Christie is an avid reader and we are so excited to see the Florence Williams Public Library, a historic institution in downtown Christiansted finally reopen on April 9, 2024 after being shuttered by the 2017 hurricanes. As reported by the VI Daily News (article available here), Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach, Senate President Novelle Francis Jr., Disaster Recovery Director Adrienne Williams-Octalien, and Planning and Natural Resources Department Commissioner Jean-Pierre Oriol attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
WTJX also reported that the new and improved four-story library features two levels of shelves lined with books, and an upgraded computer area with the latest software programs and access to digital audio books that are part of the integration of the Library for the Blind and Physically Challenged. The library features a multipurpose room to host community events that has video conferencing capabilities, and a children’s room with a Taino hut that provides a fun space for reading. WTJX also said the public can look forward to the brightly colored mural and paintings, archives and special collections, a photo duplication lab, and government documents available at the renovated library. The $702,775 recovery project, which included federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, was completed by Heights Construction & Supply LLC. Read the full article here.