
Best Bookstores & Libraries in Mombasa, Kenya
1. Mombasa Public Library
A public library located in the heart of Mombasa Old Town, offering a diverse collection of books in various languages.
- Rich Collection: Houses a vast collection of books, including local and international titles.
- Community Hub: Serves as a community hub for learning, research, and social interaction.
- Free Access: Provides free access to books and resources for the public.
2. Mombasa GoDown Arts Centre Library
An art centre library situated in a former warehouse, offering a unique collection of books focusing on art, culture, and society.
- Artistic Focus: Specializes in books related to art, culture, and society.
- Art Exhibitions: Hosts art exhibitions and events, making it a cultural hotspot.
- Cafe & Workspace: Features a cafe and workspace, encouraging creativity and collaboration.
3. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Library
A university library offering extensive resources for academic research and study.
- Academic Resources: Provides a vast collection of academic books, journals, and electronic resources.
- Student-Friendly: Designed with student comfort in mind, featuring quiet study areas and group collaboration spaces.
- Access to Databases: Offers access to various databases and online resources for academic research.
4. Mombasa Bookshop
A long-standing bookstore offering a wide selection of books, gifts, and stationery.
- Historical Significance: One of Mombasa's oldest bookstores, steeped in local history.
- Gift Shop: Sells a variety of gifts and souvenirs related to Kenya and Mombasa.
- Stationery Selection: Features an extensive selection of stationery items, making it a one-stop shop for writing enthusiasts.
5. Uhuru na Taifa Library
A library located within the Fort Jesus complex, offering books and resources on Kenya's history and culture.
- Historical Context: Set within a historical fort, providing an immersive learning experience.
- Kenya-Focused Collection: Specializes in books about Kenya's history, culture, and heritage.
- Fort Jesus Attraction: Visitors can explore the fort and its exhibits after finishing their reading.
6. Mombasa Islamic Centre Library
A library offering books on Islam, Quran studies, and Arabic language resources.
- Religious Studies: Specializes in religious texts, Islamic studies, and Quranic resources.
- Language Learning: Offers Arabic language books for beginners and advanced learners.
- Community Hub: Serves as a community hub for Muslims in Mombasa.
7. Mombasa Girls' High School Library
A school library offering books and resources for academic research and study.
- Student-Friendly: Designed with student comfort in mind, featuring quiet study areas and group collaboration spaces.
- Academic Resources: Provides a vast collection of academic books, journals, and electronic resources.
- Access to Databases: Offers access to various databases and online resources for academic research.
8. Mombasa Central Library
A modern library offering books, newspapers, magazines, and internet access.
- Digital Facilities: Equipped with computers and free Wi-Fi for internet access.
- Resource Diversity: Offers books, newspapers, magazines, and other resources on various topics.
- Community Hub: Serves as a community hub for learning, research, and social interaction.
9. Mombasa National Archives
A repository of Kenya's historical documents, offering books and resources on Kenyan history.
- Historical Documents: Houses a vast collection of historical documents related to Kenya.
- Research Facility: Offers research facilities for students, scholars, and the general public.
- Exhibitions & Events: Hosts exhibitions and events related to Kenya's history and culture.
10. Mombasa Book Bazaar
A bustling marketplace offering a wide variety of second-hand books at affordable prices.
- Affordable Prices: Sells second-hand books at affordable prices, making them accessible to more people.
- Book Variety: Offers a vast variety of books on various topics and genres.
- Bargaining Opportunities: Allows for bargaining, making it an exciting shopping experience.
11. Takween Cultural Center Library
A cultural center library offering books and resources on Islamic art, architecture, and culture.
- Islamic Art & Culture: Specializes in books about Islamic art, architecture, and culture.
- Art Exhibitions: Hosts art exhibitions showcasing Islamic art and architecture.
- Cultural Events: Organizes cultural events, workshops, and classes related to Islamic art and culture.
12. Mombasa Coast Baptist College Library
A college library offering books and resources for theological studies.
- Theological Studies: Specializes in books related to theology, Christianity, and related disciplines.
- Student-Friendly: Designed with student comfort in mind, featuring quiet study areas and group collaboration spaces.
- Access to Databases: Offers access to various databases and online resources for theological research.
13. Mombasa University College Library
A university college library offering books and resources for academic research and study.
- Academic Resources: Provides a vast collection of academic books, journals, and electronic resources.
- Student-Friendly: Designed with student comfort in mind, featuring quiet study areas and group collaboration spaces.
- Access to Databases: Offers access to various databases and online resources for academic research.
14. Mombasa Coast Academy Library
A private academy library offering books and resources for academic research and study.
- Academic Resources: Provides a vast collection of academic books, journals, and electronic resources.
- Student-Friendly: Designed with student comfort in mind, featuring quiet study areas and group collaboration spaces.
- Access to Databases: Offers access to various databases and online resources for academic research.
15. Mombasa City Library
A city library offering books, newspapers, magazines, and internet access.
- Resource Diversity: Offers books, newspapers, magazines, and other resources on various topics.
- Digital Facilities: Equipped with computers and free Wi-Fi for internet access.
- Community Hub: Serves as a community hub for learning, research, and social interaction.