Caribbean libraries strengthen collaboration during exchange week in El Salvador

Caribbean libraries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands made significant progress during a week-long conference in El Salvador, signing a joint network plan that outlines shared ambitions and collaboration going forward. The plan, developed with guidance from Common Eye, focuses on strengthening the libraries’ positioning and building future-proof institutions. The KB (the national library of the Netherlands and the BES islands) and Rijnbrink, both partners in the network, attended as knowledge and expertise supporters, with Rijnbrink contributing to organizational and content development, and both organizations helping advance the plan’s goals.

Beyond the network agreement, the week included visits to libraries in El Salvador, where Caribbean library professionals exchanged knowledge and practical experience with local counterparts, comparing working methods and drawing mutual inspiration.

The organizers described the conference as a successful combination of network-building and international exchange, with connection and shared learning as central themes. Going forward, the libraries plan to continue implementing the ambitions set out in the network plan and deepen collaboration across the islands.

Queen Wilhelmina Library