Registration is open for Teen Lit Mob 2022, a virtual event (with regional, in-person viewing parties) on Friday, May 6th, from 9:00am-2:30pm!

Please register yourselves and ask your students to register themselves so that we can get accurate numbers: *Registration Form Link*

Teen Lit Mob is only open to Vermont teens - age thirteen through high school - and participating Vermont librarians and authors.

While the presenters will be joining us virtually, and we'll all be watching and participating on screens large and small, there will be a multi-school watch party option at a few schools around the state. If you would like to be a host for the watch party option, please indicate your interest on the registration form and reach out to your regional neighbors.

This year’s program includes: Keynote by National Book Award Finalist and Margaret A. Edwards Award winner Kekla Magoon, author of Revolution in Our Time, How It Went Down, and The Season of Styx Malone; writing workshops with Kekla, Printz Medalist and National Book Award Finalist An Na, author of A Step From Heaven and The Place Between Breaths, New York Times Bestseller Chris Tebbetts, author of Me, Myself, and Him and M of F (with Lisa Papademetriou), International Latino Book Award winner Ann Dávila Cardinal, author of Five Midnights and Category Five, and Vermont Book Award finalist Jo Knowles, author of Read Between the Lines and Living with Jackie Chan; and an illustration workshop with comic artist James Kolchalka of American Elf fame.

Teen Lit Mob aims to connect teen readers and creators to authors and illustrators; connect teen readers and creators to each other; represent, honor, and affirm underrepresented voices and identities; celebrate and encourage reading and creating for pleasure; and promote the Green Mountain Book Award, Vermont's teen-choice book award.

Questions? Email Youth Services Consultant Jonathan Clark (jonathan.l.clark@vermont.gov).

Promotion:

• Teen Lit Mob 2022 Graphic for Social Media (JPG)
• Teen Lit Mob 2022 Poster (PNG) (PDF)

Return to GMBA Page

Vermont/New England Contests

• The Vermont Holocaust Memorial Annual Student Contest

Ages 9-18

Cash prizes, 1st place $100, 2nd place $75, and 3rd place $50, will be awarded to the top three submissions in each of the following age groups: ages 16-18, ages 13-15, ages 9-12

Deadline is March 7, 2022

Link: https://www.holocaustmemorial-vt.org/20212022-student-contest

Description and more information: The Vermont Holocaust Memorial asks students to reflect on the following prompt using poetry, prose, art or film to answer the question: How does the story of one Holocaust survivor inspire you or give you hope in the face of today’s challenges? Cash prizes will be awarded.

• Growing Works of Art Contest

Grades 1-8

Entries due March 11, 2022

Link: https://vtcommunityforestry.org/celebrate/arbor-day/growing-works-art-contest-grades-1-8

Description and additional information: Growing Works of Art is an arts and writing contest for students in grades 1-8. This contest is hosted in partnership with UVM Extension and the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, & Recreation. This year’s theme Share your TREE-mendous Story! celebrates the connections we share with trees by creating a work of art and written story that showcases a meaningful experience or memory enjoyed because of the trees in our lives. Students will write a short story (one to three paragraphs) and create art illustrating their chosen tree. There is also a supporting activity guide for instructors and parents: https://vtcommunityforestry.org/sites/default/files/pictures/growingworksofartactivityguide2022.pdf  Contest entries can be submitted via mail or email (new this year). All entries must include an entry form.

Entries can by mailed to:

Rebecca Roy
1 National Life Drive, Davis 2
Montpelier, VT 05620-3801

Or email entries (link to a folder or scanned document) to: Rebecca.roy@vermont.gov.

• Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest

Ages 11-18

Deadline: June 13

Description & additional information: Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs 11th Annual Ocean Awareness Contest is open to youth 11-18 nationwide & worldwide. The 2022 Ocean Awareness Contest -THE FUNNY THING ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE—challenges students to learn about climate change and its impact on the ocean, and to explore new ways to communicate the urgency of the climate crisis. There are multiple categories and cash prizes up to $1,500. The deadline is June 13th for the contest. 

