American Corner
The first American Corner established in Latin America and the Caribbean, American Corner Tobago, was opened in June 2004 by U.S. Ambassador Dr. Roy L. Austin and Deputy Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly Cynthia Alfred. The American Corner houses a collection of books and computers valued at U.S. $35,000.
The Corner is temporarily housed at Signal Hill Senior Comprehensive School, where a part of the collection of the National Scarborough Library is located until the new state-of-the-art Library at Scarborough Mall is completed.
The U.S. Embassy has donated several computers to allow online research and quick access to the Internet. Also available is a Clear View 700 Magnifier, which enlarges text and graphics for visually impaired persons, and JAWS for Windows, a software program that uses synthetic speech technology to verbalize screen output for computer users who are blind.
Starting in Russia in 2000, the U.S. Department of State American Corners program funds small American-focused libraries in cities around the world. The libraries allow local citizens free access to many different types of information – through electronic resources, newspapers, magazines, and books. Collections can be tailored for different audiences and interests, such as young people, retirees or the differently abled.
American Corners are not just for research! American Corner Tobago is the site of frequent visits and presentations by American guests. Recent presentations have included “America: The Real Story,” “Heroes of the Civil Rights Movement” during Black History Month, and “American Life and Culture.” Consular officers have visited to provide information on visitors’, student, and immigrant visas to the people of Tobago, while our Student Advisor has presented “Education USA,” focusing on U.S. higher education, scholarships, and applying to American universities.
Admission to the American Corner is always free and visitors are welcome during regular library hours.
For more information, contact U.S. Embassy Information Resource Center (yacoobmj@state.gov).