National Library of São Tomé and Príncipe Biblioteca Nacional de São Tomé e Príncipe

History and Founding

The National Library of São Tomé and Príncipe (Biblioteca Nacional de São Tomé e Príncipe) is located in the capital city of São Tomé. It is responsible for the technical coordination of public libraries and the promotion of books and reading. The library serves as the country's legal deposit institution under a law originally established in 1952 during the colonial period. Before independence in 1975, the most important library in the colony was the São Tomé town hall library, which held approximately 5,000 books. After independence, this library fell into disuse, and a reading room named after writer Francisco José Tenreiro served as the only public library for over a decade. Since the 1990s, libraries have emerged in the district capitals, assisted by international aid. The present national library was established in 2002.

Collections and Holdings

The National Library coordinates the country's public library network and holds the national legal deposit collection. Its holdings encompass books, periodicals, and documents related to São Tomé and Príncipe's history and culture.

Access and Usage

The library is open to the public and provides reference services to researchers and the general public. It coordinates library services across the island nation.