History of The Corn Islands Virtual Library
The Corn Islands Virtual Library was founded on 19 August 2021 and officially launched on the internet on 1 May 2023 by Shayron Tower, a native of Great Corn Island, a cultural enthusiast, and a Communications and International Relations professional. The project was born from a desire to preserve the historical memory of Great Corn Island and Little Corn Island by offering access to historical texts, books, laws, magazines, narratives, stories, myths, legends, recipes, videos, and photos. With the internet becoming the main source of information in the last decade, the Virtual Library aims to provide students, teachers, and the wider community with easy online access to the islands' rich heritage.
Shayron’s passion for the culture and history of the Corn Islands started early. At just 11 years old, he was already captivated by the traditional Anansi stories told by his parents, grandparents, great-grandmother and aunts. His curiosity was further fueled by conversations with Mrs. Ella Jean Downs, a respected local historian, with whom he would spend hours discussing the islands’ past. Other important influences included Mr. Charles Hodgson, who introduced Shayron to Caribbean rhythms through piano lessons and musical gatherings, and Mrs. Derlyn Meza, who also shared countless stories about the identity and traditions of the Corn Islands.
Inspired by the things he learned from these people and his deep love for his hometown, Shayron began collecting historical documents and oral narratives at a young age. He would seek out books, visit elders, and gather stories, myths, and traditions directly from those who lived them or received this knowledge from those before them. Even after leaving the island at sixteen to pursue university studies, every visit home was an opportunity to continue his research, often sitting with older islanders and historians to document more knowledge.
After more than a decade of collecting information, Shayron grew increasingly concerned about the loss of historical knowledge among the younger generations. Fearing that the Corn Islands' identity might fade if people no longer knew their roots, he decided to formalise his work. On August 19, 2021, he created The Corn Islands Virtual Library project, beginning to organise his collected materials and working on the website and design elements that would give the project its unique identity. After almost two years of dedication, the project was officially launched on the internet on 1 May 2022.
May 1 was chosen deliberately, as it marks the beginning of the month when the Creole communities in Nicaragua celebrate Maypole, one of their most vibrant and joyful traditions—a fitting tribute to the cultural spirit that the Virtual Library seeks to preserve.
The library is self-funded by Shayron through the STS Initiative, a platform he created in May 2012 to support projects related to education, culture, arts, the environment, and youth wellbeing on the Corn Islands. However, the project could not have been possible without the contributions of many local residents who are deeply committed to preserving their heritage. Individuals such as Mrs. Ella Jean Downs, the late Lestel Downs, Mrs. Marie Rigby, Mr. Charles Hodgson, Mrs. Lorna Quinn, Mr. Wilford Downs, Mrs. Derlyn Meza, and Mr. Allan Taylor, among others, have played vital roles by sharing their knowledge and stories.
Alongside oral histories, academic research and printed materials have also been gathered and made available on the Virtual Library’s website, providing a valuable resource for both academic purposes and for anyone curious about the islands’ past.
One of the Virtual Library’s key strategies is using social media to share photos and brief stories to attract interest and lead users to the website, where they can dive deeper into the islands’ heritage. The Library also supports and promotes local activities and initiatives aimed at conserving the culture and history of the Corn Islands.
Since its foundation, the Library has initiated several significant projects. In 2023, it created a detailed map of Great Corn Island and Little Corn Island, highlighting historical landmarks and the original names of streets, beaches, and neighbourhoods. Thanks to the support of Mr. Wilford Downs, printed copies were distributed to schools and cultural institutions. With additional help from the Ródrigo Campbell Foundation, a large version of the map was installed in front of the park in South End, Great Corn Island.
Other efforts include organising talks with students about local history and culture, assisting the Corn Island Culture House in creating three galleries focused on the islands’ history and traditions, and designing a bilingual information board for the “Soul of the World” pyramid at Quinn Hill Park. This board was installed with support from the Town Hall, Culture House, Hotel & Restaurant Arenas Beach, and the Rodrigo Campbell Foundation.
The Corn Islands Virtual Library remains committed to being a space where the islands’ identity is conserved and celebrated. It aims to create a lasting impact by ensuring that the culture and history of the Corn Islands live on among present and future generations.
The Library’s logo features two palm trees rooted in an open book, enclosed within a circle adorned with two stars and the name of the project. The palm trees symbolise the two islands, the book represents ancestral knowledge, and the stars stand for the East and West, honouring the sunrise and sunset. The Library’s motto, “Our Historical Patrimony,” reflects the belief that heritage is not only found in historical sites or written texts but also in the people who have lived, loved, and built the Corn Islands across generations.
