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VTLIB Resource Updates

Tuesday, March 2, 2023

Dear Library Community,
Congratulations to Wilmington’s Pettee Memorial Library, the Craftsbury Public Library, and the Enosburgh Public Library, recognized as Star Libraries of 2022 by the Library Journal! Here is your Tuesday update:
VTLIB & State:

Learning Opportunities & Events:

Community Resources:

  • Are you responsible for developing and delivering makerspace or making programming and services in your library? Makerspaces are flourishing in public libraries, yet little is known about the inclusive programming being provided to library patrons, especially youth with disabilities. Drs. June Abbas and Yong Ju Jung from the School of Library & Information Studies at the University of Oklahoma, are conducting a national survey (funded by the Institute for Museum and Library Services) investigating the current state of programming, design, and accessibility of United States’ public library makerspaces’ programs for youth with disabilities. They invite Vermont libraries to participate in the survey, which takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. They plan to present the results of the survey at a future ALA or PLA conference and to share the findings widely on social media and our project website. They want to hear from you about how your libraries are meeting this critical social need! This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services IMLS # LG-252323-OLS-22.

Funding Opportunities:

  • The Vermont Public Library Foundation (VPLF) is excited to be able to offer a one-time, non-competitive Winnie Belle Learned grant to all public libraries in Vermont in 2023. The Winnie Belle Learned Fund was created in 2007 by Dr. Burnett Rawson. Ms. Learned, a Vermont educator, had taken notice of a young Rawson and asked his mother’s permission to take him from the family farm in Underhill so that he could study. In 1932, during the Depression, her generosity and vision allowed him to attend the University of Vermont and the UVM Medical School. After completing military service and further medical studies, Dr. Rawson practiced urology in New York for many years before retiring to Vermont. He established the fund in honor of his benefactress. The VPLF manages this fund today.  It was Dr. Rawson’s goal for the Winnie Belle Learned Fund to help public libraries in Vermont support youth services by fostering the following:
    • development of literacy
    • love of learning
    • skills and opportunities for critical analysis
    • intellectual exploration

Through VPLF, the 2023 round of Winnie Belle Learned Fund grants will be a non-competitive grant available to every public library in Vermont which conceives of a project that will make a difference for children (ages 0-18) and furthers these specific goals.  For more information and to apply, please visit the Vermont Public Library Foundation and for questions, please contact grants@vermontpubliclibraryfoundation.org. Applications are due March 31, 2023.

With our best for a great week,
Lilly

Friday, February 24, 2023

Dear Library Community,

Congratulations to the Enosburgh Public Library and Library Director Brenda Stanley for receiving a Technology Improvement Award from the Network of the National Library of Medicine, Region 7! The award of $9,000 will be used to replace library computers.  Here is your Friday update:

VTLIB & State:

  • Next Monday, February 27, 2023, please join the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, the Lake Champlain Islands Economic Development Corporation (LCIEDC) and other community partners for an introduction and discussion about state and ARPA infrastructure resources available in the Grand Isle County region. This is the next in a series of Scott Administration county tours to hear from community leaders about their unique infrastructure needs and to discuss federal funding opportunities from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. Officials will offer guidance on how communities can apply for assistance with tangible economic development, housing, water and sewer, climate change mitigation measures, and broadband projects.

    What: ARPA Resource Meeting and Discussion with State Agencies and LCIEDC
    When: Monday, February 27, 2023, from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
    Where: North Hero Community Hall, U.S. 2, North Hero, VT 05474

    Additionally, please join Assistant Vermont State Librarian Tom McMurdo, who will visit the Alburgh Public Library from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. The library is located at 128 South Main Street, Alburgh.

  • We invite Vermont libraries to apply now for $300 Summer Reading Programming Grants. These funds can support performances, speakers, materials, and equipment. With thanks to those who joined us yesterday, here is our Summer Reading Program Grant webinar video. Prior to applying, please review the updated Summer Programming Grant Guidelines. You can find more information on the VTLIB Summer Programming Grant page and we welcome all questions and feedback at LIB.VTLibYouthGrants@vermont.gov.
  • The first VT Cataloging Round Table meeting will be Tuesday, February 28th, from 10-11:30 am on Microsoft Teams. Meet with other catalogers to share questions, concerns, and cataloging conundrums. Discuss relevant local topics and cataloging-ship wide issues. Send any, and all, ideas you have for agenda items.  We may use a different ILS, but we can still share what’s happening in the VT cataloging community!
  • Please join us for VTLIB’s Capital Project Funds & Needs Assessment Webinar next Tuesday, February 28, 2023, from 2:00-3:30pm. State Librarian Catherine Delneo will lead an overview of the two capital project grant opportunities the Department of Libraries will make available this spring. Assistant State Librarian Janette Shaffer will walk attendees through the required Needs Assessment form. This form will launch at the time of the webinar and be open through March 31st. Attendees will be given the opportunity to ask questions following each segment of the presentation. The webinar will be recorded and will be made available online. We encourage you to invite your board members and municipal leaders to this event.
  • Please share with your patrons: The State of Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development recently launched a statewide fair housing survey to better understand barriers and opportunities for housing in our communities. Feedback from this survey will help the State strengthen fair and equitable housing choices for all. The survey is part of Vermont’s effort to update its fair housing plan. Link to the fair housing survey flyer with QR code.
  • For those needing information or help with housing discrimination, Vermont Legal Aid’s  Housing Discrimination Law Project is one of many resources available
  • Governor Scott’s press conference this week focused on the importance of securing the $150 million dollars in federal match funding, proposed in the Governor’s fiscal year 2024 budget request, to support critical infrastructure projects for communities across the state. Watch the press conference.
  • The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is celebrating Arbor Day, a day to appreciate trees and the difference they make in our lives. They invite students to celebrate by creating a piece of art and writing in the Growing Works of Art contest. This year, the contest theme is “Branching out!” One winner from each grade (K-8) will be featured on the WCAX television show “Across the Fence” and receive a state park pass ($90 value). Entries are due March 10, 2023.
  • There will be no ARSL (Association for Rural & Small Libraries) Solo-ish Librarian Happy Hour in March. The next one will be Thursday, April 6, 2023, at 7:00pm and will feature the topic Summer Reading. The link for the April meeting will be shared closer to the event date.

