VLA Presents Intellectual Freedom Lecture on First Amendment Speech Challenges Under the New Administration

UVM President Emeritus Thomas Sullivan, J.D., presents First Amendment Speech Challenges for Libraries and Society Under the New Administration in Washington: Why Books and Expressive Thought Can’t Be Banned, as guest lecturer for the Vermont Library Association’s (VLA) 2025 John Swan Intellectual Freedom Lecture series.

“Libraries in the past few years have been increasingly faced with demands to censor their collections and ban books,” said Randal Smathers, chair of VLA’s Intellectual Freedom Committee. “With the new administration in Washington looking favorably on such efforts, join us to to discuss what this mean for libraries, librarians, readers, and intellectually curious members of the general public over the near future.”

The lecture will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, in the Main Reading Room of Fletcher Free Library, 235 College Street, in Burlington. It is free and open to all.

“Dr. Sullivan’s long and notable career includes federal criminal law, constitutional law, federal courts and civil procedure, and constitutional history, all of which make him uniquely qualified to discuss potential challenges facing libraries in today’s challenging climate,” Smathers said. Sullivan served as the 26th President of the University of Vermont from July 2012 until June 2019. He continues to hold a tenured appointment as Professor of Political Science. He holds an honorary Doctor of Law Degree from the Vermont Law School, is a Life Member of American Law Institute and American Bar Foundation, and has served as:

President of the American Bar Foundation Board of Directors
Consultant, U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on judicial nominations to the U.S. Supreme Court of Justices Ginsburg, Sotomayor, and Kagan
Chair, Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics for the Minnesota Supreme Court
Member, American Bar Association’s President’s Commission on the Future of the Profession

For more information about the March 6 lecture, contact Randal Smathers at randal@rutlandfree.org or 802-683-9778.

2025 VLA Annual Conference Call for Proposals

The Vermont Library Association is accepting presentation proposals for its 130th annual conference “Rooted In Community,” scheduled for Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel and Conference Center. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, March 3.

“We seek sessions that can be scaled to suit libraries of all sizes and types, on varying topics,” said 2025 Conference Planning Committee co-chair Maria Avery. “We especially encourage presentations that exemplify ways libraries and librarians are essential to the communities they serve, are fundamental community-builders, can increase their community impact, and can engage more effectively with their professional community.”

Sessions will be 50 minutes in length, and can include:

Hands-on workshops with an activity / discussion
Traditional presentations with time for questions
Panels with best practices / case studies
Author talks with readings
Vendor presentations
Spark presentations: A five-minute/20-slide maximum presentation of a single example or project. This will be included in a session with other Spark presentations.

Submit your proposal by Monday, March 3 using this online submission form.

If your proposal is accepted, one person will receive the member early-bird rate for attending the conference. Conference attendance is not required to present a workshop.

If you have any questions, please email conference@vermontlibraries.org.

Four Vermont Libraries Share $90,000 WaterWheel Foundation Flood Relief Donation

The Vermont Library Association distributed a $90,000 donation from The WaterWheel Foundation Fund of the Vermont Community Foundation, to be used for Vermont libraries impacted by the July 2023 flooding. Ainsworth Public Library in Williamstown, Craftsbury Public Library in Craftsbury Common, Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier, and Johnson Public Library in Johnson have received funds.

“Libraries serve as information hubs, gathering spaces, and welcoming centers in towns, villages, and cities across our state,” said Margaret Woodruff, Vermont Library Association Government Relations and Advocacy chair. “The damage inflicted by the July 2023 storms and subsequent flooding affected entire communities beyond the building. It is a testament to the impacted libraries’ resiliency that the staff pivoted to continue to provide essential services to their communities with creativity and improvisation.”

The impacts of the catastrophic flooding in July 2023 were experienced in many Vermont communities and included the libraries. Public libraries suffered damage to their buildings and loss of resources. The rebuilding and repair process has been ongoing, but there is still more work to be done.

“This very generous donation from the WaterWheel Foundation Fund of the Vermont Community Foundation will allow the staff and boards of these libraries to plan and implement more permanent repairs and renovations and establish more resilient structures and practices for the future.” said Mary Danko, Vermont Library Association president.

The WaterWheel Foundation has been inspiring the Phish community to create positive change by funding nonprofit organizations and helping those in need since 1997. 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 since 1893.

Upper Valley Library Tour November 15

On behalf of Traci Joy, director of Hartland Public Library and vice president of the Vermont Library Association’s Public Library Section, I would like to invite you to join us on a fun and exciting tour of Upper Valley libraries! Said tour is to take place on Friday, November 15, (yes, short notice, I know, but you know how it is with these Vermont library directors [especially Traci and me], it’s like herding cats! Wait, no, it’s more like having a cat as a comforting, purring companion who can give you a wifi password, reader’s advisory, and sew the stuffing back into your bean bag!)

