Tag Archives: Vermont Department of Libraries

Civic Engagement, Voter Outreach, and Your Public Library

“We live in a democracy; it should never be dismissed as political when we empower, encourage, and enable participation in our democracy,” said Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas in the civic engagement and voter registration webinar co-hosted with the Vermont Department of Libraries.

The presentation provided guidelines and resources for voter outreach and civic engagement programming. “Civic engagement compliments the mission of the library, and centers the library as a community engaged center for civic engagement,” said Joy Worland, Vermont Department of Libraries Consultant for Continuing Education and Small and Rural Libraries. 

Everything libraries do must be nonpartisan. “You want to invite people in, not alienate people,” Worland said. “The library is for everyone.”

“Time and time again I am reminded how important libraries and librarians are to the social and civic fabric of our towns, and the critical role you play in helping people connect with information and resources,” Secretary of State Copeland Hanzas said.

For those who could not attend or who want to revisit the presentation, the webinar recording is available here: Civic Engagement, Voter Outreach, and Your Public Library

For ease of access, resources mentioned in the webinar are listed below. The Vermont Department of Libraries presentation slides are posted at the end of the list.

NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DAY RESOURCES (September 17, 2024)
National Voter Registration Day Website

National Voter Registration Day 2024 Social Media Toolkit

Hashtags: #NationalVoterRegistrationDay  #VoteReady

VERMONT SECRETARY OF STATE RESOURCES
Vermont Voter Registration Drive Information Flier

Vermont Voter Registration Drive “Your Voice, Your Vote” Request for Free Print Resources

Vermont’s My Voter Page, where people can check:
Voter registration status
Absentee ballot status
Mail-in application and ballot status
Poll location
Elected Officials
Registration information on file with the town office
Sample ballot for the upcoming election

Office of the Vermont Secretary of State Social Media Tookkit

Vermont Secretary of State Civics Program Resources

Office of the Secretary of State Social Media:
Instagram: @vtsecretaryofstate

Facebook: Vermont-Secretary-of-State

X (Formerly Twitter): @VermontSOS

Election Security in Vermont Video

ALA RESOURCES
Reader. Voter. Ready.

Libraries and Voter Engagement

2024 Election Collaboration Toolkit

Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC): Register Parents and Caregivers to Vote at Storytime

BOOK LISTS
Denver Public Library Voting Books for Adults

Denver Public Library Books on Voting for Teens

Social Justice Books: Voting Rights (Children, Youth, and Adults)

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS RESOURCES
Vote 411

VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARIES PRESENTATION SLIDES

 

Vermont Secretary of State Presentation Slides  presented by Robyn Palmer, Director of Civic and Voter Engagement.

Written and compiled by Susan Ujka Larson, MLIS (she/they), VLA Digital Communications Volunteer
Last update September 7, 2024

 

 

Vermont Libraries Receive American Library Association Disaster Relief Funds

Two Vermont libraries significantly damaged by flooding in July 2023 received money through the American Library Association (ALA) Disaster Relief Fund. Ainsworth Public Library in Williamstown and Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier each received a $2,200 grant to be used for repairs.

“Kellogg-Hubbard Library suffered nearly $1.5 million in damage from last July’s floods, with all of our mechanical systems destroyed,” said Dan Groberg, executive director of Kellogg-Hubbard.

Flood waters cover the ground around Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier, VT, on July 11, 2023.

Flood waters surround Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier, VT, on July 11, 2023. Photo provided by Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

Piles of trash outside Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier, VT, following destructive flooding in July 2023.

Piles of trash outside Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier, VT, following disastrous flooding in July 2023. Photo provided by Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

Ainsworth Public Library’s basement flooded. “In addition to our furnace, we lost about $25,000 in books, supplies, electronics, and furniture,” said director Sarah Snow. That amount does not include the cost of cleanup. “We had to hire professionals to remove everything from the basement because of hazardous materials there,” she said.

“The American Library Association promoted the needs of Vermont libraries through the ALA Disaster Relief Fund, and managed the many generous donations that came from all over the country,” said Vermont Library Association (VLA) vice president/president elect Mary Danko, director of Fletcher Free Library in Burlington.  VLA managed the administration of the grants.

“We are so grateful for the support of VLA and libraries across the United States in helping us restore and upgrade our historic building so that we can better serve our community and be more climate resilient,” said Groberg.

The American Library Association’s Disaster Relief Fund provides money 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 are still being accepted through the ALA Disaster Relief Fund web page. Please type “Vermont” in the tribute line.

Note: At the time of this writing, Vermont libraries are assessing flood damage caused by Hurricane Beryl’s remnants on July 10 and 11, 2024. The Vermont Department of Libraries is asking libraries impacted to report the level of damage using this online form:  https://forms.office.com/g/U1su9yeiGU

By Susan Larson, MLIS, VLA Digital Communications Volunteer  

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.

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

Library Communications Administrative Coordinator – Vermont Department of Libraries (Barre, VT)

Application Deadline Date:  09/07/2022
Req ID:  39383
Department:  Libraries
Location: Barre, VT, US
Position Type:  Permanent
Schedule Type:  Full Time
Hourly Rate:  $23.55

Overview

The Library Communications and Administrative Coordinator provides communications for the Department of Libraries and administrative coordination for the Library Advancement division. Typical public relations and communications work includes writing, website and desktop electronic publishing, graphic design, and other promotional activities for the Department. Administrative duties include event and program planning and coordination, materials processing, data tracking, program management, and general office management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Knowledge of the principles of effective communications
  • Applied knowledge of effective office management or administrative coordination
  • Knowledge of and the ability to use appropriate informational and social media channels
  • Knowledge of English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar and of writing and editing techniques
  • Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite, desktop publishing, web content management systems, and design platforms
  • Strong computer skills and the ability to learn and use new technologies
  • Ability to write, edit and design reports and other publications covering a wide range of subject matter within timetables and deadlines
    creatively and effectively
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, including with representatives of the media
  • Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure
  • Ability to speak effectively in public
  • Ability to attend meetings or perform other assignments at locations outside the office

Who May Apply

This position, Library Communications Administrative Coordinator (Job Requisition #39383), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact janette.shaffer@vermont.gov.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Environmental Factors

Duties are performed in an office setting. Must have valid driver’s license, available private transportation, or the ability to travel to a state fleet vehicle pickup location. Occasional weekend and evening duty may be anticipated. Certain promotional activities, required convention attendance, etc. may require occasional overnight stays away from home.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, advertising, English, or technical and business writing AND two (2) years or more of experience in communications, public or media relations, or marketing.

OR

Four (4) years or more of experience in communications, public or media relations, or marketing.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in office management or administrative support
  • Working knowledge of library practices, systems, and procedures
  • An understanding of library services and programming
  • Knowledge of children’s and youth literature

– Posted 9/1/22

VLAC21 Award Winners

Every year at the annual conference, the Vermont Library Association presents five awards for outstanding service to and support of the state’s libraries. This year, we did something a little different.  Rather than ask people to nominate for our usual awards, we invited them to name their own awards. The results were entertaining and heartfelt.

The winners were announced during the conference, “Emerging Energized,” held online May 25, 26, 27, and June 1 and 2.  You can watch the awards ceremony recording here.

And the winners are…Read more→