Tag Archives: American Rescue Plan Act

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

 

 

 

 

Vermont Library Association Statement of Support for ALA

The Vermont Library Association (VLA) affirms its support for the American Library Association (ALA), a nonpartisan, nonprofit membership organization that develops, promotes, and improves library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.

The American Library Association has a representative in Vermont, Chapter Councilor Jessamyn West, who has served in this position since 2020.

The ALA:

  • Promotes the Library Bill of Rights, affirming that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and Freedom to Read, affirming Americans can make their own decisions about what they read and believe.
  • Supports First Amendment rights to free speech, thought, and opinion;
  • Is composed of and serves people of all demographics and ideologies;
  • Is not a governing body and has no authority over the governance of Vermont libraries, which have a wide range of organizing structures;
  • Is governed by a council and executive board elected by the membership, including a representative from the Vermont Library Association;
  • Provides information about library best practices to its membership, and creates public relations campaigns that promote library services;
  • Offers professional development, publications, and conferences to its membership.

ALA is an effective advocate for funding from the federal government through the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ (IMLS) grants to states. Through ALA’s efforts with its members and allies, including the Chief Officers of State Library Associations, IMLS has increased its base funding nationally. The Vermont Department of Libraries has seen an increase of $326,077 or 26% from 2019 to 2023, to $1,247,111 annually.

During the pandemic years, ALA pushed for further support for libraries across the country. The Vermont Department of Libraries received additional critical dollars, $56,384 from the CARES Act and $2,135,819 from the American Rescue Plan Act.

ALA is the second-largest grant funder to libraries. Since 2021, ALA has awarded 44 libraries in Vermont a total of $276,000 for digital training workshops, bolstering technology in small and rural libraries, STEM resources, and other professional development and resources to help libraries better serve the needs of their communities.

The Vermont Library Association Executive Board
September 2023
Contact:
Oceana Wilson (she, her)
VLA President
president@vermontlibraries.org