Chief Librarian Ms. Suzanne Greenaway has said the Public Library Service of the Virgin Islands is moving towards automating the Anegada and Virgin Gorda community libraries.

Ms. Greenaway said the automation process at the East End Library is almost complete with the final phase being the provision of a new card to customers.

 “The library is working on a website that will provide information to the public and access to the electronic databases when completed,” she said.

Systems Librarian, Aurie Lettsome explained that libraries that are not fully automated including Anegada and Virgin Gorda will continue using the old card system while members of the East End Library will be issued a new plastic card identification made possible through a donation of a card printer from Guana Fund.

The public can access the library service by becoming a member. A person must be above the age of five years old to register for a library card. A junior, ages five to 14, can borrow up to two items at a time while adults can borrow up to four items at a time.

Chief Librarian Ms. Greenaway further stated that a library registration drive will begin at the East End/Long Look and Anegada libraries from September 1 to December 31. The objective she explained, is to update memberships and to attract new members. It will also recognise International Literacy Day on September 8.

Ms. Greenaway said, “Existing members of the Public Library can obtain a new card by simply visiting this library and providing a government ID and updating their existing information by completing the registration form. Alternately, members of the public can go on to the library‘s Facebook page, complete the form, attach a government issued identification and a digital copy of a passport size photo on a white background, and email all back to the library.”

The Public Library will also be hosting an amnesty at the East End/Long Look, Anegada and Virgin Gorda community libraries. The purpose of the amnesty is to clear names and records. Persons who owe fines or have overdue books can contact the library services from September 1 to December 31. Persons are asked to email the titles of any books they may have borrowed to libraryservices@gov.vg or call 468-9750 (East End Library), 468-9971 (Virgin Gorda Library), 468-4991 (Anegada Library). 

The Public Library Service of the Virgin Islands will continue to provide globally competitive information through technology and various formats to meet the educational, historical, recreational, and cultural needs of the general public of the British Virgin Islands.