The Thurton Library on North Front Street is the country's oldest library dating back to 1935.
The library turned another page in its history today with the opening of what is called a "Realia Room." The room will feature real original objects, which are meant to deepen the understanding of what's written on the page. Librarian Lawrence Vernon told us what is on display.
Lawrence Vernon, Librarian
"We expect that the 'realia collection' which are historical and cultural items found in Belize things like bottles, instruments, tools, will attract all aspects of the community especially the schools and being in this sort of tourist area - tourists pass here a lot so we hope that this will also be an attraction for them."
"This will be a sort of complement to the books, so to speak. We also host in this library a Belize collection, a national collection, of books dating way back in history so people will be able to complement the books with the items they see."
The Realia Room and collection will be permanent and will be regularly updated. The venture was funded through a partnership between the National Library Service and Belize Water Services Limited.
7NEWS produced for broadcast by News Director Jules Vasquez
Edited for the internet by Keith Swift