National Contest

• Northwind Storytelling Contest

Macmillan Children's Publishing Group invites storytellers ages 10–14 to continue the adventure of literary legend Gary Paulsen's final novel, the New York Times bestseller Northwind. Entries for the Northwind Storytelling Contest are open February 4th through April 4th, 2022. Find more information online at: http://click.mail.macmillan.com/?qs=664fe0828488c7b6bcb33382e403636b3c854257993d5430cd131a191d8a5b685f414dd1bbc4623b186ff3c8b48ad3168e839cea31b5ed25

For Immediate Release

02/01/2022

Contact

Tom McMurdo, Interim State Librarian/Commissioner of Libraries

(802) 622-4012, thomas.mcmurdo@vermont.gov

The Vermont Department of Libraries (VTLIB) is pleased to announce agreements with two eBook and eAudiobook content providers, LYRASIS and Baker & Taylor. Both vendors provide a huge range of eContent from a wide variety of publishers. VTLIB contracted with LYRASIS to provide free access to their Palace app to all Vermonters through their local public libraries. The Palace app aggregates eBook and eAudiobook content from multiple vendors into a single interface, increasing access, ease of use, and appeal.  

Palace will launch with a large collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks already in place. The Palace app will access content from Baker & Taylor as well as from Listen Up Vermont! (LUV), the statewide eBook and eAudiobook platform administered by the Green Mountain Library Consortium (GMLC). “We are excited about this effort to simplify eBook and eAudiobook access across multiple collections. It improves the ability of GMLC, the Department of Libraries, and individual public libraries to efficiently share resources in our continued work to meet Vermonters' digital needs” says Wendy Hysko, President of GMLC. “We are pleased to partner on this effort.” 

The contracts with LYRASIS and Baker & Taylor provide public libraries in Vermont more options for purchasing eContent, increasing access to content from different publishers at competitive prices. By providing a more robust marketplace for libraries from which to purchase content, as well as an app allowing patrons to access content across vendors seamlessly, Vermonters will have easy access to not only the latest and greatest bestsellers, but a robust electronic library of children’s, youth, classics, and general interest titles. Current users of eBook and eAudiobooks will find more of what they want and those who have not yet explored this medium should find something that interests them and with instant access. 

Building on the diligent work done by the Green Mountain Library Consortium over the last decade, the Department of Libraries is eager to take the next step in the evolution of access to eBooks and eAudiobooks in Vermont. Expect to see this rollout in Vermont communities over the next several months into summer 2022.  

This project is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Vermont Department of Libraries.

Funded by a $5 million investment from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, The Palace Project is a division of LYRASIS working in strategic partnership with Digital Public Library of America (DPLA).

About the Vermont Department of Libraries

The Vermont Department of Libraries—housed within the Vermont Agency of Administration—supports Vermont libraries as they work to ensure access to quality information for their patrons. To learn more, visit libraries.vermont.gov and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

About IMLS

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's approximately 120,000 libraries and 35,000 museums and related organizations. The agency’s mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Its grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit http://www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Vermont libraries that receive grant monies from VTLIB/IMLS must acknowledge this funding in any communications relating to programs, items, etc. purchased/funded by these monies.

• VTLIB & IMLS Logos (Google Drive)
  • VTLIB Logos
  • IMLS Logos
  • VTLIB/IMLS Attribution Text
    • This text should be used to acknowledge programming/items funded by ARPA/CARES grants, courier grants, and technology grants.
      • "This program is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal agency, through the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Vermont Department of Libraries."
  • IMLS Standards Guide (in IMLS Logos folder)
• Please tag VTLIB & IMLS when posting about grant-funded programs/projects/items on social media.
  • VTLIB Facebook: @VermontLib
  • VTLIB Instagram: @vermontdeptlib
  • IMLS Facebook: @USIMLS
  • IMLS Twitter: @US_IMLS

For more information, consult the IMLS Grantee Communication Kit or contact LSTA Coordinator Janette Shaffer (janette.shaffer@vermont.gov).

