Vermont Libraries Receive American Library Association Disaster Relief Funds

Two Vermont libraries significantly damaged by flooding in July 2023 received money through the American Library Association (ALA) Disaster Relief Fund. Ainsworth Public Library in Williamstown and Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier each received a $2,200 grant to be used for repairs.

“Kellogg-Hubbard Library suffered nearly $1.5 million in damage from last July’s floods, with all of our mechanical systems destroyed,” said Dan Groberg, executive director of Kellogg-Hubbard.

Flood waters cover the ground around Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier, VT, on July 11, 2023.

Flood waters surround Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier, VT, on July 11, 2023. Photo provided by Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

Piles of trash outside Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier, VT, following destructive flooding in July 2023.

Piles of trash outside Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier, VT, following disastrous flooding in July 2023. Photo provided by Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

Ainsworth Public Library’s basement flooded. “In addition to our furnace, we lost about $25,000 in books, supplies, electronics, and furniture,” said director Sarah Snow. That amount does not include the cost of cleanup. “We had to hire professionals to remove everything from the basement because of hazardous materials there,” she said.

“The American Library Association promoted the needs of Vermont libraries through the ALA Disaster Relief Fund, and managed the many generous donations that came from all over the country,” said Vermont Library Association (VLA) vice president/president elect Mary Danko, director of Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. VLA managed the administration of the grants.

“We are so grateful for the support of VLA and libraries across the United States in helping us restore and upgrade our historic building so that we can better serve our community and be more climate resilient,” said Groberg.

The American Library Association’s Disaster Relief Fund provides money to libraries in the U.S. and around the world that have been damaged or destroyed due to natural or man-made disasters. Donations to Vermont libraries are still being accepted through the ALA Disaster Relief Fund web page. Please type “Vermont” in the tribute line.

Note: At the time of this writing, Vermont libraries are assessing flood damage caused by Hurricane Beryl’s remnants on July 10 and 11, 2024. The Vermont Department of Libraries is asking libraries impacted to report the level of damage using this online form: https://forms.office.com/g/U1su9yeiGU

By Susan Larson, MLIS, VLA Digital Communications Volunteer

2024 Fall Professional Development Grant Applications Due August 1

Applications are due by Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, for the next round of Vermont Library Association Professional Development Grants. Up to $250 is available for VLA members to attend a professional development program such as a workshop, conference, or continuing education course. Priority is given by monetary need, library involvement, leadership, and commitment to Vermont libraries.

To be eligible, applicants must:
– Be an active VLA member;
– Live in Vermont and/or work in a Vermont library; and
– Have not received a scholarship from VLA in the past two years.

Winners will be notified on September 1. Grant recipients are required to write a brief account of their professional development opportunity for VLA News, our quarterly email newsletter.

Please visit our VLA Professional Development Grant web page for complete details and the application.

Vermont Library Conference 2024 Presentation PDFs

Libraries Empowering Communities: Standing Together in Uncertain Times was the theme of the Vermont Library Association’s 2024 annual conference, held on Monday, May 20, at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel and Conference Center in Killington, Vermont. Following in alphabetical order by title are presentations made available to us by the speakers. Click the link to view and/or download the pdf.

PRESENTATIONS

Brick by Brick: Building Empowered Communities through LEGO Robotics
Presented by Mary Neffinger.

Career and Professional Development Resources for Your Patrons
Presented by April Shaw, Vermont Department of Libraries Government Services and Reference Librarian.

Creating a Share and Repair Library of Things
Presented by Suzanne Krohn (she/they), Richmond Free Library outreach and programming assistant.

Empowerment Through Access: An Update on the Statewide Shared Digital Collection
Presented by Jillian Scarson, Palace Project Partner Success Leader, and Lauren Kelley, Vermont Department of Libraries Technical Services Librarian

Fun & Friendly Competition: Trivia Night 101
Presented by Meg Malone (she/her), Burnham Memorial Library (Colchester) Young Adult Services Librarian and Interlibrary Loan Coordinator.

Keynote Address (on YouTube)
Presented by Emily Drabinski, American Library Association 2023-24 president. Her presentation begins at 22:30 in the recording.

Making Space in Vermont: A New NASA Grant to Support Vermont Public Libraries
Presented by Ellen Brennan, program administrator for the Vermont Space Grant Consortium and NASA’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).

Recognizing Stress, Employing Self Care, and Avoiding Burnout in Today’s Library Landscape
Presented by Nicole Klett, assistant librarian at Essex High School CTE Library, and a board-certified health and wellness coach.

