Best Bookstores & Libraries in Kigali, Rwanda
1. Kigali Public Library
Centrally located library offering a vast collection of books in English and French, hosting regular workshops and exhibitions.
- Multilingual Collection: Offers books in both English and French.
- Regular Workshops: Hosts workshops and events for the community.
- Central Location: Located in the heart of Kigali for easy access.
2. Amahoro Library
Modern library located within the Kigali Genocide Memorial, offering a variety of books and resources about Rwanda's history and culture.
- Historical Context: Situated within the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
- Cultural Resources: Provides resources about Rwanda's history and culture.
- Tranquil Atmosphere: Offers a peaceful and reflective environment.
3. L'Atelier de la Pages
Independent bookstore offering a variety of books in English and French, hosting author events and workshops.
- Independently Owned: Run by an independent bookseller.
- Author Events: Regularly hosts author events and workshops.
- Variety of Languages: Stocks books in both English and French.
4. University of Rwanda Library
A comprehensive library on the University of Rwanda campus, offering access to academic resources and research materials.
- Academic Resources: Offers a wealth of academic resources.
- Research Materials: Provides research materials for scholars and students.
- Campus Location: Located on the University of Rwanda campus.
5. CIC Africana Kigali
A research library focusing on Africa and its diaspora, featuring a vast collection of books, articles, and other resources.
- Focus on Africa: Specializes in materials about Africa and its diaspora.
- Research-Oriented: Catering to scholars, researchers, and students.
- Vast Collection: Features a comprehensive collection of resources on Africa.
6. Books and Beyond
A cozy bookstore offering an extensive selection of books, along with coffee and pastries.
- Coffee Shop: Serves coffee and pastries to enjoy while reading.
- Extensive Selection: Offers a wide range of books across various genres.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: Provides a comfortable and inviting space for reading.
7. Bibliothèque de la Mutuelle de Solidarité
A community library located within the Mutuelle de Solidarité building, offering a collection of books in both English and French.
- Community Focus: Serves the local community.
- Bilingual Collection: Stocks books in both English and French.
- Central Location: Located within the Mutuelle de Solidarité building.
8. Uburo Inkoko Bookshop
A small bookstore offering books by Rwandan authors and books about Rwanda's history and culture.
- Focus on Rwanda: Specializes in books about Rwanda and its authors.
- Small and Intimate: A small, intimate bookstore atmosphere.
- Cultural Resources: Offers books about Rwanda's history and culture.
9. Gorillas in the Mist Library
A library located within the Gorilla Guardians Village, featuring books about conservation and wildlife.
- Conservation Focus: Specializes in books about conservation and wildlife.
- Gorilla-Themed: Focuses on the gorillas of Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park.
- Eco-Tourism Location: Located within Gorilla Guardians Village, a popular eco-tourism destination.
10. L'Abeille Librairie
A bookstore offering a wide selection of books in French, as well as stationery and gifts.
- French Books: Offers a large collection of books in French.
- Stationery and Gifts: Sells stationery and unique gifts alongside books.
- Cultural Atmosphere: Provides a French cultural atmosphere in Kigali.
11. Inzu ya Mbabazi Bookshop
A bookstore offering books by Rwandan authors and books about Rwanda's history and culture.
- Focus on Rwanda: Specializes in books about Rwanda and its authors.
- Local Authors: Stocks works by local Rwandan authors.
- Cultural Resources: Offers books about Rwanda's history and culture.
12. Umuganda Bookshop
A bookstore located within the Kigali Convention Centre, offering books in English, French, and Kinyarwanda.
- Language Diversity: Stocks books in English, French, and Kinyarwanda.
- Conference Center Location: Located within the Kigali Convention Centre.
- Wide Selection: Offers a wide variety of books for diverse interests.
13. Amahoro Bookshop
A bookstore located within the Kigali Memorial Centre, offering books about Rwanda's history and culture.
- Historical Context: Situated within the Kigali Memorial Centre.
- Cultural Resources: Offers books about Rwanda's history and culture.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Provides a peaceful and reflective environment.
14. Ubumwe Bookshop
A bookstore located within the Kigali Genocide Memorial, offering books about Rwanda's history and genocide.
- Historical Context: Situated within the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
- Genocide-Focused: Specializes in books about Rwanda's genocide.
- Reflective Environment: Offers a reflective and educational space for visitors.
15. L'Arche Bookshop
A bookstore located within the Centre de Presse pour la Promotion de la Paix et du Développement, offering books about peace, development, and Africa.
- Focus on Peace and Development: Specializes in books about peace, development, and Africa.
- Press Center Location: Located within the Centre de Presse pour la Promotion de la Paix et du Développement.
- Regional Focus: Emphasizes resources about Africa and its development.