The Africa Library Service in Springfield, United States was established in 1961. It was founded by a group of African-American educators and activists who recognized the need for a library that focused on African and African-American literature and history.
At the time, there were very few resources available in traditional libraries that represented the African and African-American experience. The founders of the Africa Library Service wanted to create a space where people could access and learn about their own history and culture.
The library was also established as a response to the civil rights movement and the growing demand for equal representation and recognition of African-Americans in society. It aimed to provide a safe and inclusive space for people to explore and celebrate their heritage.
Since its establishment, the Africa Library Service has grown to become a vital resource for the community. It offers a wide range of books, films, and other materials that highlight the diverse experiences and contributions of people of African descent.
Today, the library continues to serve as a hub for education, cultural enrichment, and community engagement. It remains an important institution in promoting diversity, inclusion, and understanding in Springfield and beyond.
1. African Literature Collection: This collection includes a wide range of books written by African authors, covering various genres such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama.
2. African History Collection: This collection consists of books on the history of Africa, including ancient civilizations, colonialism, independence movements, and modern-day developments.
3. African Art and Culture Collection: This collection features books on African art, music, dance, and other cultural practices, providing insights into the diverse cultures of the continent.
4. African Politics and Governance Collection: This collection covers topics related to politics, government, and international relations in Africa, including books on specific countries and regional organizations.
5. African Economic Development Collection: This collection focuses on the economic development of Africa, including books on trade, investment, and entrepreneurship in the continent.
6. African Languages Collection: This collection includes books on various African languages, providing resources for language learners and researchers interested in linguistics.
7. African Children's Literature Collection: This collection features books written for children by African authors, promoting cultural diversity and representation in children's literature.
8. African Diaspora Collection: This collection covers the experiences and contributions of people of African descent around the world, including books on the African diaspora in the United States.
9. African Studies Reference Collection: This collection includes reference books, encyclopedias, and dictionaries on various topics related to Africa, providing valuable resources for research and study.
10. African Studies Journals Collection: This collection includes academic journals and periodicals focused on African studies, providing access to the latest research and developments in the field.
The Africa Library Service at Springfield, United States is proud to offer a wide range of rare books, history archives, and manuscripts for our readers. These materials provide valuable insights into the rich and diverse history of Africa, and are a valuable resource for researchers, students, and anyone interested in learning more about the continent.
Some of the rare books available at our library include first editions of classic works such as "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe, "Cry, the Beloved Country" by Alan Paton, and "The Souls of Black Folk" by W.E.B. Du Bois. These books offer a unique perspective on African literature and are highly sought after by collectors.
Our history archives contain a wealth of information on various topics such as pre-colonial Africa, the transatlantic slave trade, and the struggle for independence. These archives include rare documents, photographs, and maps that provide a glimpse into the past and shed light on important events and figures in African history.
In addition, our library also houses a collection of manuscripts from prominent African writers, activists, and leaders. These include handwritten drafts of novels, speeches, and letters from individuals such as Nelson Mandela, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Frantz Fanon. These manuscripts offer a unique opportunity to see the creative process and thoughts of these influential figures.
We also have a special section dedicated to rare books and manuscripts in indigenous African languages, providing a valuable resource for those interested in studying these languages and their literature.
Our library is committed to preserving and promoting African history and culture, and we are constantly adding new rare books, archives, and manuscripts to our collection. We invite all readers to visit our library and explore these valuable resources for themselves.

Services:

1. Access to a wide range of resources: The Africa Library Service offers subscribers and the community access to a diverse collection of resources including books, ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, and online databases.
2. Reference and research assistance: The library has trained staff who can assist subscribers and community members with their research needs, providing guidance on how to use the library's resources effectively.
3. Interlibrary loan: If the library does not have a particular resource, subscribers and community members can request it through interlibrary loan, where the library will borrow the item from another library on their behalf.
4. Computer and internet access: The library provides free access to computers and the internet for subscribers and community members who may not have access to these resources at home.
5. Printing, copying, and scanning services: The library offers printing, copying, and scanning services for a small fee, making it convenient for subscribers and community members to access these services.
6. Programs and events: The library organizes various programs and events for subscribers and the community, such as book clubs, author talks, workshops, and children's storytime sessions.
7. Meeting and study rooms: The library has meeting and study rooms that subscribers and community members can reserve for group meetings or individual study.
8. Outreach services: The library offers outreach services to schools, community centers, and other organizations, bringing library resources and services to those who may not be able to visit the library.
9. Bookmobile services: The library has a bookmobile that visits different locations in the community, providing access to library resources and services to those who may not be able to visit the library.
10. Online resources and services: The library provides access to a variety of online resources and services, including ebooks, audiobooks, online databases, and virtual programs, making it convenient for subscribers and community members to access library services from anywhere.

