Vermont Department of Libraries

01/27/2025

Enhanced by historical photos, this Rutland Herald article by Joanna Tebbs Young shares the history of women-led and funded traveling libraries in Vermont, and the subsequent expansion of libraries serving our communities. “…versions of the early 20th-century traveling libraries — such as interlibrary loan that utilize a highly efficient courier service provided by the state, and free reading apps such as Libby and Palace — continue to fulfill the vision of the women of the Library Commission and Federation of Women’s Clubs first crusaded over a century ago.”

Author’s note: This column is dedicated to a dear librarian friend and lover of history who believed, to her last breath, everyone has a right to read and who did

01/24/2025

Along with Rutland Mayor Michael, Vermont State Librarian & Commissioner of Libraries Catherine Delneo was the guest at the “Lunch with the Library” event in Rutland this week. She spoke on what makes a successful library: “’Everything you’re doing in the library relies on there being a safe and a friendly, welcoming environment,’ she said. ‘You’re using a library not just as a place to learn and share, but to connect with your community.’”

Rutland Free Library Director Randal Smathers said Wednesday that he does not believe 10 Court St. can be made to function as a modern library.

01/22/2025

Check out this free college and career planning event from our friends at Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) on Saturday, March 8th. Find out more and register:

Free events for students & parents on the college search, application process, and financial aid, plus career paths for trades, apprenticeships, and certificate programs.

01/21/2025

Our ❄️January newsletter❄️️ features information about the Department’s new legislative report, “The More Books the Better? Expanding Access to Early Childhood Literacy Resources.” It also explores the link between public libraries and well-being, features a retrospective on summer programs from libraries around the state, and highlights a Vermont dance-tested guidebook. Read it here: https://vtlib.libconnect.com/public/browserview/me22426b

[Image of two ice crystals, Department logo, January newsletter title with a warm hat]

01/09/2025

Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas just announced the upcoming release of Vermont’s first-ever Civic Health Index, a report measuring how civically engaged Vermonters are across the state and in relation to the rest of the country. Secretary Copeland Hanzas will moderate community conversations hosted by public libraries around the state, providing an opportunity to learn more about the report, offer feedback, and help prioritize next steps. Those evening events, from 5:30-7:30pm, will kick off with the official report release on 1/15/25 at the Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro. Subsequent stops include the South Burlington Public Library on 1/23/25, the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum on 2/5/25, the Aldrich Public Library in Barre on 2/13/25, and the Rutland Free Library on 2/26/25. A virtual morning session will take place 1/22/25 from 10-11:30am. All events are open to the public, and anyone can register to attend at this link:
https://tinyurl.com/CivicHealthVT

[Event invitation language and logos for Vermont Secretary of State’s Office, and project partners National Conference on Citizenship, Center for Rural Studies at UVM, SerVermont, Vermont Humanities, and Up for Learning]

01/06/2025

The long-running Memorable Times Café program, a partnership event with the Department's ABLE library and lead by Central Vermont Council on Aging, will be hitting the road in 2025, traveling to area communities to introduce this free service to Vermonters living with dementia at any stage – with or without official diagnosis – along with family members, friends and professional caregivers. On Wednesday, January 15th, the Café’s "Winter Social" takes place at the Montpelier Senior Activity Center from 1:30 to 3:00pm with live music, refreshments, and resources for caregivers. Future Cafés will be held in Lamoille and Orange County. For more information about these in-events and the weekly Memorable Times Online Cafés, please visit https://cvcoa.org/support-groups or call CVCOA’s Helpline at (802) 477-1364.

[Memorable Times Café heading with musical notes on a staff with treble clef, coffee sign post, logos of Central Vermont Council on Aging and of ABLE library]

12/31/2024

Distributed by the Vermont Library Association, The WaterWheel Foundation, established by Vermont’s own Phish, donated $90,000 to libraries still impacted by July 2023 floods. The funds can be used for repair and inventory expenses, among other needs, for the following libraries: Ainsworth Public Library in Williamstown, Craftsbury Public Library, Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier, and Johnson Public Library.

Four Vermont libraries hit hard by last summer's flooding will share $90,000 from Phish's WaterWheel Foundation to help with repairs.

12/23/2024

Please save the date: Tuesday, 2/4/25 from 1:00-2:30pm for the "Library Greenscapes: Cultivating Climate Resilience, Community, and Learning Outdoors" webinar presented by the Northeast Summit on Climate Adaptation for Library Facilities. Learn from MA landscape architect Lisa Giersbach’s keynote, and from VT, MA, and MD librarian panelists who have transformed their library's exterior landscapes. Watch for event details and a registration link.

Primary tabs Upcoming List Month Week Day Feb 4 2025 Tue Tuesday, February 4, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm Remind Me Add To My Calendar Print Share Program Type: Webinars Audience: Everyone Program Description Event Details *Save the Date*The Northeast Summit on Climate Adaptation for Library Facilities, wh...

12/16/2024

Tomorrow (12/17/24) Assistant Librarian for Information & Access Tom McMurdo and Library Consultant for Continuing Education and Small & Rural Libraries Joy Worland join state leadership and staff in Orange County for the Governor’s tour. Among the library visits Tom and Joy will make are: 2:00 – 2:45pm: Brookfield Free Library; 3:00 – 3:45pm: Ainsworth Public Library; and 4:00 – 4:30pm: Calef Memorial Library.

[Winter image of a sunset over a river, Capital for a Day Orange County, December 17 2024]

12/11/2024

The December edition of our newsletter features: a profile of new ABLE Library staffer Daniel Kelly; inspiring sources for your next great read; our grants for library summer reading programs; details of our new program to facilitate professional networks of public librarian; a unique collection of antique Vermont event invitations; and much more:
https://vtlib.libconnect.com/public/browserview/me39ada8

[Photo of 2 mugs of cocoa with marshmallows before a fire, department logo, December newsletter header]

12/03/2024

Though it’s a frosty day, we’re thinking warm thoughts as we launch statewide Library Summer Programming grants! Each year, the Department distributes grant money to public libraries through the Elva S. Smith Trust to support community programs and performances for youth and families during the summer.
https://libraries.vermont.gov/services/grants-public-libraries/summer-programming-grants

11/22/2024

🙌 Erica Heilman, Rumble Strip podcast producer and Vermont Public correspondent, created this 6ish minute “conversation about the variety of people who frequent our libraries, and their role in civic society” 🙌

A conversation about the variety of people who frequent our libraries, and their role in civic society.