U.S. Virgin Islands Public Library System
8100 Lindberg Bay, Suite No. 61
Cyril E. King Terminal Building, 2nd Floor
St. Thomas, VI 00820
United States
The Grants to States Program
The Grants to States Program is the largest grant program run by IMLS; it provides funds to State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs) using a population-based formula set by the law. SLAAs determine goals and objectives for the funds in their statutorily required five-year plan (see below). For more information, see the Grants to States program overview.
Allotments
| Year | Allotment Value |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $100,443.00 |
| 2021 | $100,043.00 |
| 2022 | $92,639.00 |
| 2023 | $140,067.00 |
| 2024 | $139,393.00 |
5 Year Plan
Each state creates a 5-year plan for its programs to strengthen the efficiency, reach, and effectiveness of library services. View all states' plans.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| virginislands5yearplan.pdf | 2.54 MB |
5 Year Evaluation
At the end of a 5-year period, each state reports their results in achieving goals and objectives projected in their 5-Year Plan. View all states' evaluations.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| virginislands5yearevaluation.pdf | 3.83 MB |
“We support the pursuit of learning, the development of an informed citizenry, and the preservation, promotion of historical, cultural and public records. We will also continue to provide service to the Government and people of the United States Virgin Islands.”
-- U.S. Virgin Islands Public Library System
Project Examples
Books on Wheels
The Books on Wheels program brings books and reading events to different parts of the community on each of the three islands, particularly in areas where it may be difficult to get to a library. With close to one-third of the population living below poverty level, the bookmobile provides essential outreach and helps meet a variety of reading needs. During the project period Books on Wheels started in person, and then continued in a hybrid capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic. It offered book readings and story times for younger children, and partnered with the First Lady of The Virgin Islands, St. Croix Children's Museum, Government access channel, PBS and other groups.
IMLS funds: $5,457.99
Personal Protective Equipment and Scanning Devices
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Virgin Islands Division of Libraries, Archives, and Museums purchased scanning devices for three libraries, along with digital hand thermometers, personal protective equipment, disinfecting wipes, and sanitizers to help monitor and reduce the spread of disease. These health and safety materials led to changes in the daily operating procedures for the library and bookmobile. They kept library staff and patrons safe and allowed essential services to continue.
IMLS Funds: $9,597
Staff Development
The Virgin Islands Division of Libraries, Archives, and Museums pursued staff development, seeking out professional conferences and enrichment opportunities that would be beneficial to the staff and the library system. Staff attended the virtual American Library Association conference, which improved staff morale, productivity, and resourcefulness. Staff applied learnings to their day-to-day work and ultimately improved library operations and services. Perspectives from national conferences also informed the writing of the new five-year plan for LSTA-funded services.
LSTA funds: $94,658.56
Review recent Grants to States projects from this state library in the State Program Report database.
Search the Awarded Grants Database for additional details about awards in this state or view the State Details Dashboard.
Five-Year Plan Highlights
Goal 1: Promote Literate U.S. Virgin Islands
- Projects include:
- Literacies for 21st Century skills, including health, financial, cultural, and digital
- Early literacy programs
- Adult literacy programs
- Community engagement through bookmobile services and summer reading
Goal 2: Provide Information Access
- Projects include:
- Connectivity including Wi-Fi capacity in all libraries
- Technology infrastructure including platforms for online resources
- E-content and related work on the VIALS online catalog
Goal 3: Strengthen Institutional Capacity
- Projects include:
- Workforce development for library staff
- Library assessment, including data gathering
- Facilities planning and disaster preparedness
IMLS Data Collection
State Library Administrative Agency Survey
The State Library Administrative Agency Survey (SLAA) provides descriptive data about state library agencies for all fifty states and the District of Columbia. To interact with the latest data, please visit the SLAA Survey Comparison Tool.
Public Libraries Survey
The Public Libraries Survey (PLS) provides national descriptive data on the status of public libraries in the United States and its territories. Explore state profiles representing more than 9,000 public library systems and over 17,000 public library outlets.