National Library and Information System The Heritage Library (NALIS)

Overview

The Heritage Library is the special collections and national heritage division of the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) of Trinidad and Tobago. It is housed on the second floor of the National Library Building at 23 Abercromby Street, Port of Spain, which opened to the public in March 2003. NALIS was established as a statutory authority by the NALIS Act No. 18 of 1998.

History and Founding

The Heritage Library Division traces its origins to 1994, when the West Indian Reference Library of the Central Library Services of Trinidad and Tobago and the West Indian Reference Section of the Trinidad Public Library were integrated. Pearl Eintou Springer served as the first director of the Heritage Library Division from October 1993 until her retirement in 2003. The broader NALIS organization was formally constituted in September 1998, bringing together the administration of the Public Library of Trinidad, the Carnegie Free Library (San Fernando, established 1919), and the Central Library Service under a single statutory authority.

Collections and Holdings

The Heritage Library Division curates approximately 105 special collections. Notable holdings include the Learie Constantine Collection (documents relating to his life as cricketer, politician, barrister, and the first Black British Peer), the Masonic Lodge Collection, the Wayne Berkely Collection of mas costume designs, and the Julian Kenny Collection of Trinidad and Tobago flora and fauna. The Heritage Digital Library provides growing online access to digitized photographs, video, audio recordings, books, pamphlets, newspapers, and manuscripts highlighting the people, culture, and events of Trinidad and Tobago throughout its history. NALIS also holds two collections inscribed on the regional and international UNESCO Memory of the World Registers.

Notable Materials Related to Journalism and Media

The Heritage Library holds historical newspapers and press-related materials as part of its legal depository function for Trinidadian and Tobagonian publications. It serves as a resource for government materials and provides information support to the country's branch library network.

Access and Usage

The National Library is open to everyone. Opening hours are Monday–Friday 08:30–18:00 and Saturday 09:00–14:00. The Heritage Library Division offers research assistance, bibliographic guidance, photocopying/scanning services, and hosts workshops, exhibitions, and literary events. The Preservation and Conservation (PAC) Laboratory, commissioned in 2013, provides conservation services and serves as the IFLA-PAC Regional Centre for the English-speaking Caribbean.