The Vermont Library Association Executive Board would like to commend Vermont Libraries for showing leadership in their communities by making the decisions to close to the public during this difficult time, while encouraging others to take this action if they have not already done so, until such a time when library workers and our communities are no longer at risk of contracting or spreading the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Closing library doors is different than how libraries typically serve our communities in times of crisis and emergency; however, we recognize that this circumstance requires us to consider the safety and well-being of library workers and the communities we serve in new an unprecedented ways to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
VLA Executive Board would like to encourage libraries to continue doing what they can to serve their communities in whatever capacity they are able, while maintaining safe practices and make decisions based on latest guidelines, reliable information and data. This includes, but it not limited to: offering WiFi hotspots, controlling social distance, controlling how best to quarantine and clean materials, looking into and promoting digital services, and using technology and social media creatively to bring people together.
In this challenging and uncertain time, we hope you will continue to communicate with and inform your communities about what local libraries are able to offer.
VLA Executive Board supports the statements from the American Library Association (ALA) Executive Board in support of libraries and library workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic and from the New England Library Association.
http://nelib.org/nela-public-
VLA will work with the Vermont Department of Libraries to help advocate for the needs of VT Libraries, and for getting information to Libraries as updates are made available.
Be Safe, Stay Well, Take Care of Yourselves,
VLA Executive Board
Amy Olsen, President
Kevin Unrath, Vice President
Cindy Weber, Past President
Marie Schmukal, Secretary
Susan Smolinsky, Treasurer