Red Clover: Beyond the Classroom
Presented by Hannah Fjeld, Liv Perry, Kate Lucia, and Abby Adams.

Vermont Golden Dome Books Awarded and Nominated for 2024
Presented by the Golden Dome Book Award Committee.

Why Patron Privacy Matters and How You Can Protect It
Presented by Trina Magi, award-winning librarian at the University of Vermont Howe Memorial Library.

Young Adult Diverse Books Book Club Takes “Last Night at the Telegraph Club” to Boston
Presented by Susan Piccoli, Woodstock High School and Middle School librarian, and 2021 Vermont Humanities Victor R. Swenson Award recipient.

Other VLA Conference Resources:

2024 Vermont Library Conference Home Page

2024 Vermont Library Conference Session Descriptions

2024 Vermont Library Conference Speaker Bios

2024 Vermont Library Conference Presentation PDFs

Vermont Library Association Conference Committee

Vermont Library Association Past Conferences Archive

Last update June 27, 2024 (sl)

The Working Group on the Status of Libraries in Vermont Receives 2024 Green Mountain Award

The Working Group on the Status of Libraries in Vermont received the Vermont Library Association’s 2024 Green Mountain Award, which recognizes outstanding service, support, or exceptional contributions to Vermont libraries.

“The final, comprehensive report authored by the group lays out a series of important recommendations which are already resulting in significant legislative discussion at the Statehouse,” said VLA President Oceana Wilson in presenting the award.

Vermont Department of Libraries State Librarian and Library Commissioner Catherine Delneo served as the Working Group’s Chair, and Assistant State Librarian Tom McMurdo served as chair prior to her tenure. Other members of the group were:

Kelly McCagg – Vermont Library Association President (2022-2023) and Past President (2023-2024), and Director of Burnham Memorial Library
Christopher Kaufman Ilstrup – Executive Director of the Vermont Humanities Council
Jeannette Bair – Public Library Representative, Retired Director, Rochester Public Library
Susan O’Connell – Public Library Representative, Director, Craftsbury Public Library
Wendy Sharkey – Public Library Representative, Director, Bennington Free Library
Meg Allison – Past-President, Legislative Concerns Chair, Vermont School Library Association, Librarian, U32 High School, Montpelier
Karen McCalla – Vermont School Library Association Representative, Teacher Librarian, Mill River Union Middle/High School, North Clarendon
Maria Avery – Academic Library Representative, University of Vermont Libraries, Burlington
Denise Hersey – Academic Library Representative, Director, Dana Health Sciences Library, University of Vermont, Burlington
Andy Kolovos – Friends and Trustees Section Representative, Vermont Library Association, Trustee, Brownell Library, Associate Director and Archivist, Vermont Folklife, Middlebury

Thank you to Jonathan Clark of the Vermont Department of Libraries for the photo of members of the working group receiving the award at VLA’s May 2024 conference.

Last update June 12, 2024

Vermont Library Association Applauds the Passage of S.220, Protecting Libraries and the Freedom to Read in Vermont

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 4, 2024

Vermont Library Association Applauds the Passage of S.220, Protecting Libraries and the Freedom to Read in Vermont

The Vermont Library Association (VLA) celebrates the recent enactment of S.220, an act crucial to the advancement of Vermont’s public libraries. Originating from the recommendations of the Working Group on the Status of Libraries in Vermont Final Report and championed by Senators Martine Gulick and Ruth Hardy, this legislation is an affirmation of the essential role that libraries play in the cultural and educational landscape of Vermont.

Key Features of S.220:

Ensuring Compliance with First Amendment and Anti-Discrimination Laws: S.220 mandates that library policies align with the First Amendment and anti-discrimination laws, ensuring libraries remain safe havens for free speech, inquiry, and discovery.
Public Safety Enhancements: By amending laws related to criminal threats, S.220 provides stronger legal protections for libraries, ensuring they remain secure and welcoming spaces for all Vermonters.
Professional Support and Policy Development: Supports high standards of library services through the creation of model policies and ongoing professional development.

“Vermont has set a new precedent by integrating public accommodation laws directly into library policies, reaffirming libraries as foundational pillars of democracy and inclusivity. This groundbreaking legislation not only protects the right to free access to information, but also ensures that libraries remain sanctuaries of equity and understanding for all.” says Oceana Wilson, President of the Vermont Library Association.

