Panama, June 9, 2026.The Ministry of Culture informs the Nation that, as required by Act No. 175 of 2020, General of Culture, have formally initiated the transition process of Ernesto J. Castillero A. National Library and public libraries to an area of institutional competence, through Resolution OAL-Rn.157-2026 of June 08, 2026.

That decision aims to guarantee the continuity of national library service, to protect the Bibliographic and documentary heritage of the nation, to strengthen the cultural rectory of the state and to respond responsibly to the concerns expressed by the co-workers of the Foundation Pro Biblioteca Nacional.

The process will be developed accordingly. tidy, progressive, documented and legally securewith a view to ensuring an institutional transition that preserves the cultural, educational and citizen services provided by the National Library to the country.

The Ministry of Culture reiterates that this transition will be implemented with full respect for the rights of workers, in accordance with the applicable legal framework and that employment obligations caused by private relations between the Pro Biblioteca Nacional Foundation and its personnel will have to be documented, calculated and responded to by those concerned under the Labour Code and competent authorities.

The Ministry of Culture points out that this process responds to a legal obligation and to a historic responsibility with the documentary memory of the country: "The National Library is an essential institution for the cultural, educational and historic life of Panama. That process aims to give it stability, institutional order and a clear path to the future, protecting its services, its documentary heritage and the rights that belong to those who have contributed to its functioning."

We will keep the public apprised about the progress of this process, in fulfilment of the task conferred by law on MiCultura in the preservation of heritage and documentary, democratic access to knowledge, acting with transparency, legality, institutional sensitivities and State responsibility.