Learning Opportunities & Events:

Community Resources:

  • The American Library Association's Rainbow Round Table released both its Over the Rainbow Top 10 and annotated Over the Rainbow Short List 2022, a collection of the best LGBTQIA+ literature for adult readers from the previous year. With the recent challenges in this country to make queer literature less accessible, the committee has voted to release the complete list of titles that were considered as a means to increase visibility and knowledge of LGBTQIA+ titles, authors, and publishers.
  • National Library Workers Day is April 25, 2023. This is a day for library staff, users, administrators, and Friends groups to recognize the contributions made by library workers. Celebrate with social media stories using the hashtag #NLWD23, and consider submitting a nomination for a stellar library worker to add to the NLWD Galaxy of Stars.
  • The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released a new mandatory poster: “Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.” This new poster replaces the previous “EEO is the Law” poster. Posters are available for free from EEOC.
  • Meet the newest PBS KIDS friends in Work It Out Wombats!™ This new series stars Malik, Zadie, and Zeke—three energetic and creative marsupial siblings who live with their grandmother in her treehouse apartment complex. The playful trio will demonstrate computational thinking (CT) for preschoolers, a way of thinking that enables them to solve problems, express themselves and accomplish tasks using the practices, processes, and ideas at the core of computer science. Visit the PBS KIDS website to watch and learn.

Funding Opportunities:

  • Under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Title II, the Agency of Education (AOE) requests applications from eligible organizations and entities to implement adult education and literacy activities in Vermont during the July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025, grant period. An applicant workshop will be held on March 10, 2023 and more information may be found on the AOE’s Adult Education and Literacy Fund webpage. Deadline to submit applications is April 7, 2023.
  • Senator Sanders’ office is now accepting applications as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) process. Vermonters and local organizations can apply for federal funding for projects that strengthen Vermont communities and improve lives across our state.  More information can be found on the Senator’s website and the application deadline is March 10.

Stay warm and enjoy the weekend,
Lilly

Friday, February 17, 2023

 

Dear Library Community,

Here is your Friday update:

State

 

Learning Opportunities and Events

Grant Opportunities

Community Updates & Resources

I hope you have a nice weekend,
Jonathan

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Dear Library Community,

I wanted to start off by sharing this Love Letter to Libraries article from The New York Times. Here is your short Tuesday digest.

VTLIB and State

Have a good rest of your week,
Jonathan

Friday, February 10, 2023

Dear Library Community,

Congratulations to the Whitingham Library, which was awarded an Afterschool & Summer Expanding Access Grant for a 2-week summer camp, taking place at the end of June 2023. The library will partner with Windham Southwest Supervisory Union’s Wings Community Programs to expand summer camp options. Vermont Afterschool worked with Governor Scott’s office, Senator Sanders’ office, and the Vermont Agency of Education to establish this grant. Here is your Friday update:

VTLIB and State

Learning Opportunities and Events

Community Resources

Funding Opportunities

Enjoy the weekend,
Lilly

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Dear Library Community,

In honor of "Take Your Child to the Library Day, which was Saturday, the Enosburgh library exchanged "child" with its common synonym "kid," and had an 11-day-old goat onsite for people to engage with. Here is your Tuesday update:

VTLIB and State

Learning Opportunities and Events

We are sharing events from the State of Vermont’s Black History Month e-mail series, offered by the Vermont Human Rights Commission and the Vermont Office of Racial Equity:

  • Now through Sunday, February 12, 2023 – “Bov Water” play at Northern Stage. A running production of a new play in which “four generations of Black women breathe and bathe in a past that’s both intentionally and accidentally forgotten. Challenging and discovering their own narratives from the Civil War to the 1960s to modern-day America, these strong and inquisitive souls wrestle to unearth a family’s past and build resilience for the future.” Performances are at the Barrette Center for the Arts, located at 74 Gates St. in White River Junction.
  • Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 7:30pm – Farmers’ Night: “John Lewis & RUN”. National Book Award winner Andrew Aydin describes the creation of RUN and his experiences working with Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis. This free event is part of the Farmers’ Night series at the Vermont State House, located on State St. in Montpelier.
  • Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 6:00pm – Panel Discussion on Police Violence. The Vermont branches of the NAACP partner with ACLU of Vermont to host a panel discussion with five family members whose loved ones were lost to police violence and who are a part of the Love Not Blood Campaign. This is a free, hybrid event with two options to join: [1] at the Pavilion Building located at 109 State St. in Montpelier, or [2] via Zoom. RSVPs requested.
  • Friday, February 10 and Friday February 17, 2023 – Black Artist Showcase. A space to share poetry and build community, featuring Black creatives. This event is being held twice: [1] On Friday Feb 10th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Venetian Soda Lounge, located at 266 Pine St. Suite #122 in Burlington. [2] On Friday Feb 17th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Kru Coffee, located at 2 Church Street in Burlington.
  • Thursday, February 16, 2023 from 9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. – “Soul Food: Honoring Black Voices in Music”. A late-night musical experience that “honors Black music of yesterday and today.” This is a free event at Club Metronome, located at 188 Main St. in Burlington.
  • Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. – The Black Experience. This free event features discussions and panels with local artists and speakers, and a keynote presentation by iconic activist and scholar Dr. Angela Davis. There will also be a performance by the Philadanco dance company. This free event is held at The Flynn, located at 153 Main Street in Burlington.

