Mission
The Belize National Library Service and Information System is committed to the promotion of an informed, aware and literate society that fosters our national development and cultural heritage
Vision
The Belize National Library Service and Information System's long-term vision is that of a well-developed National Library and Public Library system, of internationally acceptable standards, making maximum use of current information and communications technology to facilitate Belize's developmental need to evolve information and knowledge-based society.
History
The Belize National Library Service and Information System (BNLSIS) has its roots in the subscription libraries of Belize from 1825 to 1935 and was influenced by British practices in public library services. In 1935, a free national public library service was established, known as the Jubilee Library. It was later renamed the British Honduras Library Service, and in 1966, a legal amendment officially designated it as the BNLSIS.
Although the system aimed to serve communities throughout Belize, limited finances and expertise delayed its full development. Reorganization began in 1955, including the establishment of branch libraries in district capitals, a significant increase in government funding between 1955 and 1960, and the appointment of the first professional librarian.
The growth and development of the National Library Service have been rapid, driven by strong community support and the public’s respect for knowledge and information. Education has long been recognized as the key to personal development and social mobility, and the BNLSIS plays a central role in advancing this mission.
The BNLSIS operates under the portfolio of the Minister of Education, who appoints a Statutory Board to oversee its functions. A Chief Librarian, appointed by the Board, administers the Service with a staff of 101 and a network of over 50 service points nationwide. The staff includes Principal Librarians, Librarians, Assistant Librarians, Senior Library Assistants, Library Assistants, Community Librarians, Technical Assistants, and clerical and ancillary personnel. Among the professional staff, seven hold Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees in Library Science, while 14 others have completed up to the first year of university-level training in the field.
The BNLSIS is organized into two main units: the National Library and the Public Library Service. The National Library serves as the central depository for Belize’s documentary resources, while the Public Library Service manages a nationwide network of free community libraries, providing materials for reference, education, culture, and recreation. In addition to lending services, the BNLSIS offers a variety of innovative programs and public services, including summer reading initiatives, reading and storytelling contests, book reviews, library education, photocopying, inter-library lending, bibliographic searches, and cultural programs, all aimed at enriching the lives of Belizeans.
Reflection on the Library Service from Past and Present Chief Librarians and Friends of the Library