Throughout its history, Haiti has withstood repeated natural disasters and human tragedy. Despite these hardships, the people of Haiti have forged a rich and extraordinary diverse culture. Today, the buildings that house the manuscripts, archives and collections that form the very foundation of this vibrant culture have collapsed. Many documents date from as early as the 16th century. Other collections retrace the arc of Haitian history. Manuscripts from the nation’s forefathers illustrate the Haitian Revolution as a struggle for freedom and independence.

Most of the public libraries’ special collections have been seriously affected by the earthquake. The cultural and educational structures in the capital have largely been destroyed.

Libraries Without Borders/Bibliothèques Sans Frontières, with the support of many partners, is calling for an international effort to save the collections and to rebuild these cultural institutions.

Your help is vital so that Haitian culture can endure this most recent hardship—what is left when everything else has fallen.

Patrick Weil, President
Director of Research, CNRS, Paris