Enjoy your week,
Lilly

Friday, February 3, 2023

Dear Library Community,

We extend congratulations to the Westford Public Library and Library Director Bree Drapa. They are one of forty-six recipients to receive this year's Penguin Random House/Association for Rural and Small Libraries Grants for Small and Rural Libraries. These grants help to provide support for collections and programming in small and rural libraries nationwide.

Here is your Friday update:

State and VTLIB

  • Next Monday, February 6, 2023, Scott Administration officials will hold two listening sessions/round table discussions in Windham County, continuing a county tour to hear from community leaders about their unique infrastructure needs and to discuss the many opportunities available to them via federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. Commissioner of Libraries Catherine Delneo and Assistant State Librarian for Advancement Janette Shaffer will join officials at this event from the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Buildings and General Services, Agency of Transportation, Agency of Natural Resources, Agency of Agriculture, the Vermont Community Broadband Board, and other State Agencies and Departments. There are two public events, one in Wilmington at the Old School Enrichment Center, and one in Bellows Falls at the Opera House:
    • What: ARPA Resource Meeting & Discussion with State Agencies and the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation
      When: 10:00 - 11: 30 a.m.
      Where: Old School Enrichment Center (OSEC), 1 School Street, Wilmington, VT 05363
    • What: ARPA Resource Meeting & Discussion with State Agencies and the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation
      When: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
      Where: 7 The Square, Bellows Falls, VT 05101 - Meeting Room – Lower Theater (Enter from the Alley to the left of the Main Opera House entrance)
    • Additionally, Commissioner of Libraries Catherine Delneo and Assistant State Librarian for Advancement Janette Shaffer will visit the Rockingham Free Library from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. The library is located at 65 Westminster St, Bellows Falls, VT 05101.
  • The Vermont Center for Geographic Information and the State of Vermont's Enterprise Geographic Information System (GIS) Consortium have issued a survey for all users of Vermont's public GIS data and resources. They are interested in Vermonter’s thoughts about their open and public GIS data products and services as they update their 5-year strategic plan. The survey takes roughly 15 minutes to complete and will be open until March 1, 2023.
  • Governor Scott’s Rural Infrastructure Assistance Program was the focus of a recent VTDigger article by Erin Petenko, Gov. Phil Scott proposes a state fund to help rural towns get federal money. “The Rural Infrastructure Assistance Program, included in the governor’s budget adjustment proposal, would be run by the Agency of Administration and target communities that have few people, few government officials, and high social or economic needs — what the agency called Vermont’s ‘underserved communities.’”
  • Inclusive Library Services was the topic of last Friday's meeting of the Working Group on the Status of Libraries in Vermont.Tune in to hear from these state leaders providing services to traditionally underserved populations:
    • Video of morning presentations and public comment:
    • Inclusive Library Services Presentations:
      • Karen Gravlin, Department of Libraries, ABLE Library
      • Xusana Davis, Office of Racial Equity
    • Comment on Inclusive Services:
      • Nathan Cleveland, Agency of Commerce and Community Development
      • Martin Hahn, VT Coalition to End Homelessness
      • Karen Holmes, Department of Corrections
      • Lisa Ehrlich, Veterans Affairs
      • Retta Dunlap, Vermont Home Education Network
    • Video of afternoon public comment:
    • Comments on Inclusive Services:
      • Loren Polk, Aldrich Public Library, Barre
      • Tom Frank, ABLE Library Advisory Board and Vermont Board of Libraries Chair
      • Esbey Hamilton, Vermont Migrant Education Program
      • Nate Eddy, Winooski Public Library
      • Christopher Kaufman Ilstrup

Events and Learning Opportunities

Community Resources

With warm wishes for the weekend,
Lilly

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Dear Library Community,

We’re sharing resources and tips from Vermont Emergency Management about preparing for extremely cold temperatures on Friday and Saturday. Here is your Tuesday update:

State and VTLIB

Funding Opportunities

Events and Learning Opportunities

  • The Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) presents Solo-ish Library Professional Happy Hours the first Thursday of each month at 7:00pm. Happy hours are open to all and membership in ARSL is not necessary to attend. This Thursday evening, February 2, 2023, the guest will be Judy Calhoun. Judy was a solo librarian for over 10 years at the beginning of her career. She is now the Regional Library Director of a five-county, nine-branch system in Arkansas. She has been in the library business for 29 years. She is also a past president of ARSL. Judy has a great deal of passion and humor when it comes to small and rural libraries. Join host and Westford Public Library Director Bree Drapa, for this inspirational conversation.
  • Registration is now open for ConnectedLibFEST, the first ever connected learning event specifically focused on small and rural libraries. This free virtual experience takes place on Wednesday and Thursday, March 15 and 16, 2023 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. It is hosted by the University of Washington and University of Maryland ConnectedLib teams that created the ConnectedLib Toolkit.
  • Pride Center of Vermont, in partnership with Out in the Open and Outright Vermont, is hosting an LGBTQIA+ Health Summit at the Vermont Technical College in Randolph on April 22, 2023. This Summit will bring together key people who have a stake in LGBTQIA+ inclusive and just healthcare: providers from around the state who want to share skills and learn from leaders in their respective fields, LGBTQIA+ providers who want to resource themselves and their colleagues, and LGBTQIA+ adults from around the state impacted by the healthcare system who want to share their knowledge, experiences, skills, and learning.
  • The Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) is seeking librarians to join the Curation Corps. The mission at DPLA is to maximize access to shared history, culture, and knowledge. One of the ways they do this is through their ebooks program, which includes management of Palace Marketplace, the only non-profit digital content marketplace for libraries; Palace Bookshelf, their ever-expanding collection of more than 15,000 open-access ebooks; and DPLA Publications, their collection of free, easy-to-read ebook versions of public documents. If you’re interested in joining the Curation Corps, please fill out this form by February 18, 2023. To learn more, please join an open house discussion on Thursday, February 9 at 300pm discussion with current Curation Corps members.

