Tag Archives: Johnson Public Library

Four Vermont Libraries Share $90,000 WaterWheel Foundation Flood Relief Donation

The Vermont Library Association distributed a $90,000 donation from The WaterWheel Foundation Fund of the Vermont Community Foundation, to be used for Vermont libraries impacted by the July 2023 flooding. Ainsworth Public Library in Williamstown, Craftsbury Public Library in Craftsbury Common, Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier, and Johnson Public Library in Johnson have received funds.

“Libraries serve as information hubs, gathering spaces, and welcoming centers in towns, villages, and cities across our state,” said Margaret Woodruff, Vermont Library Association Government Relations and Advocacy chair. “The damage inflicted by the July 2023 storms and subsequent flooding affected entire communities beyond the building. It is a testament to the impacted libraries’ resiliency that the staff pivoted to continue to provide essential services to their communities with creativity and improvisation.”

The impacts of the catastrophic flooding in July 2023 were experienced in many Vermont communities and included the libraries. Public libraries suffered damage to their buildings and loss of resources. The rebuilding and repair process has been ongoing, but there is still more work to be done.

“This very generous donation from the WaterWheel Foundation Fund of the Vermont Community Foundation will allow the staff and boards of these libraries to plan and implement more permanent repairs and renovations and establish more resilient structures and practices for the future.” said Mary Danko, Vermont Library Association president.

The WaterWheel Foundation has been inspiring the Phish community to create positive change by funding nonprofit organizations and helping those in need since 1997. The Vermont Library Association (VLA) is an educational organization working to develop, promote, and improve library and information services and librarianship in the state of Vermont since 1893.

Vermont Library Association green and white logo, and American Library Association red, blue, and white logo.

ALA Donates $3,500 to Assist Vermont Libraries Damaged by Floods, Encourages More Donations

Catastrophic flooding in July 2023 impacted the state of Vermont, including many libraries. Seventeen public libraries suffered damage to their buildings and loss of resources. Thanks to support from American Library Association (ALA) members and other library supporters around the country, the ALA Disaster Relief Fund is sending $3,500 to the Vermont Library Association (VLA) to disburse to those libraries hardest hit and in need of financial assistance.

Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier, the state capitol, suffered major damage to infrastructure and was not open to the public for several months. Staff provided curbside pickup of library materials and provided internet access outside the building.

Johnson Public Library is providing library services from its temporary location in the Johnson Masonic Temple, while work on the library building continues. Post-flood building repairs at the Johnson Public Library building include heating, electrical, flooring, and insulation installation.

Water flooded the South Londonderry Free Library through both the roof and the basement during the storms. The library continued service to the public despite having on-going repairs.

“ALA thanks the Vermont Department of Libraries and the Vermont Library Association for their support and assistance to library staff and the communities they serve,” said Michael Dowling, director of the ALA Chapter Relations Office, in a press release.

The American Library Association’s Disaster Relief Fund provides monies to libraries in the U.S. and around the world that have been damaged or destroyed due to natural or man-made disasters. Donations to Vermont libraries can be made on the ALA Disaster Relief Fund web page. Please type “Vermont” in the tribute line.

The American Library Association is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services.