National Library JA

The world's largest collection of material relating to Jamaica and the Jamaican people. Administrator of the #PoetLaureateofJamaica Programme

[National Library JA @natlibja]

A special moment at the NLJ!

Yesterday, we welcomed Ms. Joan Romain to celebrate the birthday of her father, legendary theatre & broadcasting icon Ranny Williams (Mass Ran).

Mass Ran paved the way for Jamaican culture & storytelling. We speak his name!
#RannyWilliams #NLJ

[National Library JA @natlibja]

Honouring a legend whose words, wit, and wisdom gave voice to our culture and forever shaped Jamaican identity.

Happy birthday Miss Lou!

Walk good and walk loud.♥️

[National Library JA @natlibja]

Episode 1 is OUT NOW!

Meet Gabrielle Campbell, the 2026winner of the Michael Cooke Prize for Poetry.

In this debut episode, Gabrielle shares the inspiration behind her winning poem, her creative writing process, and much more.

Click the link in our bio to watch full episode!

[National Library JA @natlibja]

Today, we aren't just marking his passing. We are celebrating a true pioneer who paved the way for generations of Jamaican creatives.

Walk good, Maas Ran. Your legacy lives on.

“Maas Ran” October 26, 1912 to August 10, 1980.

[National Library JA @natlibja]

Legend doesn’t even begin to cover it!

While history books often mark tomorrow, a recent chat with his daughter reminded us that today is the actual day to remember and honour the unmatched genius of Ranny Williams, fondly known as “Maas Ran”.

[National Library JA @natlibja]

Long before the world took notice, he was laying the foundation for Jamaican theatre, storytelling, and comedy. He brought our dialect, humor, and heart straight to center stage. Clips like this are a great reminder of his effortless charm and natural comedic timing.

[National Library JA @natlibja]

Last week, the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport officially presented Jamaica's current Poet Laureate, Professor Kwame Dawes, with his citation, formally recognizing and celebrating his appointment for the 2025–2028 term.

Congratulations, Professor Dawes!

[National Library JA @natlibja]

SAVE THE DATE:

Exciting news! The second staging of Speaking Words: Voicing Jamaican Poetry will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts.

More details coming soon…. Stay tuned.

[National Library JA @natlibja]

Wrap up #ReadCaribbeanMonth with Tree Seen By Thirty Jamaican Poets! 🇯🇲🍃 Assembled by Ms. Olive Senior, this beautiful anthology explores culture, identity & memory through 30 unique voices.

Get your copy today! 📧 [email protected] 📞 875-967-1526

[National Library JA @natlibja]

Join us this Thurs, May 28 at 10 AM for "Valuable Lives: Black Unfreedom and the End of Slavery in Jamaica" with Prof. Matthew J. Smith.

Discover a vital new database tracing the names & roots of Jamaica's last generation of enslaved Africans.

🖥️ https://t.co/uBL7zdk8ZX

[National Library JA @natlibja]

SAVE THE DATE:

"Speaking Words: Voicing Jamaican Poetry" launches its opening edition with the powerful work of Claude McKay,  one of Jamaica’s most influential literary voices.
Founded by Poet Laureate Kwame Dawes.

Sunday, April 26, 2026, 2:00 PM
📍 Philip Sherlock Centre

[National Library JA @natlibja]

From the Poet Laureate: Thank you, Jamaica.

[National Library JA @natlibja]

We are introducing the People’s Choice Poetry Award 2026, where you, our social media community, get to vote for your favourite poem from the list of shortlisted applicants.

Click the link in our bio to read the shortlisted poems, then cast your vote!

[National Library JA @natlibja]

Students from The Johns Hopkins School of Engineering donated books today to the Hurricane Relief Book Drive hosted by the National Library of Jamaica through the Jamaica Libraries and Information Network (JAMLIN).

[National Library JA @natlibja]

The NLJ congratulates all contestants shortlisted for the Poet Laureate Prizes for Poetry and extends sincere thanks to everyone who participated in the 2026 Poetry Competitions.

The official announcement of prize winners will be made on World Poetry Day, March 21, 2026

[National Library JA @natlibja]

The NLJ congratulates all contestants shortlisted for the Poet Laureate Prizes for Poetry and extends sincere thanks to everyone who participated in the 2026 Poetry Competitions.

The official announcement of prize winners will be made on World Poetry Day, March 21, 2026

[National Library JA @natlibja]

As we enter the new year, let it be one of endless possibilities, renewed hope, and bold beginnings.

The National Library of Jamaica wishes you and your family a happy, healthy, and fulfilling New Year.

#2026 #nlj

[National Library JA @natlibja]

Calling all poets and aspiring wordsmiths! The Poet Laureate of Jamaica Prizes for Poetry Competition 2026 is NOW OPEN!

Whether you’re a seasoned poet or just starting your writing journey, there’s a prize for you.

Visit our website at https://t.co/TMYJAiVxmY for details.

[National Library JA @natlibja]

We are hiring! Join our team.

[National Library JA @natlibja]

When yuh think life easy but danger deh right deh so.

“Fiyah deh a musmus tail, im tink a kool breeze.” Stay sharp, stay woke!

#JamaicanProverb #NLJ #WisdomWednesday