Community Resources 

Have a great week,
Lilly

Friday, January 27, 2023

Dear Library Community,

We extend congratulations to the Fletcher Free Library, the Jeudevine Memorial Library, and the South Londonderry Free Library, who are among the twenty recipients of 2023 Historic Preservation Grant Awards. The Division for Historic Preservation (VDHP) administers the grants, which support restoration and rehabilitation of historic buildings, structures, and sites. The grant funds will support restoration of stained-glass windows and floor refinishing at the Jeudevine Library, address drainage needs at the South Londonderry Free Library, and assist with restoration of the Fletcher Free Library’s exterior. More information about the projects and the grant program can be found on the VDHP website. Here is your Friday update:

State and VTLIB

Events and Learning Opportunities

  • On Thursday, February 9 at 10:00am Andrew Aydin, co-author of The March Trilogy with civil rights icon John Lewis, returns to Vermont to describe the creation of the next book in the series, RUN!, and to talk with Vermont high school students. The National Book Award winner will discuss becoming an author, how he became involved in politics, and his experiences working with Congressman Lewis.  Students and schools can register now for this Vermont Humanities’ live stream. The Vermont Department of Libraries and the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences are proud supporters this event.
  • The Public Library Association (PLA) is inviting public library workers to fill out a short, five-question survey about the top issues or challenges public library workers are facing. Responses will help guide the programming for the next PLA Conference, April 3-5, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio.
  • The NOFA-VT 2023 Winter Conference: Back to the Roots takes place February 18-19, 2023. The hybrid conference is at UVM in Burlington, VT with the option to join the keynote and many conference workshops online. There is something for everyone. The conference is designed to inspire, connect, and deepen the roots that sustain the movement for a thriving agriCULTURE. It will feature a keynote address from Winona LaDuke, 40 workshops on Saturday, “intensive” workshops on Sunday, a children’s conference, music, art, seed swap, and more community building activities.

Community Resources

Enjoy the snow this weekend,
Lilly

Tuesday, January 25, 2023

Dear Library Community,

We’re sharing that the Highgate Library and Community Center’s youth cooking program was featured in the American Library Association Public Programs Office newsletter. This work was funded in part by a Peggy Barber Tribute Grant received by the library. Congratulations to Library Director Adah DeRosier.

Here is your Tuesday update:

State and VTLIB

  • The Office of Racial Equity and the Vermont Human Rights Commission will partner in a 28-day series to commemorate Black History Month. Every day in February, they will share one event, quote, resource, fact, or activity that spotlights the greatness of the Black community. Sign up to receive these messages.
  • The Department of Health will close state-run walk-in vaccination clinics on January 31, 2023. Vaccines will still be available by appointment at medical offices, pharmacies, and other vaccination locations at no cost. Learn more about where to get vaccinated.

Events and Learning Opportunities

  • The New England Library Association (NELA) is offering the legal seminar Copyright Basics, Fair Use, Advanced & Beyond on March 13 and 14, 2023. Presenter Tomas Lipinski, from the School of Information Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, will cover what works are copyright protected, what uses are protected, copyright risk management and assessment, and other copyright issues that relate to libraries. The seminar fee is $55 for NELA members, $75 for non-members.
  • The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office seeks small and rural library leaders to be advisors for the Community Connect: Fostering Digital Access project. Advising work will run from February - April 2023 and will require 10-15 hours over the course of the project. Advisors will be paid $1,000 and applications are due February 1, 2023. Instructions on how to apply to be an advisor are here. The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office also seeks librarian advisors to help develop a digital toolkit librarians can use to teach digital media literacy to adults. Applications to become an advisor for the Be MediaWise: The Misinformation Resilience Toolkit Project are due February 13, 2023.

Community Resources

Have a great week,
Lilly

Friday, January 20, 2023

Dear Library Community,

There have been some important developments in the events we shared in our last update! The morning ARPA Resource Meeting and Discussion with State Agencies event is now cancelled due to forecasted weather/snow. The afternoon session is still scheduled.Again, PLEASE NOTE: The morning event Monday, January 23, 2022, from 9:00am-10:30am at Vermont Technical College is now cancelled.

The afternoon session is still scheduled: ARPA Resource Meeting and Discussion with State Agencies, and the Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation
Monday, January 23, 2022, from 1:00pm-2:30pm
The Space on Main, 174 Main Street, Bradford, Vermont
Administration officials will be visiting Orange County on Monday to continue their county tour to hear from community leaders about their unique infrastructure needs and to discuss the many funding opportunities available to them via federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. Officials will offer guidance on how communities can apply for assistance with tangible economic development, housing, water and sewer, climate change mitigation measures, and broadband projects. Please join the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, and the Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation for this event. Attendees will hear from and have access to Buildings and General Services, Agency of Transportation, Agency of Natural Resources, Department of Libraries, Agency of Agriculture, the Vermont Community Broadband Board, and other State Agencies and Departments.

