Schœlcher library, Public library and historical monument in Fort-de-France, Martinique.
The Schœlcher Library is a building with a metal framework supporting a glass dome and colored mosaics in yellow and red tones. The structure combines Byzantine and Egyptian design elements and holds approximately 130,000 books along with historical documents.
The building was originally constructed for the Paris World Fair in 1889 and later taken apart piece by piece. It was then shipped to Martinique and reassembled in its current location.
The library carries the name of Victor Schœlcher, a French abolitionist who championed educational access for all. Visitors encounter collections of Caribbean documents and manuscripts that tell stories of the region's past.
The building is located on Rue de la Liberté and offers free entry to its collections. Parking spaces for cars and bicycles are available near the entrance.
The collection includes over 10,000 original volumes and 250 musical scores that Victor Schœlcher personally donated to the institution. These holdings are among the most valuable resources for studying Caribbean history.
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