Mission Statement
The mission of the Division of Libraries, Archives & Museums is to:
  • Provide access to and preserve Virgin Islands culture and literary heritage.
  • Expand Library services to bring information and resources to the Virgin Islands libraries and into the offices and homes of users through greater use of technology and electronic resources
  • Enhance the quality of life of Virgin Islands citizens by increasing awareness and usage of the vast array of available resources in Virgin Islands libraries, thus fostering economic growth, educational opportunities and avenues of prosperity.
  • Foster the ongoing professional development of library staff throughout the territory, enabling them to be well informed and competent to provide superior library services to patrons.
  • The Library will identify and serve the needs of special populations.
  • The Library will remain an energetic and relevant organization through continual improvement and ongoing dialog with its users.
  • Continue to improve records management processes, and to increase records management and archives awareness by implementing government-wide records management liaisons; provide information and training for archival storage, care and records management; and to work with designated agency liaisons in the training and education of archival storage, records management and emergency preparedness.
DLAM Rules of Conduct
Welcome to the DPNR Division of Libraries, Archives & Museums. DPNR’s DLAM is supported by the revenue of the people of Virgin Islands who expect each of our facilities to be clean, comfortable, and safe places for selecting materials, reading, researching, studying, writing, and attending programs and meetings.
 
To this end, the Library is responsible for establishing rules of conduct to protect the rights and safety of Library patrons, volunteers, and staff, and for preserving and protecting the Library’s materials, equipment, facilities, and grounds. In addition, the Library has a strong commitment to intellectual freedom and to freedom of access to information.
 
Enforcement of these rules will be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. Library security and/or Virgin Islands Police department officers will intervene to stop prohibited activities and behaviors.
 
Failure to comply with the Library’s established rules, regulations, and policies could result in removal from the premises and exclusion from the Library for an extended period.
 
Violations could also result in the restriction and/or termination of Library privileges, including the use of Library computers and other equipment.

For the comfort and safety of patrons, volunteers, and staff, and the protection of Library property, the following actions are examples of conduct prohibited on Library property:
  • Engaging in any activity in violation of Federal, Territorial or other applicable law, or Library policy.
  • Failing to comply with a reasonable staff request.
  • Carrying firearms and dangerous weapons of any type (except by law enforcement officers.)
  • Being under the influence of alcohol/illegal drugs, and selling, using, or possessing alcohol/illegal drugs.
  • Verbally or physically threatening or harassing other patrons, volunteers, or staff, including stalking, staring, lurking, offensive touching, and obscene acts such as sex acts and indecent exposure.
  • Soliciting or conducting surveys not authorized by the Library.
  • Stealing, damaging, altering, or inappropriately using Library property in Library facilities or on Library grounds, including computer hardware and software, printers, copiers, phones, and other equipment.
  • Trespassing in nonpublic areas, being in the Library without permission of an authorized Library employee before or after Library operating hours.
  • Fighting or challenging to fight, running, pushing, shoving, or throwing things.
  • Creating disruptive noises, such as loud talking, screaming, or banging on computer keyboards.
  • Using audible devices without headphones or with headphones set at a volume that disturbs others. Using cell phones, pagers, and other communication devices in a manner that disturbs others.
  • Using restrooms for personal grooming such as bathing or shampooing, shaving, haircuts, doing laundry, or changing clothes.
  • Littering, smoking, chewing, and other tobacco use in Library facilities.
  • Entering the Library barefoot, without a shirt, with offensive body odor or personal hygiene, or being otherwise attired so as to be disruptive to the Library environment.
  • Consuming food in public areas of the Library other than meeting rooms or areas unless pre-approved by library administration.
  • Using wheeled devices in Library buildings or on Library grounds, including skateboarding, roller skating, bicycling, scooters, and shopping carts (except for wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers). Bicycles are not allowed in the Library.
  • Lying down or sleeping in the restrooms or on any floor, couch, table, or seat in the Library or other parameters. Blocking aisles, exits, or entrances with personal possessions or by sitting or lying down in them. Leaving unattended items in the Library.
  • Neglecting to provide proper supervision of children (DPNR Division of Libraries, Archives & Museum Safe Child Policy.
  • Bringing pets or animals, other than service animals necessary for disabilities, into the Library, except as authorized by the Library Director.
Getting Your Library Card
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Library card applications are available at the Circulation Desk at any library or may be downloaded below.

The following outlines the documents and process required to prove Virgin Islands residency, valid mailing address and Email contact in order to receive a Virgin Islands Public Library Card:

Present the following documents with your completed Library Card Application.

(1) Valid VI Drivers License OR Voter ID OR Current Lease with Valid Picture ID
    [This serves as proof of identity and residency]

(2) If the applicant’s mailing address has not been established by one of the documents in #1 above, then present a Local utility bill in the applicant’s name that has been mailed to the address of record on the Library Card Application.
    [This serves as proof of local mailing address.]

(3) Be sure to complete the Parental Information or Reference Information section of the Library Card Application accurately, including all adult’s telephone numbers and an adult’s Email address.  These elements of the application will be tested before the Library Card is issued.
    [This provides for accurate, timely and cost effective means of communicating with patrons.]

N.B.: The address information that is requested on the application form is always the postal mailing address NOT your residential address unless they are the same.  Be sure to include correct zip code and apartment, RR, or building information if it is applicable.

After submission and approval of the application and the recording of the required documentation, a contact message will be sent to your Email address inviting you to pickup your library card at your selected closest branch library.  You are required to present a hardcopy of the email and your photo ID in order to receive your library card.

We respectfully ask all parents to cooperate in this process by assisting their minor children in the completion and submission of the application and supporting information.

Parents who have an active library card account need only update their email and other contact information in order to sponsor new applications for their children.

Patrons are reminded that they have a continuing obligation to inform the library of changes to their contact information -- Email, telephone, mailing address, etc.

Patrons who are totally inactive over long periods of time will be deleted from the database.

TELEPHONE & EMAIL CONTACTS
The Division of Libraries uses telephone & Email contact as the primary modes of external communication with its patrons.  Continued library service is contingent upon the availability of at least one working and locally accessible telephone contact and a valid Email address.  Public library services will be declined or suspended if either viable telephone or Email contact is absent.

PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
I have read and I understand the Library’s Internet Access Policy as it applies to minors.  By signing the application form I agree to the following:
I give my permission for the named minor patron to use the Internet Services at the Public Library.
I understand and accept the responsibility for this patron’s adherence to the rules and regulations of VIALS and the Division of Libraries and to pay promptly all fines and other charges incurred by him / her for overdue charges, or damage to books, or loss of books, and to give immediate notice of any change of class or address information.

PATRON RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
I have read and I understand the Library’s Internet Access.  By signing the application form I agree to the following:
I understand and agree to the library’s Internet Access Policy.
I understand and accept the responsibility for this patron’s adherence to the rules and regulations of VIALS and the Division of Libraries and to pay promptly all fines and other charges incurred by him / her for overdue charges, or damage to books, or loss of books, and to give immediate notice of any change of class or address information.


LIBRARY CARD APPLICATION FORMS
Click on the links below to download a form (pdf format).

Adult's Application (18 years and older)
Child's Application (under 18 years)