SAVE THE DATE! (especially those who participated in the IMLS “Connecting to Collections†survey in 2008)
Vermont “Connecting to Collectionsâ€
June 24, 2009, 9 am – 12:30 pm
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Category Archives: Public Libraries
Public Libraries Section & related news and events.
Ashgate Grants for Vermont Town Libraries
Since the year 2000, Ashgate Publishing Company in Burlington has devoted a large portion of its annual charitable contributions budget to support libraries around the state.
Through its library donations program, Ashgate makes grants to public libraries in Vermont for special one-time projects and needs (as opposed to standard operating expenses and book budgets) as they arise. Some examples of the grants made in past years include:
“Vermont Reads” Grant Deadline May 30
Greetings, all,
I am forwarding the announcement (below) from the Vermont Humanities Council with the hope that many libraries around the state will participate in the Vermont Reads program this year. VHC has selected a wonderful book that will appeal to a wide audience. Information about the book, the program, and financial assistance is below. Deadline for applications is May 30, 2009.
Martha Reid
martha.reid@mail.dol.state.vt.us
"Vermont Reads" Grant Deadline May 30
Greetings, all,
I am forwarding the announcement (below) from the Vermont Humanities Council with the hope that many libraries around the state will participate in the Vermont Reads program this year. VHC has selected a wonderful book that will appeal to a wide audience. Information about the book, the program, and financial assistance is below. Deadline for applications is May 30, 2009.
Martha Reid
martha.reid@mail.dol.state.vt.us
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Teen/Family Best Buy grants $5,000-$7,000
Through the Community Grants Program, each Best Buy territory across the United States annually selects non-profit organizations that apply for grants to support programs and services that provide opportunities for young teens related to education, life skills, leadership skills or relationship development. This year, Best Buy Children’s Foundation will give $1 million through the Community Grants Program.
Position cuts at the Department of Libraries and Regional Library Closings
To: Vermont Library Community
I regretfully announce that, as a result of mandated budget and position cuts, the Department of Libraries is eliminating four positions: (1) full time clerk at Midstate Regional Library (previously announced); (2) full time clerk at the Special Services Unit/Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; (3) full time clerk at the Northeast Regional Library; and (4) full time secretary position in the Law and Documents Division.
As a result of these cuts, I have made the decision to end services at the Regional Libraries as follows:
Important Notice for Public Library Directors
Dear Public Library Director:
Please take a few minutes to read this letter about a survey that will give us information about how Vermonters use computers in our public libraries.Read more
Urgent Call to Action! Ask your Senators to Support Library Funding!
Please contact your Senators and ask them to sign the “Dear Colleague” letter being circulated by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) in support of funding for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and the Improving Literacy Through School Libraries Program.
The deadline to sign the letter is Tuesday May 5! LSTA and Improving Literacy Through School Libraries are two of the most important federal programs for libraries today. The letter will not be taken seriously, and it will appear as if Members of Congress do not care about libraries if we don’t have 60 signers on the letter. Programs that don’t have a vocal support network are in danger of being cut.
New Hampshire Library Border Workshops
New Hampshire is inviting Vermont librarians to enroll in border workshops. Costs and credits given below. Contact Tom Ladd at (603)419-0086 or Thomas.Ladd@dcr.nh.gov if you have questions.
Amy Howlett
Vermont Department of Libraries
“Tango” tops challenged books list for third consecutive year
The Office for Intellectual Freedom has released our list of the Top Ten Most Frequently Challenged Books of 2008. The list is available below and on the OIF website and you can find more information in the ALA press release about the 2008 list.
The children’s book, “And Tango Makes Three,” by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, remains at the top of the list for the third year in a row. “Tango” still faces frequent challenges for reasons that include religious viewpoint, homosexuality, and age appropriateness.
OIF received a total of 513 challenges in 2008, up from 420 total challenges in 2007. For every challenge reported to OIF, however, we estimate that there are 4 or 5 challenges that go unreported.
“Tango” tops challenged books list for third consecutive year