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National Library of Seychelles

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National Library of Seychelles (Seychelles)

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The National Library of Seychelles in Victoria, Mahé, opened in 1992 and houses over 100,000 volumes, with a focus on Seychellois history, Creole language, and Indian Ocean studies. The modern building features a children's section, a multimedia lab, and a quiet reading room. It also holds the National Archives, containing colonial records from the 18th century to independence. The library serves 80,000 visitors annually and provides free internet access. It hosts cultural events, including book launches and poetry readings. The collection includes rare manuscripts such as the 1771 Voyage à l'Île de Séchelles. The library is part of a network of six branches across the islands. In 2015, it inaugurated a digital repository with 5,000 digitized documents.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272828292827262627272727
Rain mm20710910611594805562108117124164

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The National Library of Seychelles is open to the public, though certain areas like reading rooms or archives may have restrictions. The entrance hall and exhibition spaces are generally accessible.
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Typical hours
Libraries typically open weekdays from around 9am to 5pm, with shorter Saturday hours. Public holidays may affect opening times; checking ahead is recommended.
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Photography
Photography is generally allowed in public areas of the library provided flash and tripods are avoided. In reading rooms, it may be restricted to avoid disturbing users.
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Time needed
A visit typically lasts between 30 minutes and an hour depending on interest. Allow extra time for special exhibitions or using research facilities.
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Combine with
The library is in Victoria, the capital of Seychelles. Combine with the botanical garden or the Clock Tower - both are within walking distance.
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Getting there
Victoria is small and walkable; the library is in the center. It is also accessible by bus or taxi, with limited parking.
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Insider tip
Ask at the information desk about current exhibitions or events - the library often hosts changing cultural programs. For quiet, the reading rooms offer a calm retreat outside peak times.

Geography

Coordinates
-4.62500, 55.45300

Facts

  • Opened in 1992, collection: over 100,000 volumes.
  • National Archives with documents from 1700.
  • 80,000 visitors per year.
  • 6 branches on main islands.
  • 5,000 digitized documents (since 2015).
  • Rare 1771 manuscript.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Central Bank of SeychellesCentral Bank of Seychelles<1 km · EExplore →
Sans SouciSans Souci2 km · SWExplore →
Roche CaimanRoche Caiman2 km · NWExplore →
Perseverance IIPerseverance II2 km · NEExplore →
Anse EtoileAnse Etoile2 km · EExplore →
Salazie PlateauSalazie Plateau2 km · SWExplore →
Beau VallonBeau Vallon3 km · SExplore →
Mont HarrisonMont Harrison3 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town National Library of Seychelles (10)

Nouvobanque fountain Monument

Fountain in front of Nouvobanque, a modern water feature in Victoria.

National Museum of History🏛 museum

History museum with artifacts from Seychelles' past.

Court monument

Monument in front of the courthouse, commemorating justice.

Queen Victoria

Statue of British Queen Victoria, located in central Victoria.

Clock Tower

Clock tower in central Victoria, a landmark of the city.

Museum of Natural History🏛 museum

Natural history museum with exhibits on Seychelles' flora and fauna, entry 15 SCR.

St. Paul's Cathedral

Anglican cathedral in Victoria, built in the 19th century.

Codevar Building

Office building in Victoria, housing several companies and government offices.

George Camille Gallery

Art gallery featuring works by Seychellois artist George Camille.

Kaz Zanana🏛 museum

Art gallery and cultural center in a historic building in Victoria.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the National Library open?
Usually on weekdays from 09:00 to 17:00 and on Saturday mornings.
Do I need a card to use it?
No card is needed to read on-site, but one is required for borrowing.
Is there free Wi-Fi?
Yes, limited Wi-Fi access is often available for visitors.
Is the library interesting for tourists?
Yes, especially because of the historical documents on the history of Seychelles.
Is it quiet inside?
Yes, as in every library, a quiet environment is expected.
National Library of Seychelles: where is it located?
National Library of Seychelles is located in Seychelles.
National Library of Seychelles: what is there to see?
Highlights include Nouvobanque fountain Monument, National Museum of History, Court monument.
National Library of Seychelles: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
National Library of Seychelles: why is it worth visiting?
The National Library of Seychelles in Victoria, Mahé, opened in 1992 and houses over 100,000 volumes, with a focus on Seychellois history, Creole language, and Indian Ocean studies.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Victoria — National Library of Seychelles (Seychelles)
Victoria
Victoria is the capital of the Seychelles and one of the smallest capitals in the world, known for its British colonial charm.
English River — National Library of Seychelles (Seychelles)
English River
A central district of Victoria, housing important government buildings and schools.

History & landmarks

Central Bank of Seychelles — National Library of Seychelles (Seychelles)
Central Bank of Seychelles
The distinctive building of the Central Bank in Victoria is a key economic landmark of the capital.
Independence House — National Library of Seychelles (Seychelles)
Independence House
An important administrative building in Victoria, housing various government departments and ministries.
Freedom Square — National Library of Seychelles (Seychelles)
Freedom Square
A central public square in Victoria often used for national celebrations and rallies.
Marine Charter Building — National Library of Seychelles (Seychelles)
Marine Charter Building
A well-known building at Victoria's harbor serving as a hub for boat charters and deep-sea fishing.
Peace Memorial — National Library of Seychelles (Seychelles)
Peace Memorial
A monument in Victoria dedicated to the peace and unity of the Seychellois people.
Victoria Mosque — National Library of Seychelles (Seychelles)
Victoria Mosque
The only mosque in Victoria, an elegant religious structure reflecting the religious diversity of the Seychelles.
Victoria Gymnasium — National Library of Seychelles (Seychelles)
Victoria Gymnasium
A central sports facility in Victoria used for indoor sports and various community events.
International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS) — National Library of Seychelles (Seychelles)
International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS)
The primary hub for national and international events and conferences in Victoria.

More places

National Museum of History — National Library of Seychelles (Seychelles)
National Museum of History
Housed in the historic building of the former Supreme Court, the museum showcases the diverse history of the archipelago.
Carnegie Library — National Library of Seychelles (Seychelles)
Carnegie Library
A historic library in Victoria, built in 1910 with funds from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market — National Library of Seychelles (Seychelles)
Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market
Established in 1840, Victoria's main market is a living testimony to the history and trade of the islands.
St. Paul&#39;s Cathedral — National Library of Seychelles (Seychelles)
St. Paul's Cathedral
The Anglican cathedral in Victoria, with origins dating back to 1859, known for its simple elegance.
Kaz Zanana — National Library of Seychelles (Seychelles)
Kaz Zanana
An iconic Creole wooden house in Victoria, now serving as an art gallery and being an important piece of architectural history.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral — National Library of Seychelles (Seychelles)
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
The country's largest Catholic church, an impressive French colonial style structure in the heart of the capital.
Kenwyn House — National Library of Seychelles (Seychelles)
Kenwyn House
One of the finest examples of colonial architecture in Victoria, a carefully restored 19th-century wooden house.
Victoria Clock Tower (Lorloz) — National Library of Seychelles (Seychelles)
Victoria Clock Tower (Lorloz)
A landmark in the center of Victoria, erected in 1903 in memory of Queen Victoria and modeled after London's Big Ben.