U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – Governor Albert Bryan Jr., in collaboration with the Virgin Islands Department of Education and the Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums has announced the commencement of the 16th Annual Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge. Governor Bryan is challenging the Territory’s students in kindergarten through 6th grade to “Unlock the Adventure” to keep their minds sharp and maintain their learning and education during the summer. The Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge begins June 1 and continues through August 5, 2024.
“I value our community’s students, who are the future leaders of this Territory. Just like athletes who train in the off season, it’s critically important that young minds stay sharp and in shape,” Governor Bryan said. “If you read five or more books, you meet the challenge and you get invited to my big celebration.”
The Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge aims to foster a love for reading among students in grades K-6 across the Virgin Islands. To kick off this exciting literary journey, interactive events were held in early May in the St. Croix and St. Thomas/St. John districts that were open to the public and non-public school students alike. Those who successfully complete the challenge will be invited to a celebration filled with prizes, music, treats and giveaways.
“We’re excited to launch another year of the Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge, inspiring our young readers to explore new worlds through the pages of a book,” said Education Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington. “Reading is not only fundamental to academic success but also opens doors to endless possibilities. We invite students, parents, and educators to join us as we embark on this literary journey together.”
To sign up for the Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge and to access tracking sheets students can visit https://usvischools.com/. To access books virtually, students can visit www.openlibrary.org, and a copy of the borrowed book will download onto the student’s device.
This year, the first 30 students to apply for a library card on each island will receive a free tablet. Applications must be taken to a library for signup. On St. Thomas a Fort Christian library card signup date and time will be announced. Hours for the Elaine I. Sprauve Public Library on St John and the Florence Williams Library on St. Croix are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Students can read books by visiting the library or they may choose to read books that they have at home. Participants will find electronic tracking sheets to fill out online and submit for each book they read and their
submissions will be entered into a database to keep track of their progress and make sure they receive credit for participating in and successfully completing the Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge.

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