New event next Monday afternoon: Please join State Librarian and Commissioner of the Department of Libraries Catherine Delneo, Commissioner of Buildings and General Services Jennifer Fitch, BGS Energy Office Program Manager Brian Sewell, and Assistant State Librarians Tom McMurdo and Janette Shafter for a tour and visit of Thetford’s Latham Library. This event takes place after the ARPA Resource Meeting on Monday, January 23, 2023, from 3:15 – 4:15pm. The Latham Library is located at 6 Library Road, Thetford.

State and VTLIB

The next Working Group on the Status of Vermont Libraries is Friday, January 27, 2023. This meeting focuses on inclusive services and access to public programs and services in Vermont’s libraries. It features presentations from VTLIB Inclusive Services Consultant Karen Gravlin as well as from staff from the Office of Racial Equity. The Working Group will also hear comments from community members including:

  • Nathan Cleveland of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development;
  • Martin Hahn of the VT Coalition to End Homelessness;
  • Retta Dunlap of the Vermont Home Education Network;
  • Loren Polk, Aldrich Public Library Director
  • Tom Frank, ABLE Library Advisory Board Chair and Board of Libraries Chair
  • Esbey Hamilton of the Vermont Migrant Education Program;
  • Winooski Public Library Director Nate Eddy.

Written comments are shared with Working Group members and the public via the Vermont Department of Libraries website. Working Group meetings are open to the public and are recorded. The meeting is hosted on Microsoft Teams with an option of attending in person at 60 Washington Street in Barre, VT. Meeting agendas, minutes and full video of all Working Group meetings are on the Working Group page.

Vermont Humanities brings National Book Award winner Andrew Aydin, co-author of The March Trilogy with Congressman John Lewis, to Vermont on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 10:00am with a live-streamed event designed for middle and high school students at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland. The author will engage in a panel discussion with RUHS students and will discuss becoming a writer, how he became involved in politics, and his experiences working with Congressman Lewis. The Vermont Department of Libraries and the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences are very proud supporters of this program! Andrew Aydin will also be featured in a special Farmers Night First Wednesday presentation taking place on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at 7:30pm at the State House.

Funding Opportunities 

The Preservation Trust of Vermont is accepting applications for the 2023 Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization grants. Awards of $50,000-$100,000 will be made to preserve and rehabilitate non-profit and municipally owned buildings and community gathering spaces of economic and social significance in rural communities. Funds will be available for roof repair or replacement, structural repairs, window and door restoration, and code improvements, including fire safety and accessibility projects. A total of $625,000 will be awarded to nonprofits and municipalities in towns with populations less than 7,500 people. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2023.

The Christian Larew Memorial Scholarship provides tuition help for library school students who want to follow a career in the library and information technology field and who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a vision in this area. It provides $3,000 for studying in an ALA Accredited Master of Library Science (MLS) program. Applications for this round are due March 1, 2023.

Applications are open for the ALA Great Stories Club grants. This is a reading and discussion program that engages teens who are facing difficult challenges. Applicants can choose to apply for one of two themes: Deeper Than Our Skins or Finding Your Voice. The grant provides copies of books for the discussions, programming materials, and training.

Events and Learning Opportunities

SciStarter offers a free webinar: Planning for Citizen Science Month on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at 12:00pm. This professional development for library staff features citizen science ideas and resources ranging from simple book displays, to staff and community training, to activities featuring turnkey citizen science projects, to online or in-person events with subject matter experts.

Texas Women’s University and ALA will host a free speaker event on February 3, 2023, at 8:00pm. Joyce McIntosh from the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom and the Freedom to Read Foundation will discuss what to expect when entering the library and information science field, how to prepare for and navigate challenges, and how to provide services despite obstacles.

Are you curious about the new Vermont Health Equity and Community Design Technical Assistance Pilot? The Creating a Healthier Vermont: Advancing Health Equity through Placemaking, Funding, and Support webinar series is an opportunity to learn more and get questions answered about the newest Vermont Health Equity and Community Design Technical Assistance opportunity from the Vermont Department of Health and the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development. This two-part event series is open to community leaders, local and statewide organizations, neighborhood groups, and interested residents across the state of Vermont. Part 1: Technical Assistance Overview Meeting, February 14, 2023, at 10:30am, will include panelist presentations and Q&A. This is an opportunity to understand the currently available funding and technical assistance options, and how they tie into existing programs to move projects forward! Part 2: Technical Assistance Roundtable, February 21, 2023, at 9:00am, is a chance to connect with Technical Assistance providers and discuss potential project ideas. Learn how the Pilot can support community-led development, health equity, and placemaking projects in your own Vermont community!

The Vermont Sustainable Libraries Working Group in collaboration with the solid waste districts of Chittenden, South Windsor/Windham, and the Greater Upper Valley will present, “What Happens to Vermont’s Recycling?” on February 8, 2023, 1:00-2:30pm.  All library personnel are invited to this exploration of the journey taken by recyclable materials as they make their way from Vermont homes and businesses to new uses and end products.

The Rural Library Network at Berea College hosts a webinar series called Conversations for Action the first Wednesday of each month at 1:00pm. The February 1, 2023, webinar is Tools to Talk about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. The webinars are recorded and posted.

Join Center for Health and Learning's Umatter Suicide Prevention Awareness and Skills Training on February 8, 2023, at 10:00a.m. This 90-minute session will enhance participant knowledge, comfort, and skills to identify those at risk for suicide in organizations or communities, including resources to get help. Umatter Suicide Prevention Awareness and Skills Training provides the fundamental knowledge to build a suicide prevention-aware community or workplace. Visit the course registration webpage to register for free or low-cost training opportunities offered by the VT Suicide Prevention Center, a Center for Health and Learning program supported by Facing Suicide VT.