Cathy's Interview with Vermont Public Radio

***

From a press release from the Office of Governor Phil Scott:

Catherine Delneo, state librarian

Delneo brings more than 25 years of experience in library services to the role of state librarian, most recently serving as a chief of branches at the San Francisco Public Library, leading a team of more than 400 staff.

“Cathy will bring a breadth of experience and a lot passion to the role of state librarian,” said Governor Scott. “We look forward to welcoming her back to her home state, where I’m confident she’ll continue to do great work, supporting our communities.”

“Libraries are essential in giving citizens access to knowledge, especially now,” said Administration Secretary Clouser. “I am so excited that Cathy will join us in Vermont and continue to expand access to knowledge and opportunities for all Vermonters in her new role.”

Catherine began her career at the Somerset County Library System in Bridgewater, New Jersey, where she provided library services to children and teens for many years before becoming the training coordinator for the system. In 2006, Delneo moved to San Francisco, California, where she served as branch manager of the Park Branch Library in the Haight Ashbury neighborhood. She served in this role continuously until 2012, when she became the assistant chief of the Main Library. In 2015 Catherine became chief of branches.

“I am so impressed with the services and resources that are being provided by Vermont’s libraries and am deeply honored to have been chosen to serve as Vermont’s next state librarian,” said Delneo. “I was born and raised in Chittenden County and am thrilled by this opportunity to return to my home state to support the continued success of Vermont’s libraries, and I look forward to this opportunity to work with the dedicated individuals who provide library services to Vermonters every day.”

Delneo holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Vassar College and a Master of Library and Information Science from Rutgers University.

Delneo will begin her new role on February 13, 2022.

The Winter Reading Challenge: Read for a Better World (All Ages) is available for pre-registration now on the Vermont libraries Beanstack page at https://vermont.beanstack.org/. The challenge starts January 1, 2022 and ends January 31. This challenge is available for free to all Vermonters and could be a simple way for public libraries to engage readers this January!

Readers of all ages are encouraged to read for at least 20 minutes a day and log their minutes using the Beanstack website or the mobile app. Participants can read books of their choosing, log minutes, participate in simple activities, and earn digital badges. Participants are encouraged to explore diversity, empathy, and action through literature by choosing books and stories from an array of diverse authors and topics.

There are many places readers can find lists of diverse books. One good place to start is We Need Diverse Books, which has compiled a list of sites that offer recommendations for diverse titles. There are also many fantastic diverse titles included in the Vermont youth book awards current and past nominee lists.

As a reminder, anyone who has created a Beanstack account in past will not need to create a new account and will just need to register for the challenge. If they do not have an account they will need to create one before they are able to register. There are instructions on the Beanstack landing page for logging-in and creating accounts.

You can find art, promotional/marketing materials for Winter Reading 2022 here: WRC2022 Editable Assets - Libraries.zip.

If you are new to Beanstack or looking for a refresher, check out the Beanstack info sheet for admin and user login instructions, and our Beanstack info page for support links, video tutorials, and recordings of previous trainings.

Feel free to reach out to Jonathan Clark if you have any questions.

Back to VTLIB Beanstack main page.

The Vermont Book Award, created in 2015, is an annual prize for outstanding literature by a Vermont author. It is awarded through a partnership between Vermont Humanities, the Vermont College of Fine Arts, and the Vermont Department of Libraries.

Vermont Book Awards: A Celebration of Vermont Writers

Vermont Book Award winners will be revealed at a celebration on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 7:00pm at Vermont College of Fine Arts in Montpelier. Join Vermont authors, librarians, and friends of literature for this special dessert and cocktail reception featuring the announcement of this year's winners in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and children’s literature. The annual prize is supported by a partnership between Vermont Humanities, Vermont Department of Libraries, and Vermont College of Fine Arts with additional support from Phoenix Books and the Vermont Arts Council. 

