Preparations for a construction of a new library building and an archives have already started at the old National Library premises in Maseru. The demolition of the old building will start immediately when removal of the materials and furniture have been completed probably sometime next week.

In an interview, the Senior Librarian, Mrs. Nthabiseng Ramokotjo said all the books; shelves and other equipment of the library are being transferred. Mrs Ramokotjo, said the old national library building is delapidated with roofs leaking and could not provide up to date information as expected. "The building has been leaking since 1980's and disrupted our daily services," she highlighted.

Mrs. Ramokotjo, said the new building is expected to have four or five storeys up, adding that it is likely to provide an ample space for modern library operations as well as future requirements. The Senior Librarian pointed out that the move to another building would be a temporary one while they are looking for a proper place to settle so that they could continue to provide normal library services to the nation.

Amongst the services to be  provided by the library includes the circulation of books to the borrowers, the library will have  a Lesotho collection department where Sesotho publications will be  kept to assist researchers with relevant information. Other departments to be  included are adult and children sections where adults would sit down to read as well as where children would be encouraged to read and have  a chance to watch videos. The project is a joint venture of Lesotho Government and the People's Republic of China and it is expected to be complete within one year after   construction has started .

2nd April  2003