Food Solutions New England (FSNE) will host the virtual gathering Moving Towards Well-being and Belonging in two parts designed to inspire, connect, and mobilize values-aligned regional networks from around the country and globe. Well-being will take place on Friday, February 3, 2023 from 10:00am – 4:00pm. Belonging will take place on Friday, February 17, 2023, from 10:00am – 4:00pm. The events are free and open to the public and aim to explore ways to advance equitable well-being and belonging in food and related systems.

Registration for the 2023 Research Institute for Public Libraries will open Monday, February 13, 2023 at 1:00pm. Geared toward public library staff, RIPL is an immersive training experience focused on gathering, analyzing, and using data for planning, management, and communicating impact in the context of the public library world. The 2023 event will take place in Madison, WI, July 23-26, 2023. Registration fee is $550. 

Have a great weekend,
Lilly

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Dear Library Community,

For your update today we highlight next Monday’s events about state and ARPA infrastructure resources. These listening session/roundtable discussion tours continue to the state's more rural counties. Please join State Librarian Catherine Delneo and Assistant State Librarians Tom McMurdo and Janette Shaffer at these Orange County region events!

ARPA Resource Meeting and Discussion with State Agencies, and the Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation
Monday, January 23, 2022, from 9:00am-10:30am
Vermont Technical College
Judd Gymnasium
124 Admin Drive
Randolph Center, VT 05061

Please join the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, the Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation and other community partners for an introduction and discussion about state and ARPA infrastructure resources that are available in the Orange County region. The Administration will be hosting a listening session/round table discussion about any/all regional and municipal project needs.

Attendees will hear from and have access to the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Buildings and General Services, Agency of Transportation, Agency of Natural Resources,

*Location instructions: Enter campus and park in the third parking lot on the right. Attendees should make their way to Conant Hall which is next to Judd Hall. Please follow the sidewalk to the front of the building which faces the road where you enter the building.

ARPA Resource Meeting and Discussion with State Agencies, and the Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation
Monday, January 23, 2022, from 1:00pm-2:30pm
The Space on Main
174 Main Street
Bradford, Vermont

Please join the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, and the Green Mountain Economic Development Corporationfor an introduction and discussion about state and ARPA infrastructure resources that are available in Orange County. The Administration will be hosting a listening session/round table discussion about any/all regional and municipal project needs.

Attendees will hear from and have access to the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Buildings and General Services, Agency of Transportation, Agency of Natural Resources, Department of Libraries, Agency of Agriculture, the Vermont Community Broadband Board and other State Agencies and Departments.

These discussions and meetings are open to the public.

Have a great week,
Lilly

Friday, January 13, 2023

Dear Library Community,

Written and edited by staff of the ABLE Library at the Vermont Department of Libraries, the winter edition of News from the ABLE Library was just released. Find it here.

Here is your Friday update:

State and VTLIB

This week VTLIB hosted a presentation by the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). The recording of that is here (access requires a free Niche Academy account). A highlight of the presentation was a review graphic medicine book club kits, a unique program available to organizations in NNLM’s Region 7, which includes Vermont. Graphic Medicine is an emerging field that considers the role that comics can play in medicine – including medical education, health literacy, healthcare communication, and more. Find more information here.

On Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 1:00, join VTLIB and other library staff for a Libraries Serving New Americans Round Table. This is a space for library staff around the state to discuss what services they are currently providing for refugees, immigrants, and new Americans and an opportunity to share ways to engage patrons in learning more about new American experiences. It’s also a chance to talk about ideas for new programs or services to these patrons. Register here.

Governor Phil Scott recently announced appointments to leadership positions in the Agency of Digital Services (ADS). Read the Governor’s press release here.

Vermont State Parks seeks public input as part of a modernization study that will provide a comprehensive assessment of the state park system and identify key challenges and resources needed to meet current and future demands. The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is collecting feedback from the public in multiple ways including open dialogue and a survey. Find out more about the survey and how to deliver feedback at the Vermont State Parks modernization study page. Feedback is requested by February 15, 2023.

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is celebrating Arbor Day, a day to appreciate trees and the difference they make in our lives. They invite students to celebrate by creating a piece of art and writing. This year, the contest theme is “Branching out!” and the winner from each grade (K-8) will be featured on the WCAX television show “Across the Fence” and receive a state park pass ($90 value). Entries are due March 10, 2023. For more information visit the Growing Works of Art Contest webpage.

Funding Opportunities

The newly established Center for Advancing Rural Health Equity (CARHE) seeks ideas for projects to advance health equity in rural northern New England communities within NH, VT, and ME. The Request for Ideas (RFI) seeks project ideas with strong potential to address health disparities in rural areas. Ideas could focus on quality improvement, research, education, training, implementation, development of new services, or any combination of these.

The Vermont Children's Trust Foundation's 2023 Grant Applications are now available. VCTF supports community-based prevention programs that serve children aged birth to 18 and their families. This year, they are funding over $336,000 to 43 programs in every county of Vermont. Find information and view the grant applications here.

The American Library Association (ALA) is offering two free webinars for libraries about new federal resources for sustainable library buildings. On February 1, 2023, at 1:00pm, they will present the webinar Energy Retrofit Grants for Nonprofit Libraries. This webinar will discuss an upcoming grant opportunity for nonprofit organizations to upgrade building materials to improve energy efficiency, lower utility costs, and reduce carbon emissions. Libraries that are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and own and operate their building will be eligible to apply. On February 2, 2023, at 1:00pm, they will present New Federal Resources for Sustainable Library Buildings: Clean Energy Tax Credits. Libraries may be able to benefit from incentives for energy-efficient buildings, clean vehicles (bookmobiles), electric vehicle charging, and renewable energy production, including solar. The webinar will discuss the new incentives and how libraries may be able to take advantage of them. 

