Barbados National Library Service

Echoes of Freedom: Remembering the Past, Shaping the Future

As Barbados observes the Season of Emancipation, the Barbados National Library Service invites poets, performers, and the wider public to Echoes of Freedom: Remembering the Past, Shaping the Future, a spoken word poetry slam that explores the enduring impact of emancipation on Caribbean identity and society.

Through spoken word, rhythm poetry, literary performance, and Caribbean oral tradition, participants will engage powerful themes of history, resistance, identity, freedom, memory, legacy, and the continued relevance of emancipation in the Caribbean.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Venue: Frank Collymore Hall, Bridgetown
Admission: Free

Competition Format

The slam will feature 15 selected poets competing across three rounds, with each round judged independently.

Round 1: Open Theme

All 15 poets will perform. The top 10 poets will advance to the second round.

Round 2: Abolition of the Slave Trade

Poets will present pieces responding to themes rooted in emancipation, historical memory, resistance, freedom, and Caribbean identity. The top 5 poets will advance to the final round.

Round 3: Final Round – On-the-Spot Writing

Finalists will be given a theme on the night and allotted 15–20 minutes to write and perform an original piece before the judges.

Performance Time

Each poet will be given 3 minutes per round to perform.

Submission Process

Poets interested in competing must:

Submit their entry in MP4 video format
Send submissions via email
Meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years and older

All submissions will be reviewed by the selection panel, which will choose the 15 poets who will compete in the slam.

Preparatory Workshop

To support participants in preparing for the competition, a workshop will be hosted one week prior to the event.

Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Further details regarding the workshop venue and registration process will be announced.

Prizes

Prizes will be awarded to the top performers.

Join the Conversation

Echoes of Freedom is more than a competition it is an opportunity to honour the past, celebrate resilience, and amplify contemporary Caribbean voices through the power of poetry and performance.

Whether competing on stage or supporting from the audience, join us for an evening of reflection, creativity, and cultural expression as we remember the past and shape the future.

For further information or to submit entries, contact:

John Downes
Tel: 535-2911
Email: [email protected]

or

Lamar Nicholls
Tel: 535-2903
Email: [email protected]

One Voice. One Nation. One Future.

Bridging Cultures Through Learning and Service

The National Library Service was delighted to welcome students from the University of Georgia’s “USG Goes Global” programme, who are currently completing an attachment at the University of the West Indies.

During their visit to the National Library Service Headquarters, the students received a guided tour of our library facilities and gained valuable insight into the role of the National Library Service in preserving and promoting Barbados’ literary and cultural heritage.

The experience extended beyond the library walls as the students participated in a hands-on cultural activity at our band house on Coleridge Street, where they assisted with preparations for the National Library Service’s Junior Kadooment Band, “Futurescape.” This unique opportunity allowed them to engage directly with an important aspect of Barbadian culture and creativity.

The group was accompanied by Dr. Gwendoline Ayuninjam, Professor of Curriculum and Instruction and the Interim Associate Dean in the School of Education at the Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC), whose support continues to foster meaningful international educational and cultural exchanges.

We thank our visitors for visiting us and look forward to strengthening these connections through future collaborations and shared learning experiences.

National Library Service Celebrating Literature and International Friendship

The National Library Service was pleased to welcome Shane Ryan,

Head of Office, Ireland's Office to the Caribbean, who visited Barbados to conduct a number of bilateral and trade meetings and, during his visit, presented a donation of Irish literary works to the Library.
Also in attendance were Foreign Offices, Mr. Corey Archer and Ms. Deirdre Holder of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

The donation showcases the richness and diversity of Ireland's literary heritage, featuring works by renowned writers such as James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and W. B. Yeats, alongside contemporary authors including Claire Keegan and Colm Tóibín. These books explore themes of identity, resilience, community, and belonging, offering Barbadian readers an opportunity to engage with one of the world's most celebrated literary traditions.

The National Library Service noted that the donation symbolizes the enduring friendship between Barbados and Ireland and reflects the important role literature plays in connecting people across cultures and generations.

During the visit, Mr. Ryan also expressed an interest in exploring future opportunities for collaboration with the National Library Service, particularly in areas of cultural exchange, literacy, and literary engagement.

The National Library Service extends its sincere gratitude to Mr. Ryan and the Government of Ireland for this thoughtful donation and looks forward to sharing these literary treasures with readers throughout Barbados.

Preserving Our Stories, Enriching Our Nation’s Heritage

The National Library Service (NLS) proudly acknowledges Author Terata Bourne for making a legal deposit of her book, The Detective Diaries of Marchfield Meadows, to Reference Librarian Marva Savoury-Smith.

Through the legal deposit process, this publication now becomes part of the nation's documented literary and cultural heritage, ensuring that it is preserved for future generations and made accessible to researchers, students, and members of the public through the Library's Reference Collection.

