National Library of Aruba Finally Receives Legal and Organizational Foundation After Process That Began in 2008
ORANJESTAD – The Ministry of Kingdom Relations, Education, Youth, Innovation and Sports announces that the National Library of Aruba (BNA) now finally has the legal and organizational foundation that corresponds with its role and responsibilities as Aruba’s national library.
The National Library of Aruba (BNA) was formally established by National Decree. The process to formalize the National Library of Aruba has been ongoing since 2008.
This milestone is particularly significant in 2026, the year in which the National Library of Aruba celebrates its 40th anniversary. On March 3, 1986, when Aruba attained its Status Aparte, the Public Library of Aruba officially changed its name to the National Library of Aruba. Since then, the BNA has fulfilled its role as the national library in practice, but the necessary formalization of its organizational position remained outstanding.
With the approval of the National Decree and the organizational formation report, this situation has now finally been formalized. This provides a formal foundation for the BNA to further develop its role in service to the Aruban community.
Mr. Gerlien Croes, Minister of Kingdom Relations, Education, Youth, Innovation and Sports, considers this an important step, not only for the BNA as an institution, but also for education, culture and the preservation of Aruba’s heritage.
“After an 18-year process, we have succeeded in completing an important process for an institution that has served our community for decades.
A national library is much more than a building filled with books. It is an institution that democratizes access to knowledge and information, regardless of a person’s background or socioeconomic circumstances. It supports education, promotes reading and personal development, and at the same time carries the important responsibility of preserving Aruba’s collective memory and cultural heritage.
In addition, the National Library of Aruba (BNA) provides an open, accessible and safe space where children, young people and adults can learn, discover, conduct research and connect with one another.
This formalization creates a stronger foundation for the BNA to continue developing in line with the needs of a modern society, without losing its essential role as a guardian of knowledge and national heritage. I would also like to thank everyone who, over the years, contributed to the long process that brought us to this moment, and in particular the staff of the National Library of Aruba for their continued dedication to the community,” said Minister Croes.