{"id":24990,"date":"2026-07-20T17:32:55","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T22:32:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/maiglobal.org\/?p=24990"},"modified":"2026-07-20T17:38:48","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T22:38:48","slug":"why-we-need-christian-books-and-libraries-perspectives-from-17-african-authors-and-publishers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/maiglobal.org\/zh\/why-we-need-christian-books-and-libraries-perspectives-from-17-african-authors-and-publishers\/","title":{"rendered":"Why We Need Christian Books and Libraries: Perspectives from 17 African Authors and Publishers"},"content":{"rendered":"
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We recently asked our community of Christian authors and publishers about the importance of Christian books and libraries. We received over 10,000 words in responses from 22 countries across 4 continents! Here’s the first in our series of three posts on this topic\u2014generously shared by members of our community in Africa. <\/em><\/p>\n

Shaping character and spurring Christian revival in Nigeria<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201cI deeply value access to the right books because I believe God gives authors a unique grace to pen down what will be helpful to Christians across generations.<\/p>\n

I remember the first time I heard of the book Why Revival Tarries<\/em> by Leonard Ravenhill more than a decade ago through a friend’s sister. What struck me was her claim that you couldn’t read past ten pages of the book without falling to your knees in prayer. I was eager to find it but couldn’t get my hands on a copy until a year later.<\/p>\n

It was not easily accessible, and the same is true for many impactful Christian books today. When I eventually found someone who owned it, I borrowed it for a few days and indeed experienced exactly what she had told me. The book completely changed my perspective on revival and why it has been lost in our region. That is the power of having access to Christian books. Just as Paul instructed Timothy to give attention to reading so that he would be equipped, I strongly believe that proper access to Christian books will shape character and society.<\/p>\n

The reading culture here is slowly degrading. Starting right at home, parents have quickly substituted screens to keep their kids occupied, and you will hardly find even three Christian books in an average family home. Churches have mini-libraries filled with old books passed down through two or three generations, which are rarely publicized, so Christians do not know they are available. It is difficult to find Christian books even in Christian schools in their libraries\u2014the closest things available are children’s Bible storybooks, which aren’t numerous enough to serve each child, and are usually only handled by Sunday school teachers.<\/p>\n

I was speaking with a friend who wants to preach the gospel to youth through books. We spoke about opening a library where young people can walk in, borrow and read a book, then return it to ask questions or discuss what they have learned. The goal is to make books available and establish a discipleship center through that initiative. One major challenge we face is how to acquire books. We cannot ask youth to buy them, as it is a poverty-stricken region.\u201d Israel Elazar, Nigeria<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAt one point, ACTS Nigeria served over hundred libraries. We believe in helping schools and seminaries open libraries. We train librarians yearly, including how to get the right resources and books.\u201d Luka Vandi Uti, Nigeria <\/strong><\/p>\n

Youth coming to Christ in the Democratic Republic of Congo<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u2018\u201cChristianity in Africa is one kilometer long but only one meter deep.\u201d\u2019 How true this saying is! While thousands are coming to the Lord every day, their faith struggles to grow because they are not well-nourished. Many church leaders and teachers have never had the opportunity to attend Bible school. They deeply need to learn, but learning is impossible without books\u2014and books are non-existent without libraries.<\/p>\n

In our home province of North Kivu, there is no public library. While a few theological colleges maintain small libraries with academic books, these are confined to only three towns and remain closed to the general public. Even if they were accessible, church teachers would find very little material suitable for nurturing and catering to their local flocks.<\/p>\n

In one of the largest high schools in Goma, the school chaplaincy possesses only a hundred books\u2014yet the youth have a profound love for reading. The harvest here is immense: 303 youth committed their lives to the Lord last September, followed by another 197 in February. However, discipling them without adequate resources is an uphill battle.\u201d Daphrose Muteho and Jean-Pasteur Katavo, Democratic Republic of Congo<\/strong><\/p>\n

