SECTION IX: LIBRARY SERVICES IN ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
Library services in St. Vincent and the Grenadines started in 1893. The National Public Library, Archives and Documentation Services network consists of twenty-three (22) libraries, a National Archives and a Documentation Centre. The National Public Library, located in Kingstown, the capital of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is the main library while there are twenty-two (22) branch libraries situated throughout the rest of the country.
The Documentation Centre was established in 1982, and its role has been to provide social and economic information emanating from government documents, policy makers, the public, the private sector, and researchers. The National Archives was established in 1990. The National Archives collects, organizes, preserves and stores records and documents related to the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Programmes
Programmes implemented in most of the libraries are aimed at encouraging reading for education as well as recreation. These programmes are also aimed at developing academic and other necessary skills. These programmes are:
- Book Club
- Story telling
- Remedial Reading
- Storytelling
- Literacy programmes
- Home-work Club
- HYPE: Helping Young People Excel programme, held during the July – August vacation, for children ages 13 – 17 years. This programme is only held at the National Public Library.
- CLAP for Fun Programme for children 5 – 12 years, also held during the July – August vacation. This programme is held at the National Public Library and fifteen (15) branch libraries.
There are two computer rooms that offer internet service. Wi-Fi services are also available at the National Public Library, the National Archives and Documentation Centre and in all branch libraries.
The Department also manages a Facebook page, which advertises the various services and programmes offered by the library.