Overview:

The Antigua Public Library in Antigua-and-Barbuda is an important institution that provides free library services to citizens of the island. It also serves as a cultural resource centre for information, research and learning activities. The library is located in the capital, St. John’s, and provides services for all ages from children to senior citizens. It has a wide range of books, magazines, newspapers, audio-visual materials, computers and other resources. The library also has free Wi-Fi throughout its premises, and it offers free programs and events aimed at promoting a culture of reading. It is the only library on the island and it has been in operation since 1922. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Antigua-and-Barbuda
Prominent Features:

1. The Antigua Public Library (APL) is an independent public library service located in St. John's, the capital of the twin-nation Caribbean country of Antigua-and-Barbuda. 2. Established in 1933, the APL has been actively serving the local community for more than 80 years. 3. The library offers a wide variety of services and resources, such as traditional print and electronic materials, digital media, computers, reference services, programming, internet access, lectures and workshops, as well as access to online resources such as ProQuest and Oxford Reference Online. 4. The APL also holds special events throughout the year, including Children’s Story Hours, Job Search Trainings and Book Discussions. 5. In addition to the traditional book and magazine collections, the library boasts a rich music collection of CD's as well as DVD's for both entertainment and educational purposes. 6. The library is open for the public Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. It closes for lunch from 12-2pm. 7. It is free to join the APL and memberships can be renewed each year for no charge. 8. The library offers special programs for children, teens and adults, including a Summer Reading Program for children and teens which encourages them to read through offering games, prizes and other incentives. 9. The library has a number of computers available for public use, equipped with both Microsoft and Open Office applications, as well as access to the internet. 10. The library also serves as a cultural center, hosting market days, musical performances, film screenings, exhibits and many other cultural events throughout the year. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Antigua-and-Barbuda.

History:

The history of Antigua Public Library began in 1765 when the Antiguan Library Association was founded by Horatio Thomas Walrond, a businessman and politician, in a bid to promote literacy, literacy instruction, and the circulation of books in Antigua and Barbuda. The idea for the library came from Thomas Moore's Dublin edition of the Brethren's Library. The library association continued to operate in Antigua for over a century and was eventually incorporated into the British colonial school system by an Act of Parliament in 1819. In 1945, the Antigua Public Library was established and has been serving the public ever since. Initially, the library was housed in the old Anglican Rectory building which was converted into a library and had close to 8,000 books on its shelves. Over the years, the library has grown to incorporate additional branches located throughout the island. The library is funded by the government of Antigua and Barbuda, as well as private donations and sponsorships. It operates as a public library offering a variety of services, such as lending books, providing internet access, and offering educational programs. Currently, the library is home to more than 30,000 books, as well as magazines, newspapers, CDs, DVDs, videos, and periodicals. It also has a children's library, a reference section, and a digital media section. The Antigua Public Library is committed to providing access to resources and information to the people of Antigua and Barbuda. In addition to offering printed materials and services, the library works to promote literacy, access to technology, and life-long learning. The Antigua Public Library also works to preserve the local culture and heritage of Antigua and Barbuda through its Cultural Heritage Library. Visit one of the famous monuments of Antigua-and-Barbuda with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Antigua Public Library (APL) is the national library of Antigua and Barbuda and is located in the capital city, St. John's. 2. It was established in 1887 and holds more than 60,000 volumes of books, periodicals, and special collections. 3. The library has over 25,000 registered members and provides a variety of services such as reference and lending facilities, audio/visual services, and internet access. 4. APL also provides access to a number of online databases such as e-books, databases, magazines, e-reference, and other multimedia services. 5. Since 1976, the library is a Director of the Central Caribbean Network (CARICOMNET), which serves as an information resource and gateway to various Caribbean countries. 6. The library hosts events such as book launches, readings, plays, art exhibitions, workshops, and other outreach activities. 7. Every summer, the library organizes a summer reading program for children, which is funded by the United Nations Development Program. One of the historical monuments of Antigua-and-Barbuda, it tells the story of a bygone era