Purchase VBA Celebration Tickets

Finalists for the 2023 Award:

Creative Nonfiction

• Brad Kessler for Deep North: Stories of Somali Resettlement in Vermont
• Mary Ruefle for The Book
• Jeff Sharlet for The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War

Fiction

• J. Vanessa Lyon for Lush Lives
• Genevieve Plunkett for In the Lobby of the Dream Hotel
• Sandra Simonds for Assia

Poetry

• Michael Dumanis for Creature
• Vievee Francis for The Shared World
• Leslie Sainz for Have You Been Long Enough at Table
• Ellen Bryant Voigt for Collected Poems

Children’s Literature

• Kekla Magoon for The Minus-One Club (young adult novel)
• M.T. Anderson for Elf Dog and Owl Head (middle grade novel)
• Kenneth M. Cadow for Gather (young adult novel)
• Dan Nott for Hidden Systems (graphic literature)

Nominations will open for books of excellent literary merit published by Vermont authors in 2024 later this year. To be eligible, the author must live in Vermont more than half the year. Self-published books are not eligible. Books are initially nominated by booksellers of Vermont, Vermont librarians, and by publishers anywhere. Nominations open to the general Vermont public later in the year. Nominated books are read by a team of judges looking for literary excellence as they pick finalists and then winners. 

2022 Vermont Book Award Celebration

On Saturday, May 6, 2023, the Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA), Vermont Humanities, and Vermont Department of Libraries hosted the 2022 Vermont Book Award celebration. About 120 Vermont authors, book sellers, librarians, and friends of literature attended the dessert reception at VCFA’s Alumnx Hall.

“In a country that suffers from loneliness, books are often life affirming companions,” Leslie Ward, president of Vermont College of Fine Arts, said in her welcoming remarks at the celebration. “We gather tonight to celebrate the writers of our great state because we owe them our deepest gratitude for the work they do and the gifts they offer to us. And because community is what sustains writers,” Ward said.

The previous year’s Vermont Book Award winners — Alison Bechdel, Melanie Finn, and Shanta Lee Gander — and author M.T. Anderson announced the winners. A panel of judges composed of writers, readers, editors, librarians and booksellers of Vermont chose the winners from among 14 finalists.

The 2022 Vermont Book Award winners were:

• for Children's Literature: Zoë Tilley Poster for The Night Wild
• for Creative Non-Fiction: Kathryn Davis for Aurelia Aurelia
• for Fiction: Caren Beilin for Revenge of the Scapegoat
• for Poetry: Bianca Stone for What Is Otherwise Infinite

Vermont Book Award 2022 Press Release

The 2022 Vermont Book Award finalists were:

Creative Nonfiction

· Nancy Marie Brown for Looking for the Hidden Folk: How Iceland's Elves Can Save the Earth
· Kathryn Davis for Aurelia, Aurélia
· Peter Orner for Still No Word from You: Notes in the Margin

Fiction

· Caren Beilin for Revenge of the Scapegoat
· Ann Dávila Cardinal for The Storyteller’s Death
· Louise Glück for Marigold and Rose
· Erin Stalcup for Keen

Poetry

· Rage Hezekiah for Yearn
· Carol Potter for What Happens Next Is Anyone's Guess
· Bianca Stone for What Is Otherwise Infinite

Children’s Literature

· Margot Harrison for We Made it All Up (young adult)
· Jo Knowles for Meant to Be (middle grade)
· Zoë Tilley Poster for The Night Wild (picture book)
· Leda Schubert for Firsts and Lasts: The Changing Seasons (picture book)

Vermont Book Award FAQ

• What is the Vermont Book Award?

Established in 2015 by Vermont College of Fine Arts, the Vermont Book Award is a literary prize that honors work of outstanding literary merit by Vermont authors and celebrates the long tradition of literature in the state.

• What books are eligible?

In order to be eligible for the award, a book must be written by a Vermont writer and published between January 1 and December 31 of the year prior to the award (books published in 2023 will be considered for this year's award.) A “Vermont writer” is a writer who lives in Vermont for at least half the year. Self-published books are not eligible for the Book Award, nor are books written by staff of VCFA, the Vermont Department of Libraries, and Vermont Humanities. Anthologies containing work written by multiple authors are also not eligible.

