St. John Library Remains Closed Due to Staffing Shortage

By Amy H. Roberts
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Residents of St. John who have been enjoying the use of the Elaine I. Sprauve Library in Cruz Bay are once again facing disappointment.

Although the shutters on the front door are open, the St. John Library remains closed to the public because of staffing shortages. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)

The library is officially closed because of staffing issues, according to Jean-Pierre “JP” Oriol, commissioner of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources which includes the Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums.

Oriol said the listings for the open positions for library staff have not yet been posted, but some potential candidates have been identified.

The Source asked Oriol if it would be possible to have staff members from the library on St. Thomas travel to St. John to keep the library open on a part-time basis. Oriol responded, “This was investigated, and unfortunately is not an option at this time.”

Oriol did not give a date when the Sprauve Library might reopen. “It depends on how quickly we can fill the vacancies,” he said.

The historic Elaine I. Sprauve Library reopened after renovations in 2023. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)

The Sprauve Library has been closed periodically since 2017. After extensive renovations, a grand opening celebration was held in June 2023, but some problems remained, delaying its reopening until September 2023.