Office of the Library and Archives
PNG Government Crest
Ministry of Education
Office of the Library and Archives
Papua New Guinea
Preserving Knowledge · Empowering Generations
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welcome to national public library, your gateway to knowledge, learning and discovery.

50th Independence Theme: “Preserve our History, Empower our Future.”

We are delighted to have you here. Explore our collections, resources, and services designed to inspire your lifelong journey, where stories live, and knowledge thrives.

CURRENTLY LAUNCHED MAGAZINES

KEY MESSAGES

Minister for Education - Hon Lucas Dawa Dekena, MP

It is my honor to deliver the Office of Libraries and Archives’ Official website, I acknowledge the Director General Mr. Dennis Bagelo for his leadership, the OLA Board for its guidance and the staff for their work and commitment in delivering this important milestone on time.

This website provides the users, stakeholders, donors, government and the people of Papua New Guinea with information about OLA’s plans, services, activities and achievements.

The Office of Libraries and Archives is an important government organization that provides library and archival services to the people. Libraries play an important role in education as it builds human resources by providing accessible and quality information that contribute to national development and progress, while archives and records manages and preserves the country’s records.

Illiteracy is a major challenge in Papua New Guinea with a significant number of people (about 36.6%) unable to read or write. This puts Papua New Guinea on a dangerous path ahead as this can impact the country’s development. That is why the National Government has a plan to increase the literacy rate to 70% by 2027. Libraries provide avenues of information to enhance knowledge and skills for our citizens to make better informed decisions in their lives and that of their fellow citizens.

I therefore, urge all stakeholders and citizens to work together for nation building.

Thank you and God bless.

Director General - Mr Dennis Bagelo

This Official website presents the Office of Libraries and Archive’s plans, activities, progress and achievements.

As a custodian of the information in the form of library materials and PNG national collections’   and the national archives and public records, the Office of Libraries and Archives strives to deliver quality information services to the people in accordance with the OLA Act of 1993.

Despite budget constraints, resource scarcity and challenges, we were able to accomplish a number of achievements through the implementation of our work plans.  Numerous books have been procured and dispatched to our provincial libraries like Chimbu and Mine Bay provincial libraries. At the Waigani National Library, there have been more than 30, 300 users recorded, while PNG Collection Branch has seen an increase in legal deposits of more than 10,100.

For archives, there has been an automation of more than 9300 filing index and collection of government records from Parliament Haus and the Department of Finance.  These are a few achievements among many others. In addition, important events such as National Book Week and National Archives Week were hosted successfully.

The collaboration between donors have been fruitful.  This year, the Bank of South Pacific set up E-library installation at the Waigani Main Library that came with desktops and tablets. Regional consultations have been held in the Momase and the Highlands Regions. We look forward to seeing more of such collaborations with our partners to provide library and archives services to Papua New Guineans.

All the activities have been geared towards achieving our Key Result Ares (KRAs), Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and are aligned to our 10 Year Strategic Plan (2016-2025, National Education Plan (2020-2027), Medium Term Development Goals III & IV, Education Sector Plan (2023-2027), and the PNG Vision 2050 indicator I, III & VII.

We have already established Five provincial libraries/archives and continue to engage with other provinces and districts to establish public libraries and archives to bring these vital services to our people. I urge all governments (national, provincial and district), shareholders and donors to work together to provide quality and accessible library and archives services to our people.

Thank you and God bless.

ONLINE SERVICES

These services will be available soon!

PAYMENT OF BOOKS

ISBN SERVICE

ACCESS TO E-LIBRARY

ARCHIVES ONLINE PLATFORM

E-LIBRARY PACKAGES

DIGITAL COLLECTION

Postal Address:                                                Library Opening Hours:                                   Location:

Office of Libraries and Archives          Monday-Friday: 9am-3pm                        John Guise Drive,

PO Box 734,                                                           Weekends: Closed                                             Waigani

WAIGANI,                                                               Public Holidays: Closed                         Opposite WNB Haus

National Capital District                                School Holidays: Open