• Who nominates books?

A committee of librarians and independent booksellers of Vermont nominates books in three categories: Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry, and Children's Literature. Graphic literature should also be entered into the appropriate category; for example, a graphic memoir should be entered as Creative Nonfiction.

• Who are the judges?

Each year, the Vermont Book Award leadership team selects a panel of judges made up of Vermont writers, teachers, librarians, and passionate supporters of literature in Vermont. Staff members and trustees of leadership team organizations are not included in this independent panel of judges.

• How are the finalists and the winner chosen?

A committee of librarians and independent booksellers of Vermont nominates books in four categories: Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry, and Children's Literature. 

• What does the award entail?

The Winners of the Vermont Book Award receive a prize of $1,000. The winners are announced at a celebration hosted by Vermont Humanities in the spring.

• Where can a list of previous year's finalists and winners be found?

Find a listing of all Vermont Book Award finalists and winners on the Vermont College of Fine Arts awards celebration page. 

For More Information

Please contact Miciah Gault (miciah.gault@vcfa.edu) Vermont Book Awards Coordinator with any questions regarding the Award.

For Immediate Release
7/23/2021

Contact
Janette Shaffer, Assistant State Librarian for Library Advancement
802-249-7889, janette.shaffer@vermont.gov

Vermont Department of Libraries Awarded Over $2M in American Rescue Plan Act Funding by the Institute of Museum and Library Services

Barre, Vt.—The Vermont Department of Libraries was awarded $2,135,819 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to help Vermont communities respond directly and immediately to the pandemic and related economic and community needs.

IMLS continues to prioritize digital inclusion and emergency pandemic response, much as it did when it issued CARES Act 2020 funding. The Vermont Department of Libraries received nearly $60,000 in CARES funding that it used to expand statewide access to resources and for bulk Personal Protective Equipment purchases that were distributed to Vermont public and academic libraries.

This round of IMLS funding gives the country’s libraries an opportunity to improve technology access and connectivity to support the education, health, and workforce development needs in their communities. The funding is also meant to help libraries update spaces and equipment for safe operations and expand programming possibilities, with the overall goal of improving and increasing services.

With an initial grant period opening in early July, the Department of Libraries is leading the way to get federal funds out to Vermont public libraries as quickly as possible. The Department will make nearly $1 million of this ARPA funding available to all 185 public libraries in Vermont as “ARPA Grants to Public Libraries for Equipment and Supply Purchases.” These funds will go directly to public libraries to respond to needs resulting from the pandemic. The Department is granting funds based on a formula that uses poverty rates, access to broadband, and unemployment data to determine allocation amounts. This approach allows limited funds to be leveraged to their best advantage by targeting communities most affected by COVID-19.

"Libraries are vital to community and workforce development. In the past 18 months, our public libraries responded to the pandemic by connecting Vermonters to rent assistance and unemployment, COVID mitigation, and mental and physical health resources. Vermont's libraries remain an important part of this effort," said Secretary of the Agency of Administration Susanne Young. "This grant will strengthen their ability to continue to support the state's pandemic recovery and will keep them at the center of civic life."

“During the pandemic, the state’s public libraries proved, once again, to be an invaluable resource. Library staff met this crisis with ingenuity, recognizing the importance of reliable access, and doing everything possible to provide it,” said State Librarian Jason Broughton. “The level of IMLS ARPA funding the Vermont Department of Libraries is able to pass onto public libraries is unprecedented and will position every one of them, no matter how large or small, to meet new post-pandemic challenges with continued creativity.”

Remaining IMLS ARPA funds will be disbursed as grants to Vermont library consortia or library/museum collaborations, and to support statewide and K-12 resources and programming.

About the Vermont Department of Libraries

The Vermont Department of Libraries—housed within the Vermont Agency of Administration—supports Vermont libraries as they work to ensure access to quality information for their patrons. To learn more, visit libraries.vermont.gov and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. ARPA Grant to Public Libraries for Equipment and Supply Purchases

About IMLS

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's approximately 120,000 libraries and 35,000 museums and related organizations. The agency’s mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Its grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit http://www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

How can I use my license to promote a movie event?

