The inclusion of CFVI as the USVI Center for the Book completes the list of participants to include all 50 States, Washington, D.C. and each of the U.S. Territories. The Library of Congress and its affiliate Centers for the Book work together to promote books, reading, literacy and the Library’s literary programming nationwide through public programs and initiatives designed to attract a diverse population and serve affiliates’ local audiences.
As the USVI affiliate, CFVI will collaborate with the Library on literacy programming, services, and collections, develop independent local programs and literary heritage projects, including developing initiatives and public programs to promote literacy, reading, book arts, poetry, and USVI literary heritage.
“We are pleased to welcome the new U.S. Virgin Islands Center for the Book as the newest affiliate to help promote reading with the Center for the Book at the Library of Congress,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “CFVI and the USVI Center already have demonstrated a commitment to the mission of promoting books, reading and literacy with its many programs.”
“For CFVI, this is a very exciting opportunity,” said CFVI President Dee Baecher-Brown. “For decades, the Foundation has been working to promote literacy in the territory as a way to enhance the lives of our people, especially for our youngest children! We look forward to expanding these efforts to share the love of reading and writing.”
Little Free Libraries
The Little Free Library (LFL) program, a “take a book, share a book” free book exchange, launched in 2019 in the Virgin Islands and has since spread throughout the territory.
Currently, there are 10 Little Free Libraries in the U.S. Virgin Islands located on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, with more to come!
Dolly Parton Imagination Library
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a no-cost book gifting program that mails high-quality books to children. The Virgin Islands Children’s Museum is the USVI steward for the program. All children under the age of 5 in the territory are eligible to receive one book per month delivered to their mailing address.
Campaign for Grade-Level Reading
Launched in 2010, Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (CGLR) is a collaborative effort by foundations, nonprofit partners, business leaders, government agencies, states and communities across the nation to ensure that more children in low-income families succeed in school and graduate prepared for college, a career, and active citizenship. The Campaign focuses on an important predictor of school success and high school graduation—grade-level reading by the end of third grade.
Since its launch, CGLR has grown to include more than 300 communities, representing 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and two provinces in Canada — with 5,000+ local organizations and 510 state and local funders. CFVI represents the territory in CGLR.
Dee Baecher-Brown, President
Sean Liphard, Communications Manager
Beth Nuttall, Director of Grants and Programs
E-mail: general.info@cfvi.net
