Africa-Press – Cape verde. The National Library Institute of Cape Verde (BNCV), headquartered in Praia, with a branch in Mindelo, on the island of São Vicente, was created in 1999 with the aim of “collecting, cataloguing, preserving and enriching, in the fields of knowledge, the national written and literary heritage”.
First Steps and Development
The institution began operating without its own funds, but currently operates with a budget that allows it to invest in actions such as editions and re-editions of works, the implementation of the National Reading Plan, among other initiatives. Over the years, thousands of students, teachers and users have passed through the Library during their educational paths.
Joaquim Morais was the first president of the National Library of Cape Verde, holding the position for 15 years. Since then, seven directors, including curators and presidents, have led the institution.
At the session commemorating the 25th anniversary of the BNCV, held last Friday, November 29, Joaquim Morais recalled the early years of the institution, describing it as a project that began “from nothing”.
“When I visited the Library, accompanied by the then Minister of Culture, António Jorge Delgado, we observed the small works in progress. Later, when we received the keys, we found beautiful rooms, tables, chairs and shelves, but the administration did not even have curtains”, Morais reported.
Despite the initial difficulties, Joaquim Morais sought partnerships to transform the Library into the space it is today. He highlighted the extraordinary collaboration of António Jorge Delgado, who, even without an available budget, provided small financial support, allowing the institution to recruit staff and take its first steps.
The first official budget was only made available in August 2001. “From November 1999 until then, we held on as best we could, but the important thing is that we managed to do something significant”, he stated.
Over the years, the Library has consolidated its cultural role and strengthened partnerships, with Portuguese cooperation standing out. Morais stressed that, without this collaboration, the Library would not have achieved what it is today.
“In the absence of staff, we trained people and developed programs. During a trip to São Nicolau, I managed to obtain funding for the training of the team, which proved essential for the growth of the institution.”
Celebration of 25 Years
The celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the National Library were marked by a tribute to its first president, the official opening of the Book Fair – Christmas Special, and the inauguration of the “25 Years of the BNCV” Exhibition. The event was an opportunity to remember the history of the institution through the testimonies of people who have passed through it.
Matilde Santos, current president of the National Library Institute, highlighted the importance of the date to reflect on the actions developed and to promote a quality service. According to her, the future of libraries lies in the digital world, but the predominance of digital formats should not be seen as a threat:
“We propose, for the coming years, to encourage the production of works in various formats – printed, e-books, audiobooks, among others – with the aim of strengthening our policy of literary inclusion, in line with the Marrakesh Agreement, ratified by Cape Verde in 2018.”
Matilde Santos stressed that the commitment to excellence requires the continuation of strategic partnerships with public and private entities, both national and international.
In turn, the Minister of Culture and Creative Industries, Augusto Veiga, highlighted the fundamental role of the National Library in Cape Verdean culture. He highlighted the impact of initiatives such as the National Reading Plan, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education, which has contributed significantly to improving the literacy of children and young people.
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