audiobooks, and DVDs. Students and teachers may borrow up to 10 items with valid identification.
Most books can be borrowed for 3 weeks. Some high-demand items may have shorter loan periods of 1 week. You can renew items up to 2 times if there are no holds on them.
We charge a small daily fee for overdue items to encourage timely returns. The fee is TZS 500 per item per day. Fees are capped at TZS 5,000 per item. You can check your due dates by logging into your account.
Research Help
Absolutely! Our reference librarians can help you find resources, develop search strategies, and locate materials for school projects, academic research, or personal interests. You can get help in person, by phone, or through our online chat service.
Yes, we provide access to numerous academic databases covering various subjects. These include JSTOR, EBSCOhost, ProQuest, and more. Some databases are only available on-site at our Main Library and Regional Centers.
Through our interlibrary loan service, we can attempt to borrow materials from other libraries in Tanzania and internationally. There may be fees for this service depending on the lending library's policies.
Digital Resources
You can access our digital collection through our website by logging in with your library card number and password. We offer thousands of e-books, audiobooks, academic journals, and magazines through various platforms like OverDrive, JSTOR, and PressReader.
Yes! Most of our digital resources are available 24/7 from anywhere. Some academic databases may require you to be on-site at one of our branches. Check each resource's details for access information.
Our e-books are compatible with most devices including smartphones, tablets, e-readers (like Kindle), and computers. Some platforms have dedicated apps for better reading experiences. Visit our Digital Resources page for specific app recommendations.
Library Services
Yes, all our branches offer quiet study areas and some have private study rooms that can be reserved. The Main Library in Maisara also has group study rooms equipped with whiteboards and presentation screens.
Free WiFi is available in all our branches. Connect to "ZLSB-Public" network. No password is required for basic access. Library members can get higher speed access by logging in with their library credentials.
Yes, we provide printing, photocopying, and scanning services at all branches. Black & white copies cost TZS 200 per page, color copies are TZS 500 per page. You can pay with cash or mobile money.
Events & Programs
You can check our Events Calendar on the website, sign up for our email newsletter, or follow us on social media (@ZanzibarLibrary). We also post monthly event schedules at all our branches.
Some events require registration due to limited space, while others are drop-in. Event details will specify if registration is needed. You can register online, by phone, or in person at any branch.
Yes! We offer regular storytimes, reading clubs, homework help, and seasonal programs for children of all ages. Visit our Children's Corner page or ask at your local branch for the current schedule.
Contact Library Support
Phone Support
Speak directly with a library staff member during business hours
Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Live Chat
Chat with a librarian in real-time during business hours
Library System Maintenance Notice
Our online catalog and account systems will be unavailable on July 15, 2025 from 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM for scheduled maintenance. We apologize for any inconvenience. During this time, you can still visit our branches for assistance.