“We are excited for the new legislation and the measures included that will allow Vermont librarians to continue their work, contributing to stronger and more resilient communities in our state. We are grateful to the Working Group on the Status of Libraries in Vermont, who paved the way and provided inspiration for S.220.” says Margaret Woodruff, Vermont Library Association Government Relations & Advocacy Committee Chair

The VLA commends the collaborative efforts of our legislators, library advocates, and all stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to champion this significant legislation. Their dedication to advancing the mission of libraries as inclusive spaces for learning, exploration, and discovery has brought forth substantial benefits for all Vermonters.

By enacting S.220, Vermont champions a bold vision that we hope will inspire other states to recognize and support the integral role of libraries in fostering an informed and inclusive society.

CONTACTS:

Margaret Woodruff, Vermont Library Association Government Relations & Advocacy Committee Chair margaret@charlottepubliclibrary.org

Oceana Wilson, Vermont Library Association President
president@vermontlibraries.org

About the Vermont Library Association

The Vermont Library Association (VLA) is an educational organization working to develop, promote, and improve library and information services and librarianship in the state of Vermont.

2024 VLA Award Nominations Due May 1

It is time to recognize those special library colleagues, mentors, trustees, and supporters who inspire us and who help create the community that we value. Nominations are open for the Vermont Library Association’s five annual awards.

The Birdie Award was created in March 2014 as a memorial to University of Vermont librarian Birdie MacLennan to honor outstanding service in the field of technical services.

The Green Mountain Award is given as the opportunity arises to individuals or organizations for distinguished service, support, or unusual contributions to a Vermont library or libraries.

The Sarah C. Hagar Award acknowledges exceptional service in or significant contribution to the field of librarianship in Vermont. Nominees for the Sarah C. Hagar award must be working in a Vermont library (public, academic, school, or special) and be a member of VLA.

The Senator Patrick Leahy Library Advocate of the Year Award is given when deemed warranted by the VLA Government Relations Committee to an outstanding public advocate for libraries in local, state, or national government.

The Trustee of the Year Award recognizes outstanding achievement by a trustee on behalf of his or her library, either during the previous year or during his or her years of service. Nominations may be submitted by any library trustee, library board, librarian, member of a Friends group, or VLA member.

Nominations including a few letters that present a well-rounded picture of the candidate are preferred to a single letter, or many letters that all say similar things. If a nomination is made by more than one person, please designate one signatory as the contact person.

Nomination letters and supporting materials are due by May 1, 2024. For more information about the awards, nomination procedures, and previous recipients visit the Scholarship and Awards Committee web page.

Winners will be announced at the annual Vermont Library Conference on Monday, May 20, at the Killington Grand Hotel and Resort Center.

Vermont Library Freedom to Read Statement

Intellectual freedom is the right of library users to read, seek information, and speak freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment. Intellectual freedom is one of the core values of the library profession and a basic right in our democratic society; it promotes access to information and guides the defense against censorship.

In 1953, the American Library Association and the Association of American Publishers jointly released The Freedom to Read Statement. This statement reminded us that, “The freedom to read is essential to our democracy. It is continuously under attack” (ALA, 2004). Now, seventy years later, a resurgence of attacks on the freedom to read again threatens our democracy. Calls for book bans, the adoption of unconstitutional legislation, and campaigns to criminalize librarians for distributing materials protected by the First Amendment threaten our fundamental liberties.

Vermont librarians are joining together to emphatically reaffirm their commitment to the values expressed in the American Library Association’s intellectual freedom documents, including The Freedom to Read Statement. We believe all Vermonters deserve free access to materials that function as windows and mirrors, both reflecting individuals’ experiences and providing expanded, diverse views of the world (Bishop, 1990). We also believe that people are only truly free when they can read freely.

Jointly issued by the governing boards of the Vermont School Library Association and the Vermont Library Association, January 2024.

REFERENCES

American Library Association. “The Freedom To Read Statement.” ALA Advocacy, 2004,
https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/freedomreadstatement

Bishop, Rudine Simms. “Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors.” Perspectives: Choosing and Using Books for the Classroom, vol. 6, no. 3, 1990.
https://scenicregional.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Mirrors-Windows-and-Sliding-Glass-Doors.pdf

Vermont Library Association Conference 2024 Call for Proposals

The Vermont Library Association (VLA) is seeking presenters for “Libraries Empowering Communities: Standing Together in Uncertain Times,” our 129th annual conference scheduled for Monday, May 20, 2024. Proposals are due by Monday, March 4, 2024.