Events and Learning Opportunities

Join the Palace Project team and librarians using the platform for a webinar, Palace 101: An Introduction to The Palace Project on January 18, 2023, at 1:00pm. The webinar features a walk-through of the patron-facing app; the unique licensing models and content available in Palace Marketplace; the free open-access Palace Bookshelf collection; as well as implementation, hosting, and real-world examples from Palace libraries about how they are using and marketing Palace to their communities. There will also be an opportunity to get all questions answered. Register at bit.ly/palace101.

The workshop, Learn, Earn, and Prosper (LEAP): Opportunities for Blind and Visually Impaired Youth in Vermont, will be held on Jan. 19, 2023, from 10:00-11:00am. The workshop will discuss work experiences and personal-professional development for blind and visually impaired youth. Learn about the process of referrals and applications for programs, the variety of virtual and in-person opportunities, how work experiences, retreats, residential programming, and skill-based workshops work and how different students and abilities benefit from different options. A panel of LEAP students will also tell their own stories.

Each year, the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT) Winter Conference provides a valuable opportunity for farmers, homesteaders, gardeners, earth tenders, land managers, educators, students, policymakers, and other food system activists to participate in our vibrant community event by sharing ideas, resources, and skills. This winter's conference is designed to return to, nourish, and regrow our roots: our relationships! Register now for the main conference on February 18, 2023, and intensive workshops on February 19, 2023. Both will be held at the UVM Davis Center in Burlington, VT with some live-streaming options.

The Vermont Department of Libraries and the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences are very proud supporters of the First Wednesday series presented by Vermont Humanities. Upcoming programs feature wide ranging topics, including trauma informed journalism, award-winning author Kekla Magoon on her book Revolution in Our Time: The Black Panther Party’s Promise to the People, and youth in agriculture. Explore the list of programs here.  We’d like to spotlight a special Farmers’ Night First Wednesday presentation taking place on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at 7:30pm at the State House. Andrew Aydin, winner of the National Book Award for the MARCH graphic novel trilogy co-written with civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis, addresses the creation of RUN! the next book in the series, his start in politics, and his experiences working with the Congressman. Find event details here.

Community Resources

If you run or manage a museum, gallery, theater, library, town hall, historical society, school, or other cultural or community facility in Vermont, the Vermont Arts Council wants to hear from you. Your participation in a short, anonymous survey to help them better understand current equipment, training, funding, and promotional needs so that they may explore future resources for providing more welcoming and inclusive facilities and events for Vermonters with hearing loss. Take the survey by January 20, 2023.

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont is once again distributing maps to libraries of all winter farmers markets throughout the state. Please submit this form by January 24, 2023, if you would like one.

Now is the perfect time to complete the 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Vermont Grant application and Unified Scholarship Application (USA). All applications can be completed online by visiting the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation financial aid options webpage. 

Best wishes for the holiday weekend,
Lilly

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Dear Library Community,

In celebration of all things winter, we share this Burlington Free Press story about theNatural History Museum in London making an album of Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley’s prints available for all to view.

Here is your Tuesday update:

State and VTLIB

We encourage libraries to attend new VTLIB webinars focused on the 2022 Public Library Annual Report this month. This annual report covers a wide range of statistical and financial information about libraries and is submitted to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).  The first session covering the entire report is Tuesday, January 17, 2023 from 10:30am-11:30am. The second session focusing on the changes for 2022, designed for staff who are familiar with the report, takes place Friday, January 20, 2023, from 2:00pm-3:00pm. If possible, please register ahead of time. For more webinar information please contact Vermont Department of Libraries Consultant for Library Technology Joshua Muse

The next meeting of the Working Group on the Status of Libraries in Vermont will be Friday, January 27, 2023. Members of the public and library staff may share testimony with the Working Group on the Status of Vermont’s Libraries during these meetings. Those unable to provide testimony to the Working Group directly during one of its meetings may provide written testimony by emailing the State Library.

Funding Opportunities

Round 2 of the Vermont Arts Council Vermont Creative Network Creative Futures grant program is now open. These grants support Vermont-based creative economy nonprofits and for-profit businesses that can demonstrate economic harm caused by or exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Round 2 application deadline is February 28, 2023. Round 3 will open May 1, 2023. More information here

The McClure Foundation invites ideas about how mini-grant funding ($250 - $2,500) could help your library and/or the young people you serve promote, build on, or engage with the information about Vermont’s promising jobs. They promise a speedy turnaround on grant decisions and no formal proposal or reporting requirements. To share your idea or to learn more, please contact Carolyn Weir.

Events and Learning Opportunities

On Sunday, January 15, 2023, at 2:00pm-4:00pm at Ethan Allen Homestead in Burlington, Vera Longtoe Sheehan, executive director of the Vermont Abenaki Artists Association and a citizen of the Elnu Abenaki Tribe presents Triple Threat: American Abenaki Erasure and Continuity of Culture. The program is offered online as well and is co-sponsored by the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum and the Chittenden County Historical Society. Find details here

The Utah State University Gateway and Natural Amenity Region Initiative offers webinars and a toolkit for those working in communities where natural amenities and recreation opportunities intersect. Topics include community design and planning, economic development and tourism, historical and cultural preservation, housing, transportation, and more. Upcoming webinars include REENGAGE: Mobilizing Your Community Through Proactive Engagement, on January 26, 2023, REDEFINE: Solutions Beyond Boundaries, on February 23, 2023, and REIMAGINE: Planning, Not Plans, on March 30, 2023. All upcoming webinars are at 4:00pm. Recordings of previous webinars can be found here. The related toolkit can be found here.

