The Port Vila Public Library is the only public library in Vanuatu. Situated in the Cultural Centre building on main street, it provides a range of public library services in the country. In Port Vila, members of the public can access books and other literature materials on any number of subjects. In particular, the Port Vila Public Library provides:
- a place where the public can access and take time to read the latest newspapers, magazines, books and other literature (Government and local NGO publications, overseas magazines and newspapers)
- the only source of reference and other educational resources for an increasing number of students in Port Vila (whose own school libraries are inadequate or, in some cases, non-existent).
The Port Vila Public Library is open to the general public for borrowing, reading and researching on every weekday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and on Saturdays from 9.00am to 11.00am.
Objectives for the Port Vila Public Library:
1) Providing and continually enhancing access to all the Library collections (primarily for Library users in Port Vila)
2) Assisting students to access and use reference and other educational resources
3) Striving to provide the rural population with access to the Library’s collections
4) Educating the population, and especially children, about the purpose of the Library and encouraging them to use its services
5) Assisting other libraries and educational institutions in the country to increase access to books in the country
6) Expanding the membership of the Port Vila Public Library
7) Lending out books to the general public
Activities conducted by the Port Vila Public Library:
1) Providing well-maintained spaces and facilities (including furniture) for users of the Library
2) Providing book borrowing services for members
3) Assisting students and researchers in accessing required information and literature
4) Undertaking research for clients
5) Undertaking photocopying of Library materials for clients
6) Maintaining an up-to-date reference collection for users (particularly students)
7) Purchasing new literature as required and cataloguing all new items received
8) Assisting other libraries and the Vanuatu Library Association, and assisting to organise National Book Week
9) Sending excess book stocks to rural schools and libraries
10) Providing other services (including training) to rural libraries