Anyway, we’re going to kick off the 2024 Upper Valley Library Tour at Fairlee Library at 9:30 a.m. and eventually end up at Weathersfield Proctor at… some point. Here is the order of our visits:

Fairlee Public Library. 221 US-5, Fairlee, VT 05045
Thetford Libraries (Latham Memorial Library), 16 Library Road, Thetford, VT 05074
Norwich Public Library, 368 Main St, Norwich, VT 05055
Hartland Public Library, 153 US-5, Hartland, VT 05048
Windsor Public Library, 43 State St, Windsor, VT 05089
Weathersfield Proctor Library, 5181 US-5, Ascutney, VT 05030

As former vice-president and now president of VLA’s Public Library Section, I’m a veteran of several library tours, and I can tell ya firsthand that it’s an excellent way to meet colleagues, explore libraries, and eat lunch in strange places!

Josh Worman
Director, Haston Library
Franklin, VT 05457
802-285-6505
librarian@franklinhastonlibraryvt.org

VLA 2024 Graduate Student Scholarship Applications Due November 15

The Vermont Library Association (VLA) Scholarship & Awards Committee is accepting applications for the 2024 Graduate Student Scholarship. Up to $1,500 is available for VLA members pursuing an MLS or MLIS degree.

To be eligible, applicants must:

be enrolled in an MLS/MLIS program;
be an active VLA member;
live in Vermont and/or work in a Vermont library, and;
not have received a scholarship from VLA in the past two years.

The deadline for applications is November 15, 2024, with the scholarship sent to the institution for the spring 2025 semester. For complete details and to apply visit the VLA Graduate Student Scholarship webpage.

Amy Williams and Susan Larson Awarded VLA Fall 2024 Professional Development Grants

Vermont Library Association (VLA) members Amy Williams and Susan Larson are the recipients of the organization’s fall 2024 professional development grants.

Williams (she/her), who is assistant director at Rutland Public Library, will use the $250 award toward the Library Leaders in New England (LLINE) Strategic Library Leadership Development Program. “This is such an exciting time to be in libraries,” Williams said. “Although it is easy to be overwhelmed, we are in a great position to create solid, lasting good for our communities. I’m looking forward to using what I learn from LLINE to support every Vermont librarian and library that I can.”

Williams will join a cohort of 25 librarians representing New England’s six states of Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, who were selected for this inaugural training based on their leadership potential and commitment to the library profession. Their year-long training includes a three-day in-person event followed by 11 months of virtual learning opportunities, including discussions, keynote presentations, and leadership-focused activities designed to extend the in-person experience.

Larson (she/they), who has served on VLA’s digital communications team since 2020, and is programming assistant at Deborah Rawson Memorial Library in Jericho, is attending the University of Wisconsin Information School’s online series on A.I. and Libraries.

“I want to know what A.I. means for library resources, customer service, and staff training,” Larson said. “The University of Wisconsin Information School’s online course on A.I. and Libraries will provide information and tools that I can use in my work as a digital marketing librarian, and that I can share with library colleagues and patrons.”

Larson received her MLIS from the University of South Carolina; Williams from Kent State University (Ohio).

“The Vermont Library Association promotes professional librarianship in Vermont, and encourages involvement in professional development among its members,” said VLA Scholarship and Awards Committee Chairperson Pamela Cartier. “To this end, VLA’s Professional Development Grant, managed by the Scholarship and Awards Committee, provides the recipient with up to $250 for a professional development program such as a workshop, conference, or continuing education course.”

Applications are accepted twice a year, due May 1 and August 1, and priority is given by monetary need, library involvement, leadership, and commitment to Vermont libraries. Grant recipients are required to write a brief account of their professional development opportunity for VLA News, VLA’s quarterly email newsletter. For complete details and to apply, visit the VLA Professional Development Grant webpage.

14 Vermont Libraries Awarded $15.9 Million in American Rescue Plan Act Monies

Fourteen Vermont public libraries will receive a total of $15.9 million in grant monies from the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

The Vermont Department of Libraries, which is administering the monies, made the announcement in a press release on September 30, 2024. “The department conducted a needs assessment in 2023, which reflected a high need for maintenance, repairs, and modernization, including high-speed internet, in public library buildings, many of which are more than 100 years old,” said Vermont State Librarian and Commissioner of Libraries Catherine Delneo. “Libraries serve as community hubs, and this money supports these crucial facilities and the Vermonters who will depend on them well into the future.” The funds were awarded through a highly competitive grant process open to all public libraries in Vermont.

