Central Library of Saint Lucia Saint Lucia Public Library System

Overview

The Central Library of Saint Lucia, located in Castries, is the headquarters of the Saint Lucia Public Library System and the primary public library serving the island nation. The library falls under the portfolio of the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Development and Labour. It is the main hub of a network comprising 16 branch libraries throughout Saint Lucia and a mobile library service serving rural communities.

History and Founding

Attempts to establish library services in Saint Lucia date to the 1830s, with efforts in 1830, 1836, 1839, and 1842 all proving short-lived. The current institution traces its formal origins to 1888, when funding was secured from the Andrew Carnegie Trust and the Castries Town Board. The library was opened in 1924 and was originally known as the Carnegie Library.

In 1941, the Eastern Caribbean Library Scheme reorganized library services, helping establish free public library branches across Saint Lucia. In 1948, the Carnegie Library in Castries was destroyed in a major fire, with the loss of over 20,000 volumes. After temporarily occupying premises at 34 Chisel Street and at George the Fifth Park, the library was rebuilt in 1958 with a Colonial Development and Welfare Grant and renamed the Central Library of Saint Lucia. The rebuilt building, located on the site of what is now Derek Walcott Square, opened its ground floor as a free public library and was officially named the Central Library of Saint Lucia.

Collections and Holdings

The Central Library maintains general lending and reference collections, a Caribbean and Samoana collection, a junior/children's section, and an American Corner featuring computers with internet access supported by a U.S. Embassy grant. The library serves as a depository and preservation center for local community publications and government information.

Access and Usage

The library is open to the public Monday through Friday, 9:00–18:00, and Saturday 9:00–12:30. Membership is required for borrowing (library card required). Registration for children requires parental contact information, while adults provide national ID and a refundable deposit. Free internet access is available within the library.