By following these simple guidelines, you can stay in compliance while promoting your event. Please note, the reason for these guidelines is to avoid direct competition with a local movie theater.

1. Advertising Inside Your Library and to Registered Borrowers:

Within the library building, you are free to advertise the movie title, studio name and movie artwork. Artwork cannot be altered and must contain the studio’s copyright, for example: ©Walt Disney Pictures.

You are also free to advertise the movie title, studio name and movie artwork on the library’s website as well as in correspondence such as standard mailings, emails and monthly newsletters to registered borrowers/card holders of the library. The library website is considered a virtual branch of the library, allowing for such advertising.

Movie Licensing USA makes it easy to create publicity with customizable posters, bookmarks and movie tickets that are already properly copyrighted. This feature can be found on our website at library.movlic.com/publicity. Your customer number is located on your license certificate. Copyrighted movie images are also available using the movie search feature on our website. Artwork found on the MLUSA website can be used to advertise your event as long as it is not altered and includes the studio’s copyright, for example: ©Walt Disney Pictures.

2. Advertising in Social Media

If the public library’s social media accounts are set to private, the title may be used. If the library’s social media accounts are not set to private, it is recommended the title not be included. The movie event may be promoted on the social media pages with a link to the title on the library’s website.

3. Advertising in Public Media

If you choose to advertise through public media (such as public radio, television, or newspapers), you may do so as long as your message does not include the movie title and studio name. For example, “Join us at Anytown Library for a Neighborhood Movie Night at 7:00 pm” is permitted.

Join VTLIB and the VT Golden Dome Book Award Reading Committee on Friday, May 21 from 10:00am-1:00pm for the 2021 Vermont Golden Dome Book Award Virtual Conference!

This conference is geared towards adults (librarians, educators, etc.) who will be using the Vermont Golden Dome Book Award program with students.

From 10:00am-12:00pm, you'll hear from the reading committee about the 2021-2022 VT Golden Dome Book Award nominees, as well as about books that almost made the list. And then, award-winning author and 2021-2022 VT Golden Dome nominee author Dr. Jewell Parker Rhodes* (Black Brother, Black Brother) will join us for a keynote presentation from 12:00pm-1:00pm!

The conference will be held on Microsoft Teams. Access information will be emailed to registrants on Thursday, May 20.

The Norwich Bookstore will be offering a 20% discount online for the 2021-2022 nominees and for a selection of Dr. Rhodes' books. Ordering information will be sent to conference attendees with the access information.

*About Dr. Jewell Parker Rhodes*

Dr. Jewell Parker Rhodes is an award-winning and New York Times bestselling author and educator for both youth and adults. She is the author of six books for children including the New York Times bestseller Ghost Boys, which has won over 30 honors and awards, and Black Brother, Black Brother, named a Chicago Public Library Best of the Best 2020. Her other books include Towers Falling, the celebrated Louisiana Girls Trilogy: Ninth Ward, Sugar, and Bayou Magic, and the forthcoming novel Paradise on Fire.

Jewell is the author of six adult novels: Voodoo Dreams, Magic City, Douglass’ Women, Season, Moon, and Hurricane, as well as the memoir Porch Stories: A Grandmother’s Guide to Happiness, and two writing guides, Free Within Ourselves: Fiction Lessons for Black Authors and The African American Guide to Writing and Publishing Non-Fiction. 

She has won the American Book Award, the Black Caucus of the American Library Award for Literary Excellence, a Coretta Scott King Honor Award, and the Jane Addams Peace Association Book Award.

Jewell has visited hundreds of schools across the country and is a regular speaker at colleges and conferences. The driving force behind all of Jewell’s work is to inspire social justice, equality, and environmental stewardship.

Jewell is the Founding Artistic Director of the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing and Narrative Studies Professor and Virginia G. Piper Endowed Chair at Arizona State University. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she currently lives in Seattle.

Back to Vermont Golden Dome Book Award Main Page