Changed by books and treasuring libraries in Uganda<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201cWhen I left Kampala and relocated to Mbale City, one of the treasures I discovered was the Mbale National Library. You can imagine my excitement when I entered and found shelves of books that I could actually borrow. I soon became friends with the librarian, and for the past five years I have regularly borrowed books. I especially remember discovering Christian books there, and being pleasantly surprised that the library had a serious section dedicated to theology and religion. The library receives books through Book Aid, so every year new books arrive and refresh the collection.<\/p>\n

At Quiet Garden Publishing, we have partnered with the library in different ways. The library carries a number of Quiet Garden books, and through this space we are able to share Christian-related materials with readers in our community. Three years ago, the library hosted a resident professor and author through an event organized by Quiet Garden Publishing, after which we started a regular book club. As a writer, I often recommend the national library to families, and many parents are surprised to discover such a resource exists in Mbale. The library staff are always delighted to see visiting families, many of whom later become avid readers themselves. The facility is deeply needed by the community. We have two other Christian libraries which Quiet Garden Publishing is engaging with, to see if we can have a writing program there.<\/p>\n

I would very much recommend a community library. As a student, my favorite place was always the library. I loved the quietness, but also the feeling of opening books for the very first time. Those books truly changed my life. It was in a library that I first developed the desire to become a writer, and I am grateful that I followed that first inkling.\u201d Betty Kituyi, Uganda <\/strong><\/p>\n

Equalizing access across the church in Tanzania<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201cI believe it is important for the church itself to have its own library where members can access Christian books. At present, the church largely depends on the libraries of theological colleges \u2026 Establishing dedicated church libraries would greatly enrich the spiritual and intellectual life of congregations and communities.\u201d Elitegemeo Mpumpa, Tanzania<\/strong><\/p>\n

Building a reading culture and deepening understanding in Rwanda<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201cLiving in an oral culture affects both the reading culture and the presence of libraries. Libraries are not common in my country. We have a national public library, but most other libraries belong to colleges and universities. These institutional libraries are not usually open to the general public.<\/p>\n

Having libraries in churches or communities would greatly contribute to sharing knowledge and skills among people. Such libraries could also encourage a culture of writing.<\/p>\n

I remember reading a biography of someone in the United States and feeling inspired to write my own autobiography. Reading about events in other countries reminds me that there are many stories and experiences worth documenting to inspire future generations.<\/p>\n

I strongly support the idea of establishing church and community libraries. Many people do not read simply because they lack access to books that interest them.<\/p>\n

Through the Rwanda Editing and Literature Organization, where I serve as a board member, we have initiated a project to establish a children\u2019s library in the community. Our goal is to cultivate a culture of reading and critical thinking among children so that they grow up with these values. We currently have a small collection of Christian books and other age-appropriate materials. It has been in place for three years now.<\/p>\n

However, I have noticed that children do come and visit the library to read, which is encouraging and shows their interest in reading. That said, there are a few challenges. The variety of books we have is limited, so children quickly go through them and do not find new material to keep their curiosity engaged. We also currently do not have enough writers who are skilled at creating age\u2011appropriate books that attract children and keep them engaged in reading for longer periods. Building a strong reading culture is still an ongoing journey.\u201d Ez\u00e9chias Ntirenganya, Rwanda<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere I live, there is currently no dedicated library that includes Christian books, whether through a local public library, church library, or Christian school library.<\/p>\n

I believe having such a library could make a meaningful impact on both the church and the wider community. It would provide Christians, especially young writers and readers, with access to faith-based literature, biblical teaching, Christian history, and inspirational works that encourage spiritual growth and creativity. It could also create opportunities for Bible study groups, discussions, and educational programs that bring people together. For the community, it could become a place for learning, mentorship, fellowship, and encourage reading habits among youth\u2014and support Christian writers by giving them resources and examples from other authors.<\/p>\n

As a Christian writer, I think access to Christian books would be especially helpful for research, inspiration, and deepening one\u2019s understanding of faith-centered storytelling and ministry.\u201d Shakimana Festos, Rwanda<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cOur church has a small library that includes a number of Christian books on topics such as Christian dating, family life, money management, spiritual growth, and biblical doctrine. This library has been very helpful to our church community, because it gives people access to practical Christian teaching that helps them grow both spiritually and personally. Many young people and families have benefited from books that address real-life challenges from a biblical perspective. It has also encouraged a stronger reading culture within the church.<\/p>\n

