Government to Establish National Library Branches on Every Inhabited Maldivian Island

The Maldivian government has announced an ambitious plan to establish National Library branches on every inhabited island to expand access to reliable information and foster a national culture of reading. Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Heena Waleed detailed the initiative while marking Maldives Library Day and celebrating the 81st anniversary of the National Library. Minister Heena emphasized that libraries serve as vital gateways to the credible information necessary for daily life and play a critical role in developing a knowledgeable, educated society. As the country's largest archive, the National Library currently serves as the principal repository for Maldivian information resources. It houses a vast collection of books and rare publications that document the history and culture of the Maldivian people. The Ministry is now working to decentralize these resources, ensuring that research and learning opportunities are not confined to the capital. Concrete steps are already underway to modernize library services in urban centers. This includes the ongoing construction of National Library branches in Fuvahmulah City and Addu City, which will serve as hubs for young researchers and students in the south. These developments are part of a broader government strategy to preserve both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. By safeguarding historical assets and making them accessible to the public, the government aims to protect the nation's legacy for future generations while leveraging cultural heritage to drive economic development. The Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage confirmed that it will continue to expand and enhance the services offered by the National Library, ensuring the institution evolves to meet modern digital and academic needs while remaining the guardian of the nation's written history.