The Entrepreneurship & Libraries Conference offers prize funding from both ALA and EBSCO for their third annual pitch competition. A total of $10,000 in prizes will go to 5 libraries in the U.S. and Canada. Those interested in competing in the pitch competition are invited to a free online Pitch Perfect workshop for Librarians February 16, 2023, 3:00pm-4:15pm.

The University of Wisconsin iSchool’s new online spring course offerings include: making presentations, partnership marketing, reference, book challenges and more. Full course offerings with detailed descriptions, schedule, and price can be found here.

Community Resources

The Association for Library Service to Children’s Library Services to Underserved Children and Their Caregivers Committee has designed toolkits to help library staff think through the work of reaching out to underserved populations. These are living documents, and suggestions are welcomed.

The American Library Association (ALA), in collaboration with the nonprofit research organization Knology, published a review of the literature and best practices around libraries and accessibility. The free report, Accessibility in Libraries: A Landscape Report was created as part of ALA’s longtime Libraries Transforming Communities initiative and explores different disability models, the history  and current landscape of accessibility in libraries, and resources to include people with disabilities in library programs and services.

The McClure Foundation recently updated Vermont’s Most Promising Jobs resource, designed to be a conversation starter to help young people think about the role of work in their future. The resource spotlights more than 50 occupations that pay above median wage and are projected to have over 500 openings in the years to come.  The resource was produced in partnership with the Vermont Department of Labor.

Have a great week,
Lilly

Friday, January 6, 2023

Dear Library Community,

A belated Happy New Year!  We extend congratulations to the Pierson Library and the Fletcher Free Library, featured in this WCAX story.

Here is your Friday update:

VTLIB and State

Are you interested in enrolling in the Certificate of Public Librarianship program or just curious about it? Please join the virtual Open House on Friday, January 13, 2023, at 11:00 am for an overview and Q & A session. For those enrolled, monthly virtual drop-in office hours start this month on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, 11:00 am-12:00 pm, and Wednesday, January 11, 2023, 1:30-2:30 pm and will continue the first Monday of each month from 1:00-2:00 pm. Find more information here.

Join in VTLIB’s CE Advanced Cataloging Series on Microsoft Teams in the month of February. Session topics include Basic Refresher (to brush up on the basic elements of a MARC record); Advanced Cataloging Session (learn about the MARC fields the intro class did not get to); Subject Headings (current events & best practices); Cataloging Non-Tradition Materials Session (Library of Things are growing, bring your questions of ‘how do I catalog this?’); the session closes with a Cataloging Roundtable meeting. Find details and register on the VTLIB CE page.

The all-ages Winter Reading Challenge All the Feels is available now for participation on the VTLIB Beanstack page. The challenge runs through the month of January and is a simple way for public libraries to engage readers. Find more details.

Governor Phil Scott delivered his 2023 inaugural address on Thursday, January 5, 2023.  Watch, listen, or read it on Vermont Public.;

Governor Phil Scott and the Department of Housing and Community Development recently announced $3.9 million dollars in Community Development Block Grant funding awards through the Vermont Community Development Program. The town of Brandon and the Brandon Free Public Library expansion project were among projects receiving funding. Read the Governor’s press release.

Funding Opportunities:

The Vermont Library Association is starting the second year of the Sustainable Libraries grant opportunity. This Vermont Community Foundation funding provides Sustainable Libraries Initiative membership and covers certification program costs. Please contact Margaret Woodruff for details.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Foundation Library Grants Program features grants of up to $50,000 to support financial education at public and academic libraries. The application deadline is March 1, 2023, find details here.

Events and Learning Opportunities

New Vermont Afterschool trainings this month include Coaching Beyond Winning on January 17, 2023 from 4:00–6:00 pm, focusing on positive youth development in third-space settings such as sports teams and afterschool activities. On February 15, 2023 the training Creating a Culture of Youth Voice from 1:00–3:00 pm will provide participants with information about what youth voice is and how to infuse it into every aspect of program and every level of your organization.

Library Shelfie Day is Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Started in 2014 by the New York Public Library, it has grown to be an annual celebration for book lovers to share their favorite books and library shelves with the world. Take a selfie with a beloved library shelf and share it on social media using the hashtag #LibraryShelfie.

Held on the first Saturday of February, Take Your Child to the Library Day is an annual international celebration encouraging families to take their children to their local public library. To celebrate, libraries across the country and around the world welcome families with programs, activities, and special events. Participation is completely customizable – it can be as simple as handing out bookmarks, or as elaborate as a full day extravaganza. Registration is simple and free through this form. When libraries register, they’ll be placed on the map for their community to find.

The Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP's) Child & Community Well-Being Committee is collecting examples of library programming that promotes social and emotional health. They are looking for library programs, for any age group/audience, on any topic that supports social and emotional well-being – from self-care, to mindfulness, to community building, to giving back. Submissions will be compiled and shared with libraries nationwide in conjunction with planning for the 2023 All Together Now summer program. Find the form here.

Community Resources

Each month, the Vermont Family of the Month fund awards $12,000 to a Vermont farmer for a project that will improve the viability of the farm. Awards recognize businesses that are contributing to a resilient Vermont agricultural landscape and demonstrate environmental stewardship and innovation. Applications are due January 22, 2023, for March, April, May and June awards.

The Holocaust Resource Center at Kean University is offering a free screening of the film, Three Minutes: A Lengthening for International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The film will be available for classroom and community viewing from January 24, 2023 at 9 am until January 26, 2023 at 11 pm. Please submit a registration form by Friday, January 20 to receive streaming instructions.

Best wishes for a great weekend,
Lilly