The Vanuatu Cultural Centre has launched a new exhibition this week at the National Library and Archives titled the “9,000 Collection.”

Director General of the Ministry of Education, Cherol Ala, said the exhibition is a reminder for children to return to reading books, especially with the rise of modern technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).

“Make it a place where they recognize that books are a wealth of knowledge—they shape minds, character, and guide us in understanding. If you know your history, you know where you are going. Our national archives play an important role in our culture and history for present and future generations.”

Professor Matthew Spriggs from the Vanuatu National Library said many of the books in the collection are rare and difficult to find in other Pacific countries.

“Many of these are very rare books relating to the languages of the Pacific. There is one from 1857 in the Māori language. When we opened the box, there were only three copies, and now we can say one is here in Vanuatu. It is very special.”

He encouraged children, especially students, to take advantage of the collection, noting that it is not only significant for Vanuatu but also for the wider Pacific region.

“We decided for our library to be exceptional in terms of Pacific coverage, and it is a very valuable thing to have in Vanuatu.”

The exhibition is more than just a display of books—it is a step toward preserving Vanuatu’s history and culture for future generations.

The launch event was attended by the Minister of Climate Change, Ralph Regenvanu, ambassadors from various countries, leaders, and invited guests.