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Harare City Library

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Landmark
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Harare City Library (Zimbabwe)

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The Harare City Library, originally established in 1902 as the Queen Victoria Memorial Library, is one of Zimbabwe's most significant public repositories of knowledge. The current iconic building, located at the corner of Jason Moyo Avenue and Rotten Row, was officially opened in 1958 and is celebrated as a prime example of mid-century modernist architecture in Southern Africa. Operated as an independent trust, the library houses a collection of over 100,000 volumes and maintains extensive archives of historical newspapers and periodicals. It continues to serve as a vital academic hub for students and researchers, maintaining its operations through various economic shifts in the capital city. The building's design features large windows and an open-plan layout that maximizes natural lighting, creating an environment conducive to study. As a landmark of cultural heritage, the library stands as a testament to Zimbabwe's high literacy rates and enduring commitment to public education.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212120191614141620222322
Rain mm18013394317319252594195

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The library is a public building open during operating hours. The interior is accessible to visitors, though usage rules apply.
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Typical hours
Opening hours typically follow standard library times on weekdays. Saturdays may have reduced hours, and Sundays are often closed.
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Photography
Photography is usually allowed in the entrance area and public reading rooms. Flash may be prohibited in certain sections - watch for signs.
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Time needed
A short 30-minute visit suffices to admire the architecture. For exploring exhibitions or the book collection, allow one hour.
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Combine with
The library is in Harare's Civic Centre, so a walk to nearby government buildings is good. The National Archives are also within walking distance.
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Getting there
The building is centrally located, easily accessed by car or taxi. Public bus lines stop at the nearby 'Civic Centre' stop.
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Insider tip
Ask at the information desk if free guided tours are offered - often available. Avoid visiting during staff lunch breaks.

Geography

Population
1,542,813 (2025)
Coordinates
-17.82500, 31.04890

Facts

  • The library was originally established in 1902 as the Queen Victoria Memorial.
  • The current modernist structure was completed and opened in 1958.
  • It houses an extensive collection of more than 100,000 individual volumes.
  • The facility is located at the intersection of Jason Moyo Avenue and Rotten Row.
  • It operates as an independent institution governed by a Board of Trustees.
  • The archives contain rare historical newspapers dating back to the early 1900s.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Cathedral of St Mary and All SaintsCathedral of St Mary and All Saints<1 km · NWExplore →
The KopjeThe Kopje2 km · SWExplore →
Delta Beverages Harare BreweryDelta Beverages Harare Brewery2 km · WExplore →
Pioneer Cemetery HararePioneer Cemetery Harare3 km · SWExplore →
Harare Inland PortHarare Inland Port3 km · NWExplore →
National Heroes AcreNational Heroes Acre7 km · SExplore →
Sam Levy's VillageSam Levy's Village8 km · NEExplore →
Willowvale Motor IndustriesWillowvale Motor Industries9 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Harare City Library (1)

National Gallery of Zimbabwe🏛 museum

The National Gallery of Zimbabwe is a premier art museum showcasing a vast collection of contemporary and traditional African art.

🕒 Tu-Su 09:00-17:00

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the Harare city library open to tourists?
Yes, it is a quiet place to read and relax.
Is there internet access?
There are often computers for visitors.
What are the opening hours?
Usually during the week, during the day.
Is there a fee?
Entering is usually free.
Is it centrally located?
Yes, near many other sights.
Harare City Library: where is it located?
Harare City Library is located in Zimbabwe.
Harare City Library: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Oct.
Harare City Library: why is it worth visiting?
The Harare City Library, originally established in 1902 as the Queen Victoria Memorial Library, is one of Zimbabwe's most significant public repositories of knowledge.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Harare — Harare City Library (Zimbabwe)
Harare
Harare is the vibrant capital of Zimbabwe, serving as the country's primary political, economic, and cultural hub.
Chitungwiza — Harare City Library (Zimbabwe)
Chitungwiza
Chitungwiza is a large, rapidly growing dormitory town located just south of Harare.
Epworth — Harare City Library (Zimbabwe)
Epworth
Epworth is a high-density residential area on the southeastern outskirts of Harare, famous for its iconic balancing rock formations.

History & landmarks

Joina City — Harare City Library (Zimbabwe)
Joina City
A modern, multi-purpose building complex in the heart of Harare.
Cathedral of St Mary and All Saints — Harare City Library (Zimbabwe)
Cathedral of St Mary and All Saints
The Anglican cathedral in Harare, a significant religious and architectural landmark in the city.
High Court of Zimbabwe — Harare City Library (Zimbabwe)
High Court of Zimbabwe
The impressive courthouse in Harare where major legal decisions are made.
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Tower — Harare City Library (Zimbabwe)
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Tower
One of the most prominent high-rise buildings in Harare, housing the national central bank.
Old Parliament Building — Harare City Library (Zimbabwe)
Old Parliament Building
The historic building in central Harare that housed the Zimbabwean parliament for decades.
Karigamombe Centre — Harare City Library (Zimbabwe)
Karigamombe Centre
A well-known office and commercial tower in the city center of Harare.
Eastgate Centre — Harare City Library (Zimbabwe)
Eastgate Centre
A shopping and office building famous for its eco-friendly architecture inspired by termite mounds.
Mukwati Building — Harare City Library (Zimbabwe)
Mukwati Building
A distinctive government building in Harare housing various ministries.

Nature

Lake Chivero — Harare City Library (Zimbabwe)
Lake Chivero
A reservoir near Harare.
Lake McIlwaine — Harare City Library (Zimbabwe)
Lake McIlwaine
Alternative name for Lake Chivero.
Manyame River — Harare City Library (Zimbabwe)
Manyame River
A river that supplies water to the capital, Harare.

More places

Harare Botanical Gardens — Harare City Library (Zimbabwe)
Harare Botanical Gardens
A large botanical garden in Harare with many native plants.
Mbuya Nehanda Statue — Harare City Library (Zimbabwe)
Mbuya Nehanda Statue
A monument to the medium Mbuya Nehanda, who led the resistance against colonization.
The Kopje — Harare City Library (Zimbabwe)
The Kopje
A hill where Fort Salisbury was founded in 1890, the origin of Harare.
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Delta Beverages Harare Brewery
The largest brewing facility in Zimbabwe, producing popular lagers and soft drinks.
Pioneer Cemetery Harare — Harare City Library (Zimbabwe)
Pioneer Cemetery Harare
Resting place of early colonial settlers and soldiers from the 19th century.
Harare Inland Port — Harare City Library (Zimbabwe)
Harare Inland Port
The central container depot handling bulk imports and exports for the capital.
National Heroes Acre — Harare City Library (Zimbabwe)
National Heroes Acre
A monumental burial ground and shrine honoring those who died in the liberation war.
Willowvale Motor Industries — Harare City Library (Zimbabwe)
Willowvale Motor Industries
The premier vehicle assembly plant in Zimbabwe, assembling various international brands.