Dear Source:
As the Friends of the St. Thomas Public Libraries (FOSTPL), we are pleased to see the progress of the new St. Thomas Regional Library nearing the point where a name for this long-anticipated edifice is being considered. However, it was recently announced that a proposed bill, No. 29-0012, will name this new library after former Governor Charles W. Turnbull. Co-sponsors are noted as being Sens. Louis P. Hill, Samuel Sanes and Ronald E. Russell.
We all appreciate the 29th Legislature’s timely thought and contribution as we prepare for this much-anticipated debut. We would be remiss if we did not offer for consideration to the members of the body, some names of Virgin Islanders who are also very worthy by virtue of the fact that they have directly laid the foundation on which the new building rests. Several names came to mind, including: Enid M. Baa – whose name now rests on the downtown library; from a high school student who helped to develop the territory’s first libraries to commissioner of libraries, archives and museums, a lifetime of dedication to literacy.
June Lindqvist – whose maintenance of the invaluable Von Scholten Collection at the Enid M. Baa Public Library ensured that it would remain in existence long before the means of preserving and digitally securing these crucial archives were available.
Edith deJongh Woods – as an artist and educator developed and shared a love for the unique essence of Charlotte Amalie. She held fast to her belief that the character of the downtown area was worthy of the protection of the community.
Ellen MacLean – served as a librarian for many years, and in retirement works tirelessly to promote literacy, even serving 15 years as president of the Friends of the St. Thomas Public Libraries.
Ellen MacLean – served as a librarian for many years, and in retirement works tirelessly to promote literacy, even serving 15 years as president of the Friends of the St. Thomas Public Libraries.
Alternatively, the building could remain the St. Thomas Regional Library, the V.I. Regional Library, or the United States Virgin Islands Regional Library, with different sections dedicated to key individuals (as
previously noted), including Governor Turnbull, whose name could be on the Government Archives section.
Or, the Regional Library could become the "new" Enid M. Baa Public Library and the downtown library could gain a new name, perhaps that of June Lindqvist, who guided many of the librarians still at the helm today.
We are certain that there are many worthy individuals who were or are librarians, who could also be considered. We are urging the public to contact their senators and visit www.legvi.org to download a copy of the bill using the bill-tracker (29th Legislature, Shawn-Michael Malone, No. 29-0012) submit their opinions as well, and become a part of the process of naming this jewel of the community, our fine, new library.
Respectfully submitted,
The Friends of the St. Thomas Public Libraries
President
Judy King-Edmeade
Vice President
JJ Estemac
Signed/Approved by
Deborah Adams-Gonzales
Bonnie Braga
Stephen Cheslik
Eugenia Cruse
Anita Davis
Judy King-Edmeade
Cynthia Richards
Dr. Patricia Harkins-Pierre
Rachelle D. Shells
Cherrel Turner
FOSTPL Board of Directors
Deborah Adams-Gonzales
Angela Belfon
Bonnie Braga
Stephen Cheslik
Eugenia Cruse
Anita Davis
Jorge J. Estemac
Dr. Patricia Harkins-Pierre
Judy King-Edmeade
Violeta Mack-Donovan
Cynthia Richards
Rachelle D. Shells
Cherrel Turner (Alternate)
previously noted), including Governor Turnbull, whose name could be on the Government Archives section.
Or, the Regional Library could become the "new" Enid M. Baa Public Library and the downtown library could gain a new name, perhaps that of June Lindqvist, who guided many of the librarians still at the helm today.
We are certain that there are many worthy individuals who were or are librarians, who could also be considered. We are urging the public to contact their senators and visit www.legvi.org to download a copy of the bill using the bill-tracker (29th Legislature, Shawn-Michael Malone, No. 29-0012) submit their opinions as well, and become a part of the process of naming this jewel of the community, our fine, new library.
Respectfully submitted,
The Friends of the St. Thomas Public Libraries
President
Judy King-Edmeade
Vice President
JJ Estemac
Signed/Approved by
Deborah Adams-Gonzales
Bonnie Braga
Stephen Cheslik
Eugenia Cruse
Anita Davis
Judy King-Edmeade
Cynthia Richards
Dr. Patricia Harkins-Pierre
Rachelle D. Shells
Cherrel Turner
FOSTPL Board of Directors
Deborah Adams-Gonzales
Angela Belfon
Bonnie Braga
Stephen Cheslik
Eugenia Cruse
Anita Davis
Jorge J. Estemac
Dr. Patricia Harkins-Pierre
Judy King-Edmeade
Violeta Mack-Donovan
Cynthia Richards
Rachelle D. Shells
Cherrel Turner (Alternate)
Contact: Anita Davis, PIO 714-2783, davis@fostpl.org
