Public libraries across Jamaica are embracing technology to remain relevant and accessible, offering free Internet access, computer training, and digital resources to bridge the gap for underserved communities. Despite ageing infrastructure and limited funding, initiatives like senior computer classes and rural outreach continue to transform libraries into vibrant digital hubs.

Public libraries holding on

JLS network trying to keep up with the times despite infrastructural, resource challenges

Jamaica Gleaner/20 Jul 2025/Sashana Small, Staff Reporter

ACROSS JAMAICA, public libraries are undergoing a quiet but powerful transformation, evolving beyond their traditional roles to become digital lifelines, safe havens, and community hubs.

They are bridging the digital divide with free Internet access and training for seniors and underserved populations, while continuing to be vital spaces for childhood literacy and summer programmes, even as they contend with ageing infrastructure, resource shortages, and dwindling adult engagement. These stories collectively reveal a national library system striving to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. While digital initiatives and community outreach have kept libraries at the heart of public life, chronic underfunding, staffing gaps, and infrastructure decay threaten their ability to serve. Yet, from kite-flying events in St Mary to coffee mornings in St Thomas, the resilience of library staff and the communities they support is evident.

With more than 720,000 visitors across the island in 2024-2025, and an increasing number of virtual visits, the library system continues to prove that it remains an indispensable resource for the Jamaican public.

THE EXCITED laughter of children flying kites filled the air at the St Mary Parish Library in Port Maria during a recent fun day.

This lively scene in an otherwise quiet environment was part of the library’s effort to attract new visitors and reimagine the space as a vibrant community hub, Senior Parish Librarian Kareen Burton told The Sunday Gleaner.

Since opening in 1951 with 1,400 books, the parish library has remained a cornerstone of the community, providing access to books, educational resources, and a safe space for social interaction. However, in recent years, the library has adapted to the changing needs of its patrons by embracing the digital age.

One of Burton’s key goals is to ensure that the library evolves into a vibrant, dynamic hub that caters not only to readers but also to those seeking digital literacy and online resources.

“We are very passionate about the library space,” Burton declared, said describing the library’s mission to attract new visitors and ensure its continued relevance.

One of the primary focuses of the St Mary Parish Library is bridging the digital divide. Despite Jamaica’s impressive 85 per cent Internet penetration, 15 per cent of the population remains offline, particularly in rural areas where access to the Internet is limited or unaffordable.

Burton explains, “We are bridging the digital divide. With the changes that are taking place with digital books and everything available online, we are also digital, you can see us in that space as well.

“I find that some people will say the library is not needed. We are needed,” Burton insisted. Because even for those who cannot afford [Internet and devices], … this is where they come for that kind of access so they don’t feel left out. And we may think that that is not so much but it is,” she said, noting that the St Mary Parish Library and its seven branches also offer free computer training.

“Persons will choose to use their digital resources and whoever needs us we are able to facilitate that,” Burton told The Sunday Gleaner.

She pointed to efforts within the Jamaica Library Service (JLS) to promote digital inclusion in its longstanding senior citizens’ computer training programme.

“We try to get them comfortable so that they can handle their financial affairs and those little things that they normally would be scared to do [online],” Burton said.

While stressing that the library is “not just about the physical book”, Burton acknowledged that it is still an important part of the library’s identity.

“Due to financial challenges, the service itself has not been able to replenish the stock a [of physical books] they would love to,” she

said.

“A few books could be updated,” she said, but the rise of e-books has allowed the library to offer access to the most up-to-date information, albeit in digital form.

The library saw 1,176 visits up to March this year, with the majority (872) being adults.

Despite the library’s success in becoming a vital community resource, there are still numerous challenges to overcome. Burton highlighted several key issues, including a lack of sufficient computers.

Currently, there are eight functioning computers at the St Mary Parish Library, Burton said, expressing hope for more monetary support to help maintain the library’s infrastructure – and possibly expand it.

She also lamented a shortage of funding for infrastructure repairs such as leaking roofs, and the suspension of the Bookmobile service, which once brought library services to remote areas

“The Bookmobile is very critical because when we had the Bookmobile, we are able to take the books into those communities that do not have a fixed library near to them, and to be honest sometimes the mobile library bears greater fruit than the actual fixed library because we take the books to them,” Burton explained.

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