Vermont Senate Bill S232, sponsored by Sen. Ruth Hardy, D-Addison, would name the third Monday in October “Vermont Libraries Day.”

S.232 would also allocate a portion of the state’s sales tax on cannabis to public library programs, and would enable libraries to receive guidance from the Vermont Bond Bank about eligibility for municipal bonds. Margaret Woodruff, director of  Charlotte Library and chair of the Vermont Libraries Association’s Government Relations Committee, said many Vermont libraries face huge capital needs to offer spaces that are safe and accessible to everyone. She cited state data showing that library buildings have $260 million of deferred maintenance.

Hardy said the passage of S.232 would not result in new taxes or appropriations. The bill has eight additional sponsors and support from librarians across the state.

For more information, see “Bill would establish Vermont Libraries Day in October.”