The largest floating library has docked in the port of Mombasa, much to the delight of the many (far more than you might think these days) Kenyan enthusiasts and curious residents of the country who have already begun visiting it.
The Mv Logos Hope is a 132-meter-long ship that for more than 18 years has hosted a veritable "book fair" that travels the world by sea and stops for several weeks in each port.
This incredible initiative is run by GBA Ships, a Christian-inspired nonprofit organization based in Germany, and carries about 350 people on board, including a team of 60 volunteers.
It has a collection of more than 5,000 books and amenities such as an international café, a visitor's deck and a reception area. Visitors between the ages of 3 and 60 (who knows why not older) can enter the ship, for a small fee, to view its many offerings, which include books on subjects ranging from science to sports, hobbies, cooking, the arts, medicine, languages and faith. With more than fifty different nationalities represented on board, the Logos Hope community is considered an authentic expression of international dissemination of culture and best practices. The crew and staff are all unpaid volunteers, many of whom serve in their professional capacities as seamen, engineers, electricians, nurses, teachers, and cooks. Sponsorship from friends, family and civic organizations enables crew members to serve on board. The ship stays in each port for several weeks and opens the gangways to thousands of visitors each day. On average, one million visitors have been welcomed aboard each year.
It is also possible to buy rare books in various languages, compare notes, and experience "floating culture."