Carnegie Library | Curepipe

Information

Landmark: Carnegie Library
City: Curepipe
Country: Mauritius
Continent: Africa

Carnegie Library, Curepipe, Mauritius, Africa

The Carnegie Library of Curepipe, established in 1920, is the oldest public library in Mauritius. It serves as a vital archival center for the Indian Ocean region and is one of the most significant colonial-era stone structures in the town of Curepipe.

Visual Characteristics

The building is a premier example of early 20th-century colonial architecture, constructed from dressed dark volcanic basalt stone. Its facade is symmetrical, featuring a central portico and tall, arched windows that provide natural light to the reading rooms. The interior is characterized by high, timber-beamed ceilings and original dark wood shelving. The surrounding grounds are landscaped with manicured lawns and mature tropical trees, maintaining a formal academic atmosphere.

Location & Access Logistics

The library is located on Queen Elizabeth II Avenue, in the administrative center of Curepipe.

Proximity: It is adjacent to the Curepipe Town Hall and 0.5 km from the Jan Palach bus terminal.

Transport: Easily accessible via the Metro Express (Curepipe Central Station) and local bus routes.

Parking: Limited street parking is available on Queen Elizabeth II Avenue and nearby side streets.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The library was funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, part of Andrew Carnegie’s global philanthropic initiative to build over 2,500 libraries. It was inaugurated to serve the intellectual needs of the growing population on the central plateau. The site is situated at an elevation of approximately 550 meters, where the cool, humid climate historically favored the preservation of paper documents compared to the coastal regions.

Key Highlights & Activities

The library is home to the Indian Ocean Collection, which includes rare 18th and 19th-century manuscripts, historical maps, and colonial administrative records. It serves as a primary research site for historians, genealogists, and students. Public services include:

Access to rare reference materials.

Quiet study and reading areas.

Archives of national newspapers dating back over a century.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility offers specialized sections for reference, lending, and historical research. While it retains a traditional atmosphere, basic modern search tools are available. Public restrooms are located on-site. The building is naturally ventilated, benefiting from the cool Curepipe climate. 4G and 5G cellular coverage is excellent in the surrounding urban area.

Best Time to Visit

The library is typically open Monday through Friday from 09:00 to 16:00, and Saturdays from 09:00 to 12:00. It is closed on Sundays and public holidays. For architectural photography, the morning sun provides the best illumination of the basalt facade. Research visits are best conducted on weekday mornings when the facility is least crowded.

Facts & Legends

A historical oddity of the Carnegie Library is that it survived the devastating Cyclone Carol in 1960 with minimal damage, owing to its massive basalt walls, while many surrounding wooden structures were destroyed. Local researchers often refer to it as the "Memory of the Island" due to its unique collection of ship logs and early botanical records that are not found elsewhere in the Southern Hemisphere.