Dec. 6, 2008 — The V.I. Public Finance Authority (PFA) has given the go-ahead for the start of construction of a new $13 million public library and records center on St. Thomas.
In a statement Saturday, Gov. John deJongh Jr, chairman of the PFA Board, said the project is expected to be substantially completed by March 2010 and operational by July of the same year.
"This new, state-of-the-art library will enable the division to provide a higher level of library service through technology, better and improved library services, along with more cultural and information programs to the people of the Virgin Islands,” deJongh said. “I am thankful to the Harthman family for their generous donation of the property in Estate Donoe where the library will be developed."
DeJongh said funding for the library development project comes from a 2006 bond issue and other sources.
The Department of Public Works will serve as the project manager while Malbo Construction will be general contractor. The architectural design work was provided by Jaredian Design. "Much credit must also be given to former executive assistant Commissioner of Planning and Natural Resources Claudette Lewis, now a library consultant, for her herculean efforts of many years in making this new library a reality for the people of the Virgin Islands," deJongh added.
The records management center at the new library will house what is now the photo-duplication lab located on the third floor of the Enid Baa Public Library. The Division of Libraries, Museums and Archives is in the process of digitizing documents. The center will enable the government to conserve and stabilize documents in preparation for microfilming and digitizing.
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