Sustainable Libraries Initiative Membership Free to VLA Members

Vermont Library Association (VLA) members are eligible for one year’s free membership in the Sustainable Libraries Initiative, thanks to a memorandum of understanding between the two organizations. VLA Government Relations & Advocacy Committee Chair Margaret Woodruff says the membership includes free access to programming and a 20 percent discount for the Sustainable Libraries Certification Program (SLCP).

To receive your free membership:

1 – Visit the Sustainable Libraries Initiative Vermont Library Association Membership page.

2 – Choose your membership type and complete the form.

3 – At the “How did you hear about us?” prompt select “Other,” and then enter your VLA membership number in the notes field to waive the membership fee.

For information about the 20 percent discount for the Sustainable Libraries Certification Program, email sliadmin@suffolknet.org

Upcoming Webinars:

Introduction to the Sustainable Libraries Initiative
Monday, Sept. 8, at 2 p.m. EST

Learn about the exclusive tools, resources, and methodologies that help library leaders be more authentic and focused in their decision making, resource use, service and program design, and partnerships to align with the triple bottom line of sustainability: environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic feasibility.

Registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/txVlzYh7Qh-BfF48erPpJQ

Introduction to the Sustainable Library Certification Program (SLCP)
Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 10 a.m. EST

Did you know you have a 20 percent discount on our award-winning Sustainable Library Certification Program? Join our webinar to learn about the features and benefits of becoming an SLCP member and how to get the most out of your membership, and explore what it means to become a certified library.

Registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/icoZCgCuRMO2_-PtdT1ytA

Plan Today, Protect Tomorrow: Libraries as Cooling Centers
Thursday, Sept. 25, at 2 p.m. EST

As extreme heat events become more frequent, libraries are exploring their role in supporting community members seeking relief. This session will begin with a brief overview of what it means to serve as a “cooling center.” Jared Ulmer, Climate & Health Program Manager at the Vermont Department of Health, will share insights on the changing risks of extreme heat, who is most vulnerable, and common challenges libraries may face when engaging in this work. Laura Smith, Collection Development Librarian at Harris County Public Library in Houston, Texas, will offer a library perspective, highlighting practical ways libraries can respond to their community’s needs during heat events.

Registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/kmzltXJORtuQAQDkFBvYQg

The Sustainable Libraries Initiative empowers library leaders to advance environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically feasible practices to intentionally address climate change and co-create thriving communities.

VLA Professional Development Grant Application Open

The Vermont Library Association’s Scholarship and Awards Committee is accepting applications for the spring round of their professional development grant. Up to $250 is available to attend a workshop, a conference, or a continuing education course. The deadline for applications is Monday, May 1, 2023, with the awardee notified by June 1.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be an active VLA member;
• Live in Vermont and/or work in a Vermont library; and
• Not have received a scholarship from VLA in the past two years.

For complete details and to apply, visit the VLA Professional Development Grant webpage.

If you have additional questions, contact one of the Scholarship and Awards Committee co-chairs:
Pamela Cartier at clic@vermontlaw.edu

Mary Danko at mdanko@burlingtonvt.gov

VLA statement regarding VTSU library closures

The Vermont Library Association (VLA), representing more than 300 librarians, library staff, and trustees in public, school, academic, and corporate libraries, is calling on the leadership of the Vermont State University (VTSU) to reverse their decision to close the physical libraries on its campuses.

The move to “all-digital” libraries announced on February 8 will hurt students, faculty, staff, and the rural communities in which the VTSU campuses are located.

The students of the VTSU deserve access to robust library collections and services. This includes face-to-face and online services, such as reference and course support, and collections in digital and print formats.Read more→

2023 VLA Award Nominations Open

There are so many excellent librarians and trustees in Vermont that it is hard to single out just one of each annually, but there are always ones who are extraordinary and deserved to be recognized statewide. Now is the time to nominate those deserving colleagues. Winners will be recognized and awarded at the VLA Conference on Monday, April 3, 2023.

To place a person in nomination for any award, please send the nominee’s name, the name of their library, a letter or letters explaining why this person should receive the award, along with your name, library, telephone number, and e-mail address, Send this information to VLA Awards Committee co-chair mdanko[at]burlingtonvt.gov.

Nominations that include a few letters that present a well-rounded picture of the candidate are preferred to a single letter, or many letters that all say similar things. If a nomination is made by more than one person, please designate one signatory as the contact person. Nominations are due by Wednesday, March 1, 2023.Read more→

VLA/VSLA Joint Conference Call for Proposals

Let’s celebrate! The Vermont Library Association (VLA) and the Vermont School Library Association (VSLA) are pleased to announce their joint sponsorship of a one-day conference in 2023, and we need YOU!

We are seeking presenters for:

“Be the Place: Libraries Are For Everyone!”

The conference will be held at Doubletree by Hilton in South Burlington on Monday, April 3, 2023. Proposals are due by Friday, Jan. 13, 2023.

We are looking for presenters for a wide variety of sessions.