CHRISTIANSTED — The Department of Planning and Natural Resources provided an update on the status of the territory’s libraries, including Florence Williams Public Library on St. Croix, which abruptly closed Thursday for emergency maintenance.
“As you may already be aware, all of our libraries, except the Turnbull Library, occupy historical buildings. During the renovation process and even afterward, we may find it necessary to address structural issues to protect the integrity of these buildings,” DPNR spokesman Jamal Nielsen said in an email Friday, in response to questions from The Daily News.
According to Nielsen, “The Florence Williams Library, despite its recent renovation, faced a mechanical issue with the elevator tied to the hydraulic system this week. This has impacted the building’s sole water supply due to a crack in the cistern. The library is not serviced by a secondary water supply. We are currently repairing and cleaning the cistern and establishing a potable water line with WAPA.”
DPNR’s notice Thursday on Facebook that the Florence Williams Library was closed.
“Access to a clean water supply and an operational elevator is critically important for our patrons and staff. Due to these elevator issues, the mobility of our physically challenged patrons will be impacted. We apologize for the inconvenience and will keep the public updated on accessibility,” he added.
Nielson also said that the Regional Library for the Handicapped and Blind, also known as the Talking Books Library, “has merged with the Florence Williams Library. Monthly book club meetings are typically held on the second Saturday of each month.
The other updates, according to Nielsen:
• Athalie M. Petersen Library, also on St. Croix, “is currently under renovation, with roofing materials on order. The anticipated completion for renovations is Spring 2025,”
• The Elaine Ione Sprauve Library on St. John “experienced a temporary closure last month for two days and has since reopened.”
There are no public libraries open on St. Thomas.
“Turnbull remains closed for renovations, with change orders extending the project time line, including replacing the building’s roof. The anticipated completion for renovations is Fall 2024,” Nielsen wrote.
He added that the former Enid M. Baa Library facility “is undergoing major renovations to become the home of the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts, a visitor welcome center, and a public restroom facility. It will also incorporate limited library services for the town of Charlotte Amalie. We anticipate the building’s renovations to be completed a year from now.”
The public library system, “in collaboration with the Office of the Governor and the Department of Education are actively promoting the Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge initiative. All USVI Public Library patrons have access to Hoopla, our digital online library.”
The territory’s archives are housed at the Florence Williams Public Library and the Elaine Ione Sprauve Library & Museum. Archival records and collections formerly stored at Enid M. Baa are temporarily located in a secure storage bay at Fort Christian until the Turnbull Library renovations are completed. Archives at the Williams and Sprauve libraries are accessible to the public with assistance from DLAM staff. We are also developing a digital archive project to inventory, organize, and provide an online catalog of all territorial archives, funded by a $2.2 million DOI grant, Nielsen wrote.
Residents are encouraged to register for library cards at Williams and Sprauve libraries for in-person and digital resources, as well as Fort Christian (St. Thomas) to access our HOOPLA online library. Volunteer opportunities are available for the two opened facilities, interested individuals can reach out to Amy Parker DeSorbo, Territorial Director of DLAM via email at amy.desorbo@dpnr.vi.gov .
By SUZANNE CARLSON/V.I. Daily News