Millions of pages of Vermont newspapers freely searchable online

screenshot of hte landing page at newspapers.com
Vermont residents have access to a free searchable archive of millions of pages of Vermont newspapers thanks to a partnership between the Department of Libraries and Vermont State Records and Archives Administration (VSARA). Here are simple steps to get set up
1. Sign up for a MyVermont.gov account at vermont.gov/myvermont.
2. Log in and fill out your profile information including your contact information in the upper righthand corner.
3. Follow the link from the Featured Link section to Newspapers.com
Let us know if you have any questions. Please share this with your patrons! Here is a four page PDF handout going through all the steps with screenshots. Read more

Librarians for Net Neutrality

image from wikimedia commons showing people in a dark room with lit phones saying SAVE THE INTERNET

Like librarians around the country, the Vermont Library Association is deeply concerned about the recent changes to the regulations regarding Net Neutrality.  Throughout the development and growth of the Internet equal access to information has been the accepted norm.  Net neutrality protects those making the content from censorship and provides users of the Internet with the freedom they need to easily access any and all information.  In particular, Vermont residents are uniquely vulnerable to the FCC’s relaxing of net neutrality rules.  As a rural state we all rely on the Internet to access content we might not otherwise be able to find and our small business community needs to be able to reach customers across the state and around the country.

Net Neutrality is the belief that the companies who provide our Internet access should not have the ability to force content creators to pay more based on the information they provide, or even possibility block content they don’t approve of.  Net Neutrality protects consumers from being charged more based on their Internet use, allows individuals to create their own content without fear they will have to pay to have other’s find it, and gives us all equal access to any content on the Internet.  Sadly, Net Neutrality is no longer in place.  However, Vermont librarians will continue to push for a reinstatement of these norms in order to protect our patrons.  We will continue to offer free access to the Internet at our libraries across the state.  A free and open Internet is so very valuable to our state so residents are able to learn, explore, build businesses, and participate in the world provided to us through the Internet.  As librarians will we everything we can to fight for all Vermonters.
– Angele Mott Nickerson – VLA Intellectual Freedom Committee

Ways to Take Action

Libraries are for everyone graphic with three people of different skin color and dress holding various icons - rainbow heart, recycle, globe
Many people in our communities are wondering how they can remain active and hopeful through a long cold winter and also the current political climate. Here’s a short, curated list of simple ways to stay engaged.

 

2017 Annual Vermont Library Trustee and Friends Conference

wall of books with door inside it.
Saturday, November 4th, Champlain College, Burlington
Brush up your knowledge, reinvigorate your board, network with VT Trustees and Friends, and walk away inspired and informed! Co-sponsored by the Vermont Library Association and the Vermont Department of Libraries. See the schedule on the Department of Libraries website.
Registration Deadline: 10/27
Registration Link: http://bit.ly/2hAKUDy
Cost: $45 VLA members, $50 non-VLA members
10% discount for 3 or more from the same library

VLA Statement on Clovis-Carver Public Library shooting

The VLA sends condolences and strength to those closely affected by the tragic violence at the Clovis-Carver Public Library in New Mexico, including the wounded, the families of the victims, library staff,the community, and our colleagues in the New Mexico Library Association.
Joy Worland, VLA President