Written by Helle Arendrup Mortensen

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Ladha Meghji Indian Public Library, Post Street, Mwanza, Tanzania

The library is situated in one of the Oldest buildings in Mwanza and named after Ladha Meghji, an indian businessman and industrialist who has never been to school but dreamt about starting a library. The first donation was given during 1935.

The library hosted the first meeting of the Pan-African Freedom Movement of East and Central Africa (Pamfeca). The meeting was chaired by Nyerere and attended by other prominent leaders from Kenyatta from Kenya and Obote from Uganda.

Unfortunately we didn’t meet Dr. Raman Desai who has taken care of the library since 1964. He is the administrator, librarian and custodian of the library.

The collection reflects the lack of ressources but visit the library to meet and experience the breath of history of the East African history told by Dr. Raman Desai.

Membership are free for school children for others the membership fee is 3000 TZS per month.

Opening hours are Mon-Fri 9am-7pm and Sat-Sun 10am-14am

Right beside the building there is a good Café.