Librarians from around Vermont gathered in Addison County on September 30 to tour four public libraries. “Last spring’s Vermont Library Association (VLA) library tour in the Northeast Kingdom was so much fun, we decided to do it again, this time in Addison County (mostly),” said Susan O’Connell, president of VLA’s Public Library Section and director of Craftsbury Public Library.
The group visited Starksboro Public Library in Starksboro Common, Russell Memorial Library in North Ferrisburgh, Bixby Memorial Free Library in Vergennes, and Charlotte Public Library (in Chittendon County). Two of the libraries recently underwent expansion, one created a new teen space in an alcove, and two others have expanded their digital outreach to their communities.
Starksboro Public Library Director Catherine Goldsmith (far right) talks about the history of the library to tour participants.
Tour participants in Russell Memorial Library’s new building, which opened in October 2021.
Bixby Memorial Free Library Director Catherine Hays (center) greets VLA tour participants on the steps of the library in Vergennes.
The Vermont Library Association’s Public Libraries Section strives to extend the ability of libraries to provide equal access to and availability of literary and cultural resources by providing tools and resources to librarians. The section supports librarianship in the state through educational and social events.
