THE HAGUE – The first Curaçaoan library in the Netherlands has officially opened its doors in The Hague, housed within the Curaçao House. The library is named after the late Diana Melinda Lebacs, a celebrated author who made significant contributions to Dutch-Caribbean children's literature.
Diana Lebacs
The library's collection, donated in 2017, consists of unique books about the Antilles but had remained unused for years. Carlson Manuel (MFK), Curaçao’s Plenipotentiary Minister in the Netherlands, ensured that the collection now has a permanent home. Starting in March, the library will welcome visitors every Friday.
The grand opening included an open house event, attracting over 250 attendees who explored the Curaçao House and learned more about the role of the Plenipotentiary Minister. According to the Curaçao House, "The library's mission is to connect the community and diaspora with Curaçao’s cultural and historical treasures."
Looking ahead, the library plans to collaborate with organizations such as the National Archives. These partnerships aim to offer additional services, including genealogy research, allowing visitors to trace their family roots.
This initiative marks an important step in preserving and sharing Curaçao’s rich cultural heritage with the broader Dutch-Caribbean community.