National Library Service of the Solomon Islands

History and Founding

The National Library Service of the Solomon Islands has its roots in a public library opened in Honiara in August 1968 by Rev. Charles Fox, which was amalgamated into the Department of Information, Broadcasting, Museum and Library Services in 1972. A National Library was formally established in 1974 with the aim of reorganizing library services and extending reading access to the entire nation. However, it was not until 1979, one year after Solomon Islands gained independence, that the Libraries Act formally established the National Library Service and required it to provide an efficient library service throughout the country. The library is situated near the Mataniko River just outside of Chinatown in Honiara, and is affiliated with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development.

Collections and Holdings

The library's collections include a general reference collection of approximately 5,000 items and the Solomon Islands Collection (SIC), a closed-access legal depository collection of about 10,000 items documenting the history, culture, and development of the Solomon Islands. The library also maintains a collection of newspapers and periodicals used by its estimated 400 monthly visitors. The library installed the KOHA Library Management System in 2015 and is automating the Solomon Islands Collection.

Journalism and Media

The library holds newspapers and periodicals relating to Solomon Islands and the Pacific region. Sally Edridge, the library's first National Librarian, compiled the landmark Solomon Islands Bibliography to 1980 (1985), which remains an essential reference work for the country's history.

Access and Services

The library is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 08:30–16:30 (closed for lunch 12:00–13:00). It supports school libraries nationwide and contributes to library staff training through the University of the South Pacific.