Schoelcher Library, 1889
Fort-de-France, Martinique

Originally designed by French architect Henri Picq and built for an 1889 exposition in Paris, La bibliothèque Schœlcher was shipped piece by piece to Martinque and reassembled in Fort-de-France. The Library is distinct from other buildings in the Caribbean in design and materials. Concrete, wrought iron, and wood were used to overcome the hazards of the swampy land in the town of Fort-de-France and the many risks facing Martinique, such as hurricanes and earthquakes.

The Library was named in honor of slavery abolitionist Victor Schoelcher, who donated his private library of about 9,000 books and 250 musical scores to the General Council of Martinique in 1883 on the condition that a public library be built in the colony. Schoelcher, a humanist who spent the majority of his life opposing slavery and ensuring its abolition, was a member of parliament and a senator for Martinique. He participated in the drawing-up of the French abolition decree of 1848.
The Library preserves heritage documents related to Martinique and to the Caribbean. It is not only a study and research facility, but also has a program of activities that contribute to the development of literacy and cultural activities throughout the island.

Happy Summer Beach Party on the Library Lawn with the Caribbean Vibe Steel Drum Band
Saturday, June 18, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

All are invited to come to the first of our summer reading special events, as we celebrate "Oceans of Possibilities" and Juneteenth with the steel drum band Caribbean Vibe. Wear island attire (costumes from the Little Mermaid play are welcome!). Plan to picnic on the lawn and stay for a special dessert. We hope to see you then. If it rains, the band will play in the Great Hall.

On Juneteenth: A Book Discussion
Monday, June 20, 7:00 p.m.

In celebration of Juneteenth this year, the Norfolk Library invites you to attend a book discussion of On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed at the Library. A New York Times Best Book of 2021, it provides the sweeping story of Juneteenth’s integral importance to American history, as told by a Pulitzer Prize–winning historian and Texas native. June 19 is now officially Juneteenth National Independence Day, a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. In the Library's continuing commitment to social justice equity, copies of the book will be freely given to anyone who would like to participate in the discussion. Please register here or by calling 860-542-5075 ext. 2 and come by to pick up your book.

It's time to show off your pet! The Norfolk Library kicks off Friday Nights on the Village Green with our second annual pet parade from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for Best Pet and Best Costume. Judges this year include State Representative Maria Horn and new Hub manager Jen Pfaltz. And photographer Sonja Zinke will be there to capture special moments! Visit here to register your pet in advance.

Book Group with Mark Scarbrough
Philip Roth, The Counterlife (1986)
Thursday, July 7, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. or 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award and a finalist for the National Book Award, The Counterlife is a novel about people enacting their dreams of renewal and escape, some of them going so far as to risk their lives to alter seemingly irreversible destinies. Every major character (and most of the minor ones) is investigating, debating, and arguing the possibility of remaking the future. The action ranges from a dentist's office in quiet suburban New Jersey to a genteel dining table in a tradition-bound English village, from a Christmas carol service in London's West End to a Sabbath evening celebration in a tiny desert settlement in Israel's occupied West Bank. Wherever they may find themselves, the characters of The Counterlife are tempted unceasingly by the prospect of an alternative existence that can reverse their fate.

If you are new to the Book Group and would like to participate, please email Mark at [email protected], and he will email you a formal invitation link to the online discussion group.

See what's new at the Norfolk Library ...

Find our full list here.