Things To Do:

1. Author Book Readings: The library hosts various author book readings where authors come to read excerpts from their books and engage in discussions with the audience.
2. Book Clubs: The library has several book clubs that meet regularly to discuss and analyze books on various topics and genres.
3. Art Exhibitions: The library also hosts art exhibitions featuring works of local and international artists. These exhibitions showcase a diverse range of art forms such as paintings, sculptures, and photography.
4. Poetry Readings: The library organizes poetry readings where poets from the local community and beyond come to share their work and engage in discussions with the audience.
5. Children's Storytime: The library offers storytime sessions for children, where they can listen to engaging stories and participate in fun activities related to the stories.
6. Book Launches: The library hosts book launches for new and upcoming authors, providing them with a platform to introduce their work to the public.
7. Writing Workshops: The library conducts writing workshops for aspiring writers, where they can learn about different writing techniques and get feedback on their work.
8. Film Screenings: The library occasionally hosts film screenings, showcasing documentaries, independent films, and other thought-provoking movies.
9. Cultural Events: The library celebrates different cultures by organizing events such as music performances, dance shows, and food festivals.
10. Guest Speaker Events: The library invites guest speakers from various fields to give talks and presentations on topics of interest to the community. These events provide an opportunity for learning and discussion.

1. Respect the library staff and other patrons: The library is a shared space, so it's important to be considerate of others. Keep your voice down, avoid disruptive behavior, and follow any rules or guidelines set by the library staff.
2. Keep your phone on silent: While it's important to have your phone with you in case of emergencies, make sure to keep it on silent or vibrate mode while in the library. Loud ringtones or constant notifications can be distracting to others.
3. Handle books and materials with care: The library's collection is meant to be shared by everyone, so it's important to handle books and other materials with care. Avoid bending pages, writing in books, or damaging any items.
4. Use headphones for audio: If you need to listen to audio materials, make sure to use headphones. This will prevent disturbing others who are studying or reading.
5. Keep food and drinks in designated areas: Many libraries have designated areas for eating and drinking. Make sure to follow these rules and clean up after yourself to keep the library clean and comfortable for everyone.
6. Respect designated quiet areas: Many libraries have designated quiet areas for those who need a quiet space to study or work. Make sure to respect these areas and keep noise to a minimum.
7. Return materials on time: Be mindful of due dates and return materials on time. This allows others to access the materials and avoids late fees.
8. Use library resources responsibly: The library offers a variety of resources, such as computers and printers, for patrons to use. Make sure to use these resources responsibly and follow any guidelines set by the library.
9. Keep personal belongings with you: While the library is generally a safe space, it's important to keep an eye on your personal belongings. Do not leave them unattended or in a way that may obstruct others.
10. Report any issues to library staff: If you encounter any issues or have any concerns while at the library, don't hesitate to report them to the library staff. They are there to help and ensure a positive experience for all patrons.

The Africa Library Service, located in Springfield, United States, offers a variety of subscription plans for individuals and organizations. These plans are designed to provide access to a wide range of resources and services, tailored to meet the needs of our diverse community.
1. Individual Subscription Plan: This plan is ideal for students, researchers, and individuals who are interested in accessing our library's resources. It includes access to our physical collection of books, journals, and magazines, as well as our online databases and e-books. The annual fee for this plan is $50.
2. Family Subscription Plan: This plan is perfect for families who want to access our library's resources together. It includes all the benefits of the individual plan for up to four family members. The annual fee for this plan is $80.
3. Corporate Subscription Plan: This plan is designed for organizations and businesses that want to provide their employees with access to our library's resources. It includes access to our physical and online collections, as well as the option to borrow materials for a longer period. The annual fee for this plan is $200.
4. Institutional Subscription Plan: This plan is tailored for schools, colleges, and universities. It provides access to our extensive collection of academic resources, including books, journals, and databases. It also includes access to our online learning platform, where students can access course materials and participate in online discussions. The annual fee for this plan is $300.
5. Premium Subscription Plan: This plan is our most comprehensive plan, offering access to all our resources and services. It includes access to our physical and online collections, as well as personalized research assistance from our librarians. The annual fee for this plan is $500.
All our subscription plans come with the option to renew annually. We also offer discounts for students, seniors, and low-income individuals. For more information on our subscription plans and discounts, please visit our website or contact us directly. We are committed to providing affordable and accessible library services to our community.

Unfortunately, I was unable to find specific timing information for the Africa Library Service in Springfield, United States. However, here are the standard library timings for most libraries in the United States:
Monday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Please note that these timings may vary depending on the specific library and location. It is always best to check the library's website or call ahead to confirm their hours of operation.

Looking to visit Africa Library Service in Springfield, United States? You have multiple public transport options! Take the bus, train, or subway to the nearest station and walk a short distance to the library. Or, hop on a shared ride or taxi for a more direct route. Plan your trip now!