The Vermont Agency of Transportation will be holding applicant briefings for communities in counties granted a Public Assistance disaster declaration following floods from Tropical Storm Irene. Attendance at this meeting is required to receive FEMA funding. Every Vermont county except Grand Isle has received a Public Assistance disaster declaration.
Disaster Assistance Information Available
Last week the President made a declaration of major disaster for Vermont in the counties of Chittenden County, Rutland County, Washington County, and Windsor County due to Hurricane Irene and flooding associated with the storm. Below is some informational materials on floods and how DisasterAssistance.gov can help survivors. For your convenience the flood flyer is also in Spanish. Please post so your patrons can have the most up to date information on how to apply for federal assistance. If you have any questions contact Alicia Gilligham as noted below.
Steps To Applying For FEMA Assistance
Vermonters recovering from the impact of Tropical Storm Irene in Chittenden, Rutland, Washington, Windham, Windsor counties can now apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Donations for Flooded Vermont Public Libraries
We have received many calls and emails from people all across the country who want to help our libraries. We are grateful to all of you and want to let you know how you can best help our libraries at this time. For now, please do not send books. Instead, we are accepting cash donations.
Free Online Education Opportunities for September 2011
Listed below are FREE programs American Management Association, Booklist, EDUCAUSE, Georgia Library Association, GrantSpace, Infopeople, InSync Training, Inc., Library Journal, Lyrasis, National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Nebraska Library Commission, Northwest Central, O’Reilly Webcasts, School Library Journal, Texas State Library & Archives, TL Virtual Cafe, University of Wyoming, and Webjunction will be webcasting during September.
In the event that you aren’t available during those times, or you would like to check out past webinars, here are the links to archived events:
VT Collections Salvage and Recovery Resources from NEDCC
Vermonters, NEDCC is here to help!
The Northeast Document Conservation Center is actively working with the
VT State Library, VT State Archives, and other VT institutions
responding to Hurricane Irene to distribute information about options
for salvage and recovery of cultural collections.
NEDCC has gathered resources including disaster assistance hotlines,
disaster recovery and remediation services, and collections care
information.
Follow this link:
http://www.nedcc.org/eblasts/2011VT_Floods.html
Please print and distribute to those without power or internet.
Northeast Document Conservation Center
Andover, MA
www.nedcc.org
Access to Universal Class Online Learning (Public Libraries)
Public Libraries that have registered barcode numbers or patron ID’s can now direct their users to the Universal Class Registration page.
Libraries that have registered may put this direct link to the registration page on their websites:
http://vermontstate.universalclass.com/register.htm
Your library users will not be able to enroll in these classes until:(1) your library’s barcodes numbers or patron ID’s have been registered (http://libraries.vermont.gov/barcodereg) and (2) Recorded Books has enabled those numbers for course registration.
ALA Emerging Leader Survey
From Kate Walker of the Anderson County Library in Anderson, SC:
We are members of the 2011 ALA Emerging Leaders class. Our group is working on a presentation for PLA 2012 and we would like to ask for your help. Could you please take a few minutes to fill out this short survey? Would it be possible to distribute the survey within the Vermont Library Association? We would appreciate it greatly.
Our research focuses on multi-generational library staff. Among other things, we are examining the cultural and philosophical differences as well as ways to strengthen collaboration, communication, and productivity when working with cross-generation colleagues.
This research will be presented at a session at PLA 2012 and possibly will be published.
Here is a link to the anonymous survey: http://tinyurl.com/PLA-ELsurvey
Vermont Arts Council Cultural Facilities Grant Workshops 9/6 – 9/8
The Vermont Arts Council has announced the fall workshops for grantseekers. Many libraries have found funding for their buildings with the Cultural Facilities Grants. To RSVP for a workshop or see more information:
http://www.vermontartscouncil.org/Grants/GrantseekerWorkshops/tabid/229/Default.aspx
Three grantseeker workshops are planned for those interested in learning more about our Cultural Facilities Grant Program. This program helps improve, revive or refurbish historic Vermont buildings as community and cultural gathering places. Awards range from $1000 to $30,000.
- Tues. September 6 in Manchester at American Museum of Fly Fishing
- Wed. September 7 in Moretown at Town Hall Montpelier at Vermont Arts Council
- Thurs. September 8 in St. Johnsbury at Fairbanks Museum
IMPORTANT: Information on FEMA Resources for Libraries
Libraries:
I continue to get information from a variety of sources to help in libraries post-storm.
In order to get FEMA funding in Vermont, libraries should:
- Document all damage – even the smallest amount of moisture/water. Take lots of photos and take good notes with dates.
- Keep ALL receipts.
- Document all volunteer activity with a log of names and times of signing in and signing out.
See below for more information.
Martha Reid
State Librarian
Vermont Department of Libraries
802-828-3265