[2] BNA serves as both the national and the public library of Aruba.

It was founded on 20 August 1949 as the island's public library and reading room.

BNA has a public library branch in San Nicolas, and a separate building, Arubiana-Caribiana, housing the National and special collections, located in Oranjestad, near the main branch.

The BNA holds an annual "Green Education Symposium" to make students and educators of Aruba aware of their local environment so that they become active advocates of the environment surrounding them to make Aruba sustainable for future generations.

This is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.