OUR MISSION

           

The JLS exists to enable national development through the creation and support of a knowledge-based society of culturally aware lifelong learners by providing universal access to information.  This will be achieved by being customer-focused and technology-enhanced;  in an aesthetically pleasing environment; and by a well-trained, competent, motivated and empowered team.

We achieve our mission by

  • The operation of public library outlets island wide
  • The establishment and maintenance of specific school libraries on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Youth & Culture
  • Provision of access to library resources for all persons
  • Organisation of promotional activities directed at all age groups
  • Organisation of public education programmes
  • Facilitation of activities of community organizations and public sector agencies
  • Guidance to Teacher Librarians and Principals in the administration and maintenance of school libraries
  • Provision of professional and technical advice to independent schools and other institutions

 

What we expect of you

The services offered by the Jamaica Library Service are available to the public. To maintain and improve on the levels of service offered it is important for you, our users to:

  • Communicate your library needs to the staff
  • Get to know the arrangement of the collection
  • Care whatever you borrow or use so that others can use them after you
  • Return material borrowed within the specified time
  • Observe the rules and regulations of the Library
  • Display proper conduct and consideration for others
  • Support our programmes and tell others about them

Help us to serve you better

If you have suggestions on how to improve any aspect of the services we offer, please share them with us. Talk or write to your Librarian.  Or e-mail us jamlibs@cwjamaica.com

The Library belongs to the community. Help to protect it for yourselves and generations to come.

 

How to Contact us?

Jamaica Library Service (Head Office) 926 - 3310 - 2
Clarendon Parish Library 986 - 2376
Hanover Parish Library 956 - 2829
Kingston & St. Andrew Parish Library 926 - 3354
Manchester Parish Library 962 - 6980
Portland Parish Library 993 - 3533
St. Ann Parish Library 972 - 2155
St. Catherine Parish Library 984 - 8914
St. Elizabeth Parish Library 965 - 9313
St. James Parish Library 952 - 4186
St. Mary Parish Library 994 - 9520
St. Thomas Parish Library 982 - 1862
Trelawny Parish Library 954 - 5688
Westmoreland Parish Library 955 - 9731

 

How are we organised

The Jamaica Library Service began in 1948 and provides a Public Library Service and a Schools Library Service...read more

From its administrative Headquarters in the Corporate Area (2 Tom Redcam Drive, Cross Roads) the Jamaica Library Services operates a network of service points throughout the Island. These are organized in regional divisions. The Public Library Network is divided into six (6) Regions ...read more.

The Schools Library Network operates from six (6) Regional offices. ....read more

 

Services

Public Libraries

  • Exhibitions to mark national and community events

  • Public Education activities

  • A Free Postal Service

  • Books, audio visual material and periodicals for home use for adults and children

  • Reference, Research and Information Service

  • Book Request, Reservation and Inter-Library Loan Service

  • Current Awareness Service

  • Community Information Service

  • Special Collections

  • Professional and technical advice to other organizations

  • Bibliographies and other publications

  • Service to the visually challenged

  • Service to the housebound, hospitalized and persons confined to special institutions

  • Training in and use of Information Communication Technology

  • Special interest activities for adults and children

School Libraries 

  • Bibliographies, Bookmarks, Booklists and other publications

  • Seminars and workshops for principals and teacher/librarians

  • Training for School Library personnel

  • Advice and assistance in the establishment of School Libraries

  • Displays and Exhibitions of Children’s Books

  • Book Request and Reservation Service

  • Participation in Panel Examinations with the Ministry of Education, Youth & Culture

  • Professional and Technical advice to schools

  • Referral Service

  • Special collections

Other Activities

All Parish Libraries promote a variety of activities in order to encourage the reading habit and stimulate interest in special subjects.

These include:

  1. Lectures, Book Discussions an Debates
  2. Book Displays
  3. Exhibitions
  4. Children's Programmes - e.g. Story Hour, Art Hobby groups, Spanish Clubs, Drama groups, Summer Programmes and a National Reading Competition.

In addition, the library staff is fully involved in community cultural and educational activities, e.g. the Literacy Programme, 4H Clubs, Citizens Associations.

email us at Jamaica Library Services

 

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