Nieves M. Flores Memorial Library
🏢 Guam Public Library System · Hagåtña, Guam
Nieves M. Flores Memorial Library
The Nieves M. Flores Memorial Library is the flagship branch of the Guam Public Library System, anchored at 254 Martyr Street in the island's capital of Hagåtña since 1979. Named for a pioneering Chamorro educator, it holds more than 258,000 items, operates six days a week, and serves as the main gateway for OverDrive, EBSCO, and the island's CHamoru-language digital collections.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 8am–5pm |
| Tuesday | 8am–5pm |
| Wednesday | 8am–5pm |
| Thursday | 8am–5pm |
| Friday | 10am–5pm |
| Saturday | 9am–1pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 254 Martyr Street, Hagatna, GU 96910
Phone: (671) 475-4751
Website: gpls.guam.gov
Plus Code: 7R56FQF3+4H (Hagatna, GU)
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📖 About Nieves M. Flores Memorial Library
The Guam Public Library System traces its roots to January 31, 1949, when the first public library opened on Guam from a temporary facility using collections donated by the Los Angeles Public Library and deactivated Navy libraries. In 1979 the Hagåtña building became the territory's main branch and was named in honor of Nieves M. Flores, a revered Chamorro teacher and community leader. In 2011, GPLS was placed under the Department of Chamorro Affairs, reflecting its role as a steward of island culture and language. Today the Flores Library holds more than 258,000 books, periodicals, audiobooks, DVDs, and digital titles. It coordinates a network of five branch libraries across the island, an active bookmobile program serving schools and hospitals, and specialized outreach to seniors and people with disabilities. Its digital shelf includes OverDrive/Libby, EBSCO research databases, and culturally significant resources such as Guampedia, Learning CHamoru, and Nihi Indigenous Media.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Flagship of Guam's public library network — opened in its current building 1979, named for Chamorro educator Nieves M. Flores
- Collection of more than 258,000 items including books, DVDs, audiobooks, periodicals and digital titles
- Coordinates five island branch libraries plus a bookmobile that reaches schools, hospitals and daycares
- Cultural anchor: hosts Guampedia, Learning CHamoru and Nihi Indigenous Media — digital resources unique to Pacific Island heritage
- Saturday Story Hour and 4-Paws & a Tale dog-reading program among the year-round children's programs offered at this main branch
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Guam Public Library System cardholders can access these free digital resources:
📚 Services
- Public computers, printing, scanning and free Wi-Fi
- Reference and reader's advisory assistance
- Library card registration and renewals
- Room reservations for meetings and community events
- Bookmobile service to schools, hospitals and daycares across Guam
- Outreach to seniors (St. Dominic's Nursing Home) and adults with disabilities
- Talking Books and services for patrons who are blind or physically disabled
- Interlibrary loan and material requests
🎸 Programs
- Saturday Story Hour (ages 0–12): reading, singing, dancing & crafts, year-round
- 4-Paws & a Tale: children read to trained therapy dogs from Guam Animals in Need
- After School Drop-In (ages 6–14): board games, video games and library access
- Mousin' Around Computer Class: free weekly basic computer and internet skills
- Summer Reading Program: six-week seasonal challenge with annual theme
- Early Intervention Program (ages 0–4) in partnership with Guam DOE
- Manamko' Computer Training: basic tech courses for seniors
- Karidat Program: bi-monthly sessions for adults with disabilities
📍 Nearby Libraries in Guam
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Nieves M. Flores, and why is the library named after her?
Nieves M. Flores was a beloved CHamoru teacher and community leader whose dedication to education left a lasting mark on Guam. When the Hagåtña library moved into its current building in 1979 — eventually occupying the entire former Guam Administration Building — it was named in her honor to recognize her contributions to literacy and learning on the island.
What are the hours at the Flores Library, and why does Friday open later?
The main library is open Monday–Thursday 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.–1 p.m.; it is closed Sunday. Friday's 10 a.m. opening is standard across the Guam Public Library System's main branch and reflects a consistent system-wide schedule.
Does the Flores Library have resources for learning the CHamoru language?
Yes. Through the library's digital resources portal, cardholders can access Learning CHamoru — a free interactive platform with lessons for beginners through advanced speakers — as well as Nihi Indigenous Media's video collection, which celebrates CHamoru and Pacific Islander culture and language.
Can visitors or military personnel get a library card at the Flores Library?
The Guam Public Library System issues cards to Guam residents and also provides access for U.S. military personnel stationed on the island. The library's September Library Card Sign-Up Month and regular outreach make it easy to enroll. Check gpls.guam.gov or visit 254 Martyr Street for current card requirements.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
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