History

The concept of establishing a public library service dates far back to the year 1806. During that year the first library committee was formed. Rules and regulations were published and any member of the public was allowed to take out on loan at any one time not more than three books. Fees were charged in advance for the borrowing of books and fines had to be paid for any overdue items.

In 1831 the National Library was divided into a Reference and Lending Library. The time allocated for the issue of books was one hour in the morning and another hour in the afternoon. Lost books had to be paid double their value.

During the year 1838 the Library was merged with the University and much of its public function identity was lost. But after two years, in 1840 its attachment with the University was ended.

Although in 1856 borrowing time was still very restricted, free lending of books was approved during that year. After the end of World War I the Library Committee was changed to a Public Authority and the concept of rural libraries was introduced in 1920.

In 1921, opening hours were extended by the introduction of an afternoon on a Saturday. This experiment proved to be a failure as there was little response from the public.

Legal deposit of all publications printed and published in Malta and Gozo was introduced in 1925. At this time there was also the possibility that the Library, now officially referred to as the Pubblica Bibliotheca, would be transferred to another place, namely the Auberge de France, but through the resistance and positive arguments of the Librarian of that time, it retained its place. Fortunately enough for the library, as the Auberge de France was destroyed after heavy bombing in World War II.

In 1935 the Pubblica Bibliotheca changed its name to the Malta Royal Library. During World War II little progress was noted and the Library Committee rarely met. The library building was slightly damaged during one of the air raids but no books were lost.

After a decade of years since the end of World War II, the library was re-organised and improved in that a new library for children was opened. This had a direct effect on book loans that started to increase. Even book-stock assumed a parallel augmentation.

When Malta became independent in the year 1964 a public library development plan for Malta spread over 4-5 years was adopted. In it was contemplated the establishment of a Public Library Service together with a School Library Service. A new suitable building had to be found for the new Central Public Library. At first the choice fell on a large building in Castille Square, but the idea was abandoned when the building had to serve as shelter for families rendered homeless after heavy rainfalls.

After many proposed choices the new building to house the Central Public Library had to be the ex-CID block at Floriana. In 1974 the Central Public Library started to function from this place, issuing books by means of the Browne system that consisted of three to four pocket cards issued to every member for the purpose of borrowing books.

In 1983 the library officially moved to its present place that consisted of an administrative block and another block that housed the Adult, Junior and Reference libraries. In 1995 another block was built on the left wing to accommodate the IT Support Unit, the Melitensia, Acquisition and Cataloguing sections, the Section for People with Special Needs and the Audio-Visual library. In 1995 the computerisation project was initiated and the lending procedures at the Central Public Library are now fully computerised. A Customer Care Unit was introduced and a recording studio to record material for persons with a visual disability was set up.

The Central Public Library of today has grown in both its structure and activity. Already computerisation has spread to a number of its regional and branch libraries, and when the whole project will be completed the compilation of a union catalogue will be established. Moreover, such an accomplishment will prompt other services for our readers who are increasing in number.