Librarians for Net Neutrality
Net Neutrality is the belief that the companies who provide our Internet access should not have the ability to force content creators to pay more based on the information they provide, or even possibility block content they don’t approve of. Net Neutrality protects consumers from being charged more based on their Internet use, allows individuals to create their own content without fear they will have to pay to have other’s find it, and gives us all equal access to any content on the Internet. Sadly, Net Neutrality is no longer in place. However, Vermont librarians will continue to push for a reinstatement of these norms in order to protect our patrons. We will continue to offer free access to the Internet at our libraries across the state. A free and open Internet is so very valuable to our state so residents are able to learn, explore, build businesses, and participate in the world provided to us through the Internet. As librarians will we everything we can to fight for all Vermonters.
– Angele Mott Nickerson – VLA Intellectual Freedom Committee
Continuing Education Grant Applications Due March 1st!
Applications are due March 1st for a $250 Continuing Education Grant. Funds can be used to attend a conference, course or training. See: https://vermontlibraries.org/scholarship-committee/vla-continuing-education-grant/ to apply.
Ways to Take Action
Many people in our communities are wondering how they can remain active and hopeful through a long cold winter and also the current political climate. Here’s a short, curated list of simple ways to stay engaged.
- Five calls – “Turn your passive participation into active resistance.” scripts and suggestions for calling your government on the phone.
- Daily Action – a text a day with one thing you can do
- Don’t like phone calls? Here’s a simple how-to on how to follow through with those calls.
- Grab a Libraries Are For Everyone poster or graphic (free to use and share) and put it up in your library, especially if you have patrons who speak languages other than English
- Consider following the #vtpoli hashtag on Twitter to get a sense of the political issues facing our state
- Link to this clickable map to help people find their local elected representatives
- Make sure you’re signed up for the VTLIBRARIES mailing list (or others) and come say hello
Save the Date!
Please mark your calendars for the 2018 Vermont Library Association Conference May 18th 2018!
2018 VLA Graduate Scholarship Winner!
The VLA Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce that the 2018 VLA Graduate Student Scholarship has been awarded to Susan O’Connell of East Hardwick, VT.
Slides from the 2017 College & Special Libraries Fall Program are available!
Many thanks to our presenters!
Let’s Get Together: Projects, Strategies, and New Approaches that Worked (Or Didn’t!)
November 17, 2017
St. Michael’s College, Colchester, VT
Registration is Open!
Let’s Get Together: Projects, Strategies, and New Approaches That Worked (Or Didn’t!)
2017 VLA College & Special Libraries Section Fall Program
November 17, 2017
St. Michael’s College
Colchester, VT
2017 Annual Vermont Library Trustee and Friends Conference
Saturday, November 4th, Champlain College, Burlington
Brush up your knowledge, reinvigorate your board, network with VT Trustees and Friends, and walk away inspired and informed! Co-sponsored by the Vermont Library Association and the Vermont Department of Libraries. See the schedule on the Department of Libraries website.
Registration Deadline: 10/27
Registration Link: http://bit.ly/2hAKUDy
Cost: $45 VLA members, $50 non-VLA members
10% discount for 3 or more from the same library
VLA Statement on Clovis-Carver Public Library shooting
The VLA sends condolences and strength to those closely affected by the tragic violence at the Clovis-Carver Public Library in New Mexico, including the wounded, the families of the victims, library staff,the community, and our colleagues in the New Mexico Library Association.
Joy Worland, VLA President
ALA condemns racism and violence in Charlottesville
CHICAGO – Today American Library Association President Jim Neal released the following statement regarding the weekend’s tragic violence in Charlottesville, Virginia.
“The ALA expresses our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those lost and injured during this weekend’s protests in Charlottesville, Virginia. We will not forget their efforts to enlighten and safeguard their communities from bigotry while opposing racist, anti-immigrant, anti-GLBTQ, and anti-Semitic violence. We stand in solidarity with the people of Virginia as well as anyone who protests hate and fights for equity, diversity and inclusion.Read more→