Why Legal Deposit Matters

Legal deposit is more than a statutory requirement it is a lasting investment in a country's intellectual and creative legacy. By depositing their works, authors help to:

Preserve the nation's published history
Support education, research, and lifelong learning
Increase public access to local literature and knowledge
Safeguard creative works for future generations

The National Library Service commends Terata Bourne for contributing to the preservation of our literary heritage and encourages all authors and publishers to participate in the legal deposit process. Every book deposited today becomes a valuable resource and a lasting record of our stories, achievements, and cultural identity.

Congratulations to Terata Bourne on this important milestone and thank you for helping to build a richer, more accessible national collection.

"When authors deposit their works, they do more than publish a book they preserve a legacy."

Author Cherita O'Dell recently presented a legal deposit copy of her book, Good God: A Single Girl's Rocky Path to Finding True Love, to Mrs. Jennifer Yarde, Director, and Ms. Loleta Parris, Senior Librarian in the Lending Department of the National Library Service (NLS).

As part of the legal deposit process, the book will be preserved and made available for public access in the Reference Department of the NLS, ensuring that readers, researchers, and future generations can benefit from this literary work.

Good God chronicles a single woman's journey through life's challenges in search of true love, offering readers a relatable and inspiring story.

Congratulations to Cherita O'Dell on this important contribution to the nation's literary heritage.

The Director and Staff of the National Library Service extend their heartfelt condolences on the passing of Sir Emile Straker, an iconic son of Barbados whose extraordinary contribution to music and culture enriched our nation and touched audiences across the world.

As co-founder and lead vocalist of The Merrymen, Sir Emile played a pivotal role in elevating Barbadian music on the international stage, becoming a distinguished ambassador of Caribbean culture. His artistry, charisma, and enduring commitment to excellence earned him a revered place in the cultural heritage of Barbados.

His legacy will live on through the timeless music he created, the countless lives he inspired, and the pride he instilled in generations of Barbadians.

May his memory be cherished, and may he rest in eternal peace.

In Loving Memory of Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox

The National Library Service joins the Fisheries Division and the wider community in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox, a dedicated professional whose contributions, generosity, and unwavering support have left a lasting impact.

Dr. Cox devoted countless hours to the advancement of the Fisheries Division, consistently demonstrating exceptional commitment, professionalism, and a passion for service. Her expertise, guidance, and steadfast support helped strengthen the Division's work and contributed significantly to its growth and development.

Among her many contributions was her thoughtful donation of a substantial collection of books from the Fisheries Division to the National Library Service. This generous act reflected her commitment to knowledge sharing, education, and ensuring that valuable fisheries resources would remain accessible to researchers, students, and the wider public. Through this contribution, Dr. Cox helped enrich the national collection and support lifelong learning for future generations.

Dr. Cox will be remembered not only for her professional achievements but also for her kindness, mentorship, and willingness to support colleagues and stakeholders alike. Her dedication to public service and her belief in the value of preserving and sharing knowledge will continue to inspire all who knew her.

The Director and Staff of The National Library Service, extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones during this difficult time. As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a life of service, generosity, and meaningful contribution.

May her memory be a blessing, and may her legacy continue to live on through the many lives she touched and the work she so passionately supported.

The Road to 60: Celebrating Barbadian Women

The National Library Service is pleased to present The Road to 60: Celebrating Barbadian Women, a special exhibition highlighting the contributions of women to Barbados' development and national identity.

As the nation approaches its 60th anniversary of Independence, this exhibition reflects on the enduring legacy of Barbadian women and recognizes the significant roles they have played and continue to play in shaping our society through leadership, service, innovation, and perseverance.

Exhibition Dates: June 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027
Venue: National Library Service Headquarters
Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Through stories, images, and historical reflections, visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for the women whose contributions have helped build and strengthen Barbados across generations.

Honouring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future.

Author Margarette Emelo Wilson presented a legal deposit copy of her book, When Duty Calls Me, to Director Jennifer Yarde of the National Library Service. The book will be added to the National Library Service's collection, where it will be preserved and made accessible to readers and researchers for generations to come.

Parents, are you looking for a meaningful, educational, and engaging activity for your child during Heritage Month? - The National Library Service Stories in the Streets – Walking Tour of Historic Bridgetown is the perfect activity for children ages 7 to 15:

📅 June 20, 2026
📍 Meeting Location: National Library Service Headquarters
⏰ 8:45 a.m. (Prompt Kick-Off)
🎟️ FREE

This immersive experience, led by historian Claudette Levi-Farnum, will bring history to life beyond the classroom with a guided journey through some of Bridgetown's most important landmarks including:

🏛️ National Heroes Square
🏙️ Golden Square
🌳 Independence Square
⚓ Screwdock
⛪ St. Michael's Cathedral
🍃 Queen's Park (Lunch Stop)

For Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqBGgSYa1saqHX9a_emsKco_epUrs9LmqafsBXW4ovTXHShg/viewform