Libraries are facing unprecedented challenges to our profession. Through this one-day conference, we seek ways to empower and connect our communities with resources, prepare to protect intellectual freedom, and offer solidarity from our smallest libraries to our biggest. Learning from each other is powerful and we hope you will share your expertise with fellow library professionals.

We seek presentations of varying topics, but especially encourage proposals on the topics suggested below and sessions that can be scaled to suit smaller and larger libraries.

Topic suggestions:

Intellectual Freedom
- Banned books
- Book and/or program challenges
- Censorship
- Privacy
Writing policies to prepare and protect our communities
Mitigating the effects of climate change on our collections, buildings, communities
Providing services to unhoused populations/underserved populations
Practical ideas for smaller libraries
Protecting the self (e.g. self-care, managing stress, preventing burnout)

Sessions will be 50 minutes in length and will include:

Hands-on workshop with an activity / discussion
Traditional presentation with time for questions
Panel with best practices / case studies
Author talk with reading
Vendor presentations
Book Awards and VLA Awards
VLA Division roundtable discussions
Brief presentation of a single example or project as part of a longer program: 5 Minutes of Fame/Spark presentation

Please submit your proposal online using this form. If your proposal is accepted, the main presenter will receive free admission to the conference. The deadline for proposals is Monday, March 4, 2024.

Thank you in advance for your participation.

Maria Avery, she/her
VLA 2024 Conference Planning Committee Co-Chair
Community Outreach Manager, University of Vermont Libraries
VLAConference24@vermontlibraries.org

Vermont Library Association 2024 Conference Set for May 20

Join the Vermont Library Association at our 2024 annual conference on Monday, May 20, at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel and Conference Center, 228 E Mountain Road, in Killington, Vermont.

This year’s conference title is Libraries Empowering Communities: Standing Together in Uncertain Times.

Save the date! We will share updates on our conference webpage and on our Facebook, Instagram, and X account, as they become available.

Call for Proposals
We seek presentations of varying topics, but especially encourage proposals on the topics suggested on our Call for Proposals webpage and sessions that can be scaled to suit smaller and larger libraries. The deadline for proposals is Monday, March 4, 2024.

2024 Conference Planning Committee Co-Chairs
Dena Marger, she/her
Director, Lydia Taft Pratt Library
150 West Street
Dummerston, VT 05357
802-258-9878
VLAConference24@vermontlibraries.org

Maria Avery, she/her
Community Outreach Manager, University of Vermont Libraries
VLAConference24@vermontlibraries.org

2024 Conference Planning Committee Members
Oceana Wilson, she/her, Dean of the Library, Bennington College
Randal Smathers, he/him, Director, Rutland Free Library
Emma Parks, she/her, Library Support Senior and GIS Consultant, University of Vermont Dana Health Sciences Library
Mary Danko, she/her, Director, Fletcher Free Library
Cory Stephenson, she/her, Director, Moretown Memorial Library
Erin Davison, she/her, Youth Services Librarian, Norwich Public Library
Kelly L. McCagg, she/her, Director, Burnham Memorial Library
Susan Ujka Larson, she/they, Vermont Library Association Digital Communications

Last update January 22, 2024

VLA Executive Committee Seeks Member Input for Strategic Actions

The Vermont Library Association (VLA) Executive Committee will host a Zoom meeting from 2 to 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26, to obtain input from VLA members for strategic actions in response to the Working Group on the Status of Libraries in Vermont Final Report.

“This is an important moment for Vermont librarians to determine how best to use our time and resources in the coming years,” said VLA Vice President Mary Danko, director of Fletcher Free Library in Burlington, in an email to members. “We want to understand what your priorities are for you and your libraries. Gathering information in a collaborative way will spark great conversation that will help to inform VLA’s Strategic Working Group Report Roadmap for the next few years.

To request meeting access, please visit this link: https://zoom.us/j/94960309666?pwd=b0ZwQWIyL1NUaTBOQ1cwY2RmT0gyQT09#success

If you cannot attend the Zoom meeting, you may provide input in a Google doc that the executive committee will email to members at the end of January. If you are not a VLA member you can join at any time at our membership page.

The Working Group on the Status of Libraries in Vermont submitted their final report to the Vermont General Assembly on November 1, 2023.

The group was formed in 2021 when the Vermont State Legislature passed Act 66 (S.115) “relating to making miscellaneous changes in education laws”, which was signed by Governor Phil Scott on June 7, 2021. The group was charged with studying the state’s libraries with the goal of strengthening and supporting libraries of all sizes and improving library services for the public.