Public Library Section Hosts Addison County Library Tour

Librarians from around Vermont gathered in Addison County on September 30 to tour four public libraries. “Last spring’s Vermont Library Association (VLA) library tour in the Northeast Kingdom was so much fun, we decided to do it again, this time in Addison County (mostly),” said Susan O’Connell, president of VLA’s Public Library Section and director of Craftsbury Public Library.

The group visited Starksboro Public Library in Starksboro Common, Russell Memorial Library in North Ferrisburgh, Bixby Memorial Free Library in Vergennes, and Charlotte Public Library (in Chittendon County).  Two of the libraries recently underwent expansion, one created a new teen space in an alcove, and two others have expanded their digital outreach to their communities.

Starksboro Public Library Director Catherine Goldsmith (far right) talks about the history of the library to tour participants.

Starksboro Public Library Director Catherine Goldsmith (far right) talks about the history of the library to tour participants.

 

Group of women standing in a library room with bookshelves and books.

Tour participants in Russell Memorial Library’s new building, which opened in October 2021.

 

Bixby Memorial Free Library Director Catherine Hays (center) greets VLA tour participants on the steps of the library in Vergennes.

Bixby Memorial Free Library Director Catherine Hays (center) greets VLA tour participants on the steps of the library in Vergennes.

 


The Vermont Library Association’s Public Libraries Section strives to extend the ability of libraries to provide equal access to and availability of literary and cultural resources by providing tools and resources to librarians. The section supports librarianship in the state through educational and social events.

Vermont Library Association hosts tour of four Addison County libraries on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022.

Addison County Library Tour

Last spring’s VLA library tour in the Northeast Kingdom was so much fun that we are doing it again, this time in Addison County (mostly). Here are the details:
Friday, Sept. 30, 2022
Lunch in Vergennes
We also plan to follow up with a librarian happy hour afterwards at a nearby brewery for those who want to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow librarians for a bit longer.
While you are welcome to show up no matter what, it would be helpful to get a gauge of how many people we might be planning to have along for the tour. If you plan to attend, please send an email to director@craftsburypubliclibrary.org. And if you don’t plan to attend, and haven’t RSVPed, but decide at the last minute that you can’t bear to miss the fun, we will still be happy to have you! There is no cost for this tour, and library staff, trustees, and volunteers are welcome to attend.
Susan O’Connell

VLAC21 Award Winners

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

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

And the winners are…Read more