National Library of Papua New Guinea Office of Libraries and Archives

Overview

The National Library of Papua New Guinea is the country's principal public library and national bibliographic repository, located in the Waigani district of Port Moresby, National Capital District. It forms part of the Office of Libraries and Archives (OLA), a government agency under the Papua New Guinea government.

History and Founding

The National Library Service of Papua New Guinea was established in 1975, the year Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australian colonial administration. The library building was established in 1978 as an independence gift from Australia to the government and people of Papua New Guinea, intended to assist in establishing a collection of items of national significance. The library opened three years after independence. Under the Copyright Act of 1978 and the Statutory Deposit Act of 1979, the library became one of Papua New Guinea's three depository libraries entitled to receive copies of all publications produced in the country.

Collections and Holdings

The National Library holds approximately 56,000 items and houses a notable New Guinea collection that reflects the country's cultural and historical heritage. The library incorporates the National Film Library, which historically held films and video recordings. It produces the Papua New Guinea National Bibliography, the authoritative record of publications produced in the country. The library also incorporates the School Libraries Service and oversees three public libraries in the National Capital District, providing centralized processing and advisory services to public, school, and government libraries nationwide.

Access and Usage

The National Library is open to the general public and serves researchers, government officials, students, and the broader community. The library is located in Waigani, Port Moresby. The phone number on record is +675 323 7775. The Office of Libraries and Archives (OLA) manages the library and is accessible at ola.gov.pg.