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:
1.) Midstate Regional Library (Berlin)
May 1, 2009: last day of service for the general public
June 26, 2009: last day open to school and public libraries
Beginning today, all materials borrowed by school and public libraries will be due back to the Midstate Regional Library by June 26, 2009.
School and public librarians may use the Midstate Library May 1 – June 26, 2009 by appointment only on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The Library will be closed to all on Mondays and Tuesdays, beginning May 4.
We will continue to provide interlibrary loan service from the collection for the time being. We are currently revising collection development policies and making decisions about the future of the Midstate book collection. Once decisions have been made about the book collection I will send out further notice.
Services at the Special Services Unit (Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped: “talking books†and large print books) will remain unchanged and open to the public and to libraries.
The Department of Libraries will retain the Midstate building and will continue to use the facility for meetings and continuing education/workshops.
2.) Northeast Regional Library (NERL) (St. Johnsbury)
May 4, 2009: last day that the general public can submit interlibrary loan requests at the Northeast Regional Library.
June 5, 2009: last day of service for the general public. All materials will be due back to NERL by June 19, 2009. After June 5, books may be returned via the outdoor book drop.
Members of the public will be referred to their local public libraries for interlibrary loan and other library services.
Service to school and public libraries will continue after June 5 until further notice, but by appointment only. We will issue a schedule for librarians by mid-May.
I know that these closings will have a significant negative impact for the libraries that rely on regional library services. I also know that the Vermont citizens who now use these libraries – or who use regional library collections at their local public and school libraries — will be denied direct access to the wide range of materials that they now enjoy. Please know that I deeply regret this action. I have made these decisions after careful consideration and extensive discussions with other DOL staff.
I know that many of you will have questions or will want to voice your opinions. Please forward questions and comments to me.
Marty
____________________________
Martha Reid
State Librarian
Vermont Department of Libraries
109 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05609-0601
Tel: (802) 828-3265
Fax: (802) 828-2199
martha.reid@mail.dol.state.vt.us