The libraries awarded grants are:

Library: Alice M. Ward Memorial Library
City: Canaan
County: Essex
Award: $900,000
Project: Interior renovations for ADA compliance and improved patron centered useability; new HVAC system, new windows

Library: Arvin A. Brown Public Library
City: Richford
County: Franklin
Award: $174,502
Project: Renovations to increase useable library space, new HVAC system, electrical system updates, new windows, and interior renovations for ADA compliance

Library: Bennington Free Library
City: Bennington
County: Bennington
Award: $1,500,000
Project: Building envelope repairs with new windows and insulation, new HVAC system with electrical system updates

Library: Brandon Free Public Library Inc.
City: Brandon
County: Rutland
Award: $1,406,936
Project: Installation of four-story elevator with renovations and improvements for ADA compliance, repair or replace windows for energy efficiency

Library: Brooks Memorial Library
City: Brattleboro
County: Windham
Award: $1,472,501
Project: Asbestos abatement and building envelope repairs with interior and exterior renovations for ADA compliance

Library: Grand Isle Free Library
City: Grand Isle
County: Grand Isle
Award: $1,500,000
Project: New library building construction

Library: Groton Free Public Library
City: Groton
County: Caledonia
Award: $522,043
Project: Building expansion and envelope repairs with renovations for ADA compliance, new HVAC system

Library: Jeudevine Memorial Library
City: Hardwick
County: Caledonia
Award: $725,000
Project: Library expansion with two-story addition, four ADA compliant bathrooms, HVAC plumbing and electrical updates

Library: Johnson Public Library
City: Johnson
County: Lamoille
Award: $1,500,000
Project: Relocate building away from flood zone with new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Construct an addition to existing building. Renovations to egresses for ADA compliance

Library: Lawrence Memorial Library
City: Bristol
County: Addison
Award: $483,000
Project: New HVAC system, building envelope repairs for structural integrity, electrical and mechanical system updates

Library: Leach Public Library
City: Irasburg
County: Orleans
Award: $1,082,750
Project: Library expansion with two-story addition, new elevator, ADA compliant bathroom, and new HVAC system

Library: Middletown Springs Public Library
City: Middletown Springs
County: Rutland
Award: $1,293,384
Project: Renovate and upgrade library building infrastructure at new library site

Library: Salisbury Free Public Library
City: Salisbury
County: Addison
Award: $978,807
Project: Repair or replace HVAC system, new plumbing system, potable water, interior and exterior renovations for ADA compliance

Library: Wilder Memorial Library
City: Weston
County: Windsor
Award: $650,000
Project: Building expansion and envelope repairs, new HVAC and plumbing systems, electrical system updates, and new ADA compliant bathroom

Civic Engagement, Voter Outreach, and Your Public Library

“We live in a democracy; it should never be dismissed as political when we empower, encourage, and enable participation in our democracy,” said Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas in the civic engagement and voter registration webinar co-hosted with the Vermont Department of Libraries.

The presentation provided guidelines and resources for voter outreach and civic engagement programming. “Civic engagement compliments the mission of the library, and centers the library as a community engaged center for civic engagement,” said Joy Worland, Vermont Department of Libraries Consultant for Continuing Education and Small and Rural Libraries.

Everything libraries do must be nonpartisan. “You want to invite people in, not alienate people,” Worland said. “The library is for everyone.”

“Time and time again I am reminded how important libraries and librarians are to the social and civic fabric of our towns, and the critical role you play in helping people connect with information and resources,” Secretary of State Copeland Hanzas said.

For those who could not attend or who want to revisit the presentation, the webinar recording is available here: Civic Engagement, Voter Outreach, and Your Public Library

For ease of access, resources mentioned in the webinar are listed below. The Vermont Department of Libraries presentation slides are posted at the end of the list.

NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DAY RESOURCES (September 17, 2024)
National Voter Registration Day Website

National Voter Registration Day 2024 Social Media Toolkit

Hashtags: #NationalVoterRegistrationDay #VoteReady

VERMONT SECRETARY OF STATE RESOURCES
Vermont Voter Registration Drive Information Flier

Vermont Voter Registration Drive “Your Voice, Your Vote” Request for Free Print Resources

Vermont’s My Voter Page, where people can check:
Voter registration status
Absentee ballot status
Mail-in application and ballot status
Poll location
Elected Officials
Registration information on file with the town office
Sample ballot for the upcoming election

Office of the Vermont Secretary of State Social Media Tookkit

Vermont Secretary of State Civics Program Resources

Office of the Secretary of State Social Media:
Instagram: @vtsecretaryofstate

Facebook: Vermont-Secretary-of-State

X (Formerly Twitter): @VermontSOS

Election Security in Vermont Video

ALA RESOURCES
Reader. Voter. Ready.

Libraries and Voter Engagement

2024 Election Collaboration Toolkit

Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC): Register Parents and Caregivers to Vote at Storytime

BOOK LISTS
Denver Public Library Voting Books for Adults

Denver Public Library Books on Voting for Teens

Social Justice Books: Voting Rights (Children, Youth, and Adults)

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS RESOURCES
Vote 411

VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARIES PRESENTATION SLIDES

Vermont Secretary of State Presentation Slides presented by Robyn Palmer, Director of Civic and Voter Engagement.

Written and compiled by Susan Ujka Larson, MLIS (she/they), VLA Digital Communications Volunteer
Last update September 7, 2024

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.