National Library of Mauritius, Port Louis

The National Library of Mauritius is the national institution responsible for preserving and providing access to the collective memory of Mauritius. Established in 2000 under the National Library Act, the library aims to be a top-class provider of information services to the nation, contributing to its development by providing equal access to information to all Mauritian nationals.

The library's objectives are diverse, including promoting and encouraging the use of library materials, acquiring new materials relating to Mauritius, lending library materials to the public, participating in planning library services in Mauritius, promoting research in library fields, and acting as the national bibliographic center. The library also serves as an organizing agency for national and international lending and exchange of library materials and promotes cooperation between the library and other libraries at both national and international levels.

The library's collection comprises materials in various formats, including written or graphic records, books, newspapers, periodicals, music scores, photographs, maps, drawings, and non-print materials such as films and audiovisual items. The collection covers a wide range of subjects, including agriculture, architecture, biography, computer science, economics, geography, handicraft, history, languages, literature, politics, pure and applied sciences, religion, and more. The library also holds rare documents, including bluebooks, almanacs, administrative reports, National Assembly debates, manuscripts, theses/dissertations, government gazettes, newspapers, and other documents dating back to 1777.

The National Library of Mauritius plays a crucial role in providing information and preserving the cultural heritage of the nation. As a center of coordination, planning, and stimulation of the country's library system, it continues to promote access to knowledge and information, thus contributing to the development of the country.