From the Vermont State Librarian

As readers know, the Vermont legislative session which ended May 16 was one of the most difficult in recent memory. Health care policy, public school governance, child protection, and cleaning the waters of Lake Champlain were all on the front burner with multiple hearings and debate. And looming over all of this discussion was the need to reduce State spending to meet a whopping $113 million budget gap. In the final days there was a flurry of attention given to new taxing options and a focus on revenue, but the budget as passed necessarily put the ax to some critical programs across state government and was nothing to cheer about. 

The Department of Libraries did not fare well: our FY16 state appropriation of $2,342,682 is a reduction of $403,967 (-14.7%) from our current FY appropriation. The only good news came in the final days when the Legislature returned to our budget $67,000 that had been slated to be cut, the result of advocacy from the Board of Libraries and others. This $67,000 will be used as a pass-through grant to the Vermont Law School so that their library can take on legal reference services for the public. I am grateful to leaders in the House and Senate who recognized the essential need for public access to legal information and a trained law librarian -- and to the Law School for stepping up to the plate; it will help ease the pain of pending cuts to be made in services now provided at the State Library here in Montpelier.

During this time the Department has been working with Bill Wilson of Himmel & Wilson Library Consultants to help us as we make changes in our organizational structure and set future direction. Bill was in Vermont last month and met individually with all Department employees, with groups of stakeholders, and with a large group of Vermont librarians; since his visit he has also interviewed by phone all members of the Board of Libraries. This information-gathering is the first step in a