As a Christian writer, I find such libraries important because they create opportunities to learn, reflect, and deepen understanding of God\u2019s Word. They also help Christian writers reach people in meaningful ways beyond sermons and church services. I believe that even small church libraries can have a lasting impact on a community by equipping believers with knowledge, wisdom, and encouragement for daily Christian living.\u201d Samuel Ibyishaka, Rwanda <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere I serve as a school headmaster, we do not have enough Christian books. It has been our prayer to have them. Having such books in my school library would be a great milestone and would impact not only the school students, but also the neighborhood of the school.\u201d Christian Habumugisha, Rwanda<\/strong><\/p>\n

Untapped potential in South Africa <\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201cIf there were more libraries that intentionally included Christian books and resources, I believe they would have a positive impact on both churches and the wider community. Christian libraries can encourage reading, faith development, and meaningful conversations among children, teenagers, and adults. They also help preserve important stories, values, and cultural perspectives that might otherwise be overlooked. As a Christian writer, I believe such spaces can inspire young readers, support parents and teachers, and create opportunities for communities to connect through faith-based storytelling and learning.\u201d Augustine Mulenga, South Africa<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWe don’t have a dedicated library that includes a significant collection of Christian books in my area that I am aware of. I believe having one would have a profound impact on our church and community.\u00a0It would provide a centralized resource for those seeking guidance and a platform for Christian writers to share their work, ultimately fostering a more connected and spiritually informed community.\u201d Kathy Grobler, South Africa <\/strong><\/p>\n

Yearning for a community space for spiritual development in Ghana<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201cCurrently, there isn’t a library with Christian books in my area, the Agogo-Ashanti region of Ghana. However, I believe having such a library would have a positive impact on both the church and the community. As a Christian writer, I believe a library with Christian books would help me grow spiritually and creatively by exposing me to a different authors, teachings and testimonies. It could also encourage more people in the community to develop a reading culture centered on faith, wisdom and personal growth. I believe it would become a valuable space for learning, encouragement, and spiritual development.\u201d Mary Sefa, Ghana<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bookshops and Christian organizations\u2014but no stand-alone Christian libraries in Kenya<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201cIn Nairobi, we don’t have dedicated stand-alone Christian libraries per se. We have Christian bookshops run either privately or by affiliated Christian ministries\u2014churches, universities and para-church organizations. Christian publishers have dedicated bookshops that act as touchpoints with external readers who might not know them.<\/p>\n

The biggest benefit of such organizations is the author community that coalesces around common objectives in the Christian publishing space, especially through training run by organizations such as\u00a0CLC Kenya<\/a> and the African Christian Authors Book Awards programs.\u201d Jimmy Nzioki, Kenya<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cLibraries are hard to come by in most African communities. Here in Eldoret, the only public library was burned\u00a0down by demonstrators\u00a0two years ago. I once worked for the Kenya National Library Services\u00a0Board in Nairobi, and there was a section where we had Christian\u00a0books stocked. I believe\u00a0they are still there. I manage a bookshop which includes many of Christian\u00a0books, and I have return customers who buy the books. The feedback they give is that they are happy to find titles that meet their research needs.<\/p>\n

A rich collection either in a library or bookshop meets a real need, and teaches readers about God and their need for Him. For writers, such collections will support their ambitions to write\u00a0better manuscripts. Where Christian books are available, they provide great support for any researcher wanting different\u00a0perspectives.\u201d Lily Nyariki, Kenya <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI lead a writers\u2019 group in Nairobi called Pen Adventures.\u00a0We buy books from our own writers when they publish, and when we invite speakers, we buy their books as well.<\/p>\n

Last year, a professional librarian who joined us said she could help us set up a library at our church.\u00a0We hope that writer will by inspired by reading what has been written by our own authors here in Kenya and beyond\u2014and most importantly, advance their writings for the next generation.<\/p>\n

