Libraries began in The Bahamas since the early 19th century. The call for libraries came as early as 1804, as populations increased following the Loyalists influx of the 1800s. The first libraries in existence today were started over one hundred fifty (150) years. The Nassau Public Library was established in 1837 and its Act was passed in 1847(See the the link Nassau Public Library). National Library and Information Services was established in the late 20th century. On March 10th 2009, the new National Library and Information Services Authority Act was passed merging the older board operated libraries in New Providence and those on the Family Islands into one National Library Services System.
National Library and Information Services main aim is to unite over 60 branches libraries in New Providence and the Family Islands into one modern, automated system, offering quality, standardised services in all islands.
GENERAL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
- To increase outreach programmes for users of various ages and background;
- To promote educational programmes in local communities;
- To provide up-to-date information by utilizing current technology; and
- To make information easily accessible to all persons living in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas
ACHIEVEMENTS
Establishment of eleven (11) branch libraries in New Providence
Two (2) of the new libraries offer extended evening hours and they are open on Saturday. The first four Public Libraries have continuously offered extended hours and services on Saturdays.
- Career Path for library personnel
- Beginning of automation in public libraries
- Increased training of library personnel
- Internet service for users
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
- To increase services at the new National Library and Information Services building (Headquarters for Libraries) , College Avenue, Nassau, Bahamas;
- To produce education Community Library radio programmes via Bahamas Library Service Infolight 90. 1FM radio station;
- To implement standards and procedures by which libraries operate to provide effective and efficient services for all;
- To complete a union catalogue of Bahamian public libraries holdings and national bibliography and indexes;
- To foster writing of Bahamian Literature by authors with an interest in the oral tradition in order to preserve our culture;
- To increase library services through the NLIS Central Administration, Bahamas Library Service Info-Ref Centre, branch libraries and reading centres;
- To provide effective supervision of Branch Libraries;
- To provide training in library and information competencies for staff;
- To provide increase training in library and information competencies for library cadets and the Information Literacy Club membership;
- To provide quality resources and services for communities;
- To provide Story Hour and Outreach programmes for all in the community through procurement
Location and Directions:
#9 College Ave.
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Library Statistics
Non-fiction Total Book Circulation
Fiction
Video & Picture Gallery
Membership
- Membership includes adults, government and private school children as well as some home schooled children.
- School children are not charged a membership fee.
Services
Users have access to the following:
- Quiet study
- Book loans
- Internet services
- Use of computer
- Word processing
- Photocopies
- Instruction
Staff
- Dorcas Bowler- Director of Libraries
- Ms Alexis Buchanan- Trained Teacher- Admiinstratively posted
- Mrs.Pauline Johnson -Literacy Tutor
- Ms Sonia Pratt – Clerical
- Ms. Kayana Hall- Clerical
- Mrs. Eunice Roxbury- Literacy Tutor
- Mark Hayes- Systems Administrator
- Ms. Natalia Symonette- Custodian
