About Us

As a primary community destination, the Cayman Islands Public Library Service is committed to enriching the lives of the and empowering every person in our community through the provision of services, programmes and resources in all formats to encourage and promote lifelong learning, literacy, the joy of reading and local culture within the population of the Cayman Islands.

Message from the Director

Welcome to the Cayman Islands Public Library Service

On behalf of the Cayman Islands Public Library Service (CIPLS), I would like to warmly welcome all of our patrons, both local and visiting. Our mission is to nurture a lifelong love of reading, foster community engagement, and provide access to a diverse array of resources and services that empower everyone in the Cayman Islands to learn, grow, and connect.

Whether you are here to explore our extensive book collection, utilise digital resources, or engage in educational programmes, our libraries are here to help. We offer a variety of services suitable for all ages and interests, from children’s programmes to professional development workshops. Our team is committed to establishing the library as a hub that promotes an informed, aware and literate society, contributing to our national development and celebrating our unique cultural heritage.

We strive to continuously evolve to meet the needs of our community by incorporating new technologies and expanding our services. Whether you visit us in person or online, we encourage you to explore everything we have to offer. Your feedback and involvement are vital for our improvement and growth.

Thank you for choosing the Cayman Islands Public Library Service. We eagerly anticipate supporting you in your journey of discovery and learning!

Stay Connected:
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Sincerely,
Kevin Goring
Director (Acting), Cayman Islands Public Library Service

Library History

Cayman’s Public Library system started in George Town in 1920 when the government included an annual grant of 40 pounds in the budget for the establishment of a subscription library. The library was located in a room above the old jail next to the old court house. At the end of 1937, plans were made for building a larger library at George Town to include reading and reference rooms.

The new building was designed by Captain Rayal Bodden, an accomplished shipwright, and completed in 1939. The distinctive timbered ceiling shows the evidence of a shipbuilder’s skill, as it is fashioned after a ship’s hull turned upside down. The ends of the hammer beams are decorated with the shields of prominent British Institutions of learning. These are thought to be original, as is the fan over the entrance door. The ceiling beams are original, but the boards have been replaced to reduce leaks.

The front façade of the building was originally flat, with the entrance foyer being added more recently, when the original keystone and fan were reinstalled. The new library opened its doors to the public in 1940, and for a long time the main source of printed matter was the Ranfurly Library in England. Lady Ranfurly, wife of a colonial governor, started the project of collecting used books for shipment to British territories where books were in short supply. In 1980, the first trained librarian took over the running of the public library.

Sources:

Newstar, October 1989, p64.

National Trust. Historical Review Tour, p.11.

Using the Library

Provision of traditional and technological resources and materials that are easily accessible through the lending and reference services at all public library locations in the Cayman Islands. Find out more about the services Cayman Islands Public Library Service has.