Florence Williams Public Library
🏢 Virgin Islands Public Library System · Christiansted, U.S. Virgin Islands
Florence Williams Public Library
The Florence Williams Public Library at 49-50 King Street in historic Christiansted is St. Croix's main public library, named for Florence Augusta Stephens Williams — the first native Crucian librarian. Dedicated on September 15, 1974, the four-story building in the heart of Christiansted's historic district holds more than 30,000 volumes, a Special Archives collection of early-20th-century Caribbean newspapers and local-author works, and murals of native bird species. The library reopened on January 11, 2025 after repairs to address security issues caused by break-ins.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 9am–6pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–6pm |
| Thursday | 9am–6pm |
| Friday | 9am–6pm |
| Saturday | 10am–5pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 49-50 King Street, Christiansted, VI 00820
Phone: (340) 773-5715
Website: usvipubliclibraries.com
Plus Code: 779QP7WW+74 (Christiansted, VI)
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📖 About Florence Williams Public Library
The Florence Augusta Williams Public Library is the principal public library of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, administered by the Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums (DLAM) within the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR). It occupies a four-story building of roughly 20,000 square feet on King Street in the heart of Christiansted's historic district, a UNESCO-designated area reflecting 18th-century Danish colonial architecture. The library is named for Florence Augusta Stephens Williams, the first native Crucian to earn professional library credentials and the first professional librarian born on St. Croix. The library was dedicated in her honor on September 15, 1974, replacing an earlier facility at the Customs House on Hospital Street. The building that now houses the library was previously the site of the public school for Christiansted. Its Special Archives on the third floor holds historical newspapers from the early 1900s, works by local authors and Caribbean scholarly texts. Murals of native bird species painted by artist Barbara Gelardi and paintings by Crucian artists decorate the interior. The library closed for repairs following multiple break-ins and acts of vandalism, and was officially reopened by DPNR Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol on January 11, 2025.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Named for Florence Augusta Stephens Williams, the first native Crucian librarian, and dedicated on September 15, 1974
- Four-story building of roughly 20,000 sq ft in Christiansted's historic district, holding more than 30,000 volumes
- Special Archives on the third floor with early-20th-century Caribbean newspapers, local-author works and scholarly texts
- Interior murals of native St. Croix bird species by artist Barbara Gelardi, alongside paintings by Crucian artists
- Officially reopened January 11, 2025 after DPNR security repairs — open Tuesday through Saturday
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
St. Croix library cardholders can access free digital resources at any time through:
📚 Services
- Circulation of books, audiovisual materials and periodicals
- Special Archives: historical Caribbean newspapers (early 1900s), local-author works, Caribbean scholarship
- Public computers and internet access
- Library card registration for V.I. residents
- Interlibrary loan within the V.I. Public Library System
- Children's and young adult collections
- Reference and research assistance
- Digital access via hoopla (24/7)
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytimes and youth programming
- Summer reading program
- Adult programs and cultural events
- Community outreach by Friends of the Florence Williams Public Library
- Caribbean history and genealogy research support
📍 Nearby Libraries in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Christiansted · Browse all U.S. Virgin Islands libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Florence Williams, and why is the library named after her?
Florence Augusta Stephens Williams was the first native Crucian to earn professional library credentials and the first professional librarian born on St. Croix. The library at 49-50 King Street was dedicated in her honor on September 15, 1974. A portrait of Florence Williams by artist Leo Carty hangs inside the library.
What are the current hours for the Florence Williams Public Library?
The library is open Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. It is closed on Sunday and Monday. The phone number is (340) 773-5715 to confirm before visiting.
Was the library closed for a period — and has it reopened?
Yes. The library was closed for security repairs after multiple break-ins and acts of vandalism. DPNR Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol officially reopened it on January 11, 2025, declaring the facility now secure. The library is fully operational and open Tuesday through Saturday.
What is the Special Archives collection at the Florence Williams Public Library?
The Special Archives, located on the third floor, contains historical newspapers from the early 1900s, works by local St. Croix and Caribbean authors, and Caribbean scholarly texts. It is a valuable resource for researchers interested in Virgin Islands and Caribbean history and culture.
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✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.