We hope to reclaim the reading culture of paperback books for the general public who access the church, including the young ones during the weekdays and weekends.<\/p>\n

As I move out of my role with Pen Adventures, I will also move to a semi-rural area. Here, there is no library, and I have been trying to explore how I can set one up. In this area, setting up church infrastructures is still developing. Setting up a library may need some time. I would be interested to learn from those who have set up community libraries in their areas.\u201d Mary Kiio, Kenya <\/strong><\/p>\n

Libraries throughout the world shaping spiritual growth and pastoral ministry<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201c<\/strong>Libraries have played a significant role in shaping my academic journey, spiritual growth, leadership development, and pastoral ministry. From my early years as a student at Valley View University between 2008 and 2012 to my continuous engagement with libraries in Ghana and abroad, the culture of reading, research, and learning has remained central to my personal and professional life.<\/p>\n

As a student at Valley View University in Accra, Ghana, I studied in an environment where faith and education were closely connected. The university library became more than a place for academic work\u2014it was a center for intellectual discovery, spiritual reflection, and character formation. Through consistent reading and research, I was exposed to theological books, leadership materials, African Christian scholarship, historical writings, and academic resources that broadened my understanding of ministry, education, culture, and society.<\/p>\n

There are libraries in Ghana that include Christian books, especially in Christian institutions, theological seminaries, church libraries, and some public and academic libraries. These libraries have made a meaningful contribution to the spiritual and intellectual development of many people within the Christian community. As a Christian writer, pastor, and researcher, I have benefited greatly from access to biblical commentaries, Christian leadership resources, theological literature, devotional writings, and African Christian scholarship.<\/p>\n

One of the most significant ways these libraries have helped me is by strengthening my understanding of Scripture and deepening my commitment to ministry and Christian service. The books and research materials I encountered during my years of study inspired my passion for writing, preaching, teaching, and leadership. They also improved my research abilities and communication skills, which continue to influence my work today as a pastor, author, and PhD holder.<\/p>\n

Beyond my years at the university, I have visited and benefited from several libraries across Ghana and in other countries abroad. These experiences exposed me to diverse cultures, global scholarship, and wider perspectives in theology, leadership, communication, education, and social transformation. Every library I entered became a place of inspiration, discipline, and intellectual empowerment. The exposure strengthened my appreciation for knowledge as a tool for both personal growth and national development.<\/p>\n

From a Ghanaian African perspective, libraries are not simply buildings filled with books. They are institutions of transformation that preserve wisdom, culture, faith, and knowledge for future generations. Christian libraries provide opportunities for spiritual formation, literacy development, moral education, and leadership training for young people, pastors, students, and church members.<\/p>\n

My experiences in libraries reinforced important values such as humility, integrity, discipline, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. The discipline of reading and research improved my ability to preach, teach, write, and communicate effectively. It also strengthened my capacity for leadership, mentorship, and academic engagement. The books and resources I encountered over the years inspired me to pursue excellence, deepen my faith in God, and dedicate my life to serving humanity through ministry, scholarship, and education.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, my exposure to both Christian and academic literature helped me to understand the important relationship between faith and society. It shaped my worldview and encouraged me to approach ministry not only as spiritual service but also as a commitment to social responsibility, intellectual development, and human transformation. Through libraries, I learned that true education is not limited to the classroom, but a continuous process of seeking wisdom, understanding, and truth.<\/p>\n

As a Christian writer, I believe libraries containing Christian books are essential for the growth of both the church and society. In many communities, such libraries promote literacy, spiritual growth, and intellectual development. They nurture future leaders, pastors, researchers, authors, and educators by creating an environment where faith and knowledge work together.<\/p>\n

Today, I remain deeply grateful for the impact that libraries in Ghana and abroad have had on my life. The knowledge, discipline, values, and inspiration gained through years of study and reading continue to influence my ministry, research, writing, leadership, and contribution to society. My journey demonstrates the enduring power of libraries to shape lives, strengthen faith, inspire leadership, and transform communities.\u201d Samuel Kwaku Dorgbetor, Ghana <\/strong><\/p>\n

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