Don’t be fooled, Africa had a well-developed reading culture before the European invasion

The 5  Libraries of  Chinguetti- Mauritania 

In present-day Mauritania, the libraries of Chinguetti are in the very same condition that they were built in in the ancient desert city of Chinguetti. The city developed as a route for many pilgrims to Mecca and also as a trading city. The city was originally established in 777 CE and elite settlers built libraries stocked with texts that contained religious, historical and social developments. Many of the texts also contain information on expeditions to other kingdoms and trading accounts.

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The libraries were passed on from generation to generation. The number of manuscripts found in these five libraries is well over 3,450 and the site is visited by scholars and tourists. The city lasted till about the 15th century and was largely occupied by ancient Berber settlers.