There are twenty-five public libraries in Trinidad and Tobago. The branch libraries in Trinidad are administered by the Public Libraries Division (PLD) located at the National Library Building in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The three libraries in Tobago are administered by the Division of Education Research and Technology, Tobago House of Assembly.

The Public Libraries Division also oversees four Correctional Institutional Libraries in accordance with the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Guidelines for Library Services to Prisoners.

To meet the growing demand for library and information services, the Public Libraries Division has been establishing libraries at strategic locations in Trinidad including co-located community libraries. Co-located community libraries embrace the growing international trend of placing libraries at the heart of communities through the use of shared spaces which transform the communities being served. There are currently six such locations at Beetham, Belmont, Mt. Hope, Barataria, St. Helena and San Fernando.

The Public Libraries Division continues to strengthen and expand its programming activities to fulfil the needs of diverse user groups. Programmes focus on literacy including digital literacy, bullying, crime, violence, character development and commemoration of national and UN observances.

Some of these programmes are conducted via a hybrid model utilising a combination of online and in-person activities. Unique programmes of this new model of service are the Digital Literacy for Seniors programme which is specially designed to meet the needs of our Golden Members.

Ongoing activities at the libraries include panel discussions, vacation camps, book clubs and book talks, storytelling, author visits and arts and craft.

As with any other public library resources are available for loan in both print and digital format. However, in keeping with its mandate to ‘provide a national information for the benefit of the physically disadvantaged…’ NALIS now provides local material in digital format for Visually Impaired Persons (VIPs).

To widen the array of services and resources available to citizens and patrons, the Public Libraries Division has entered into partnerships and collaborations with many stakeholders such as NIHERST, YTEPP, Ministry of Youth Development and National Service, Roots Foundation, Trinidad Eye Hospital, Jegna Institute and Mindwise. These allow PLD to operate in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Trinidad and Tobago’s 2030 National Development Plan. Our information services aim to be current in impacting on our nation’s long-term development by delivering library and information services in support of inclusive and equitable access to Quality Education (SDG Goal #4), Poverty Reduction (SDG #1), Good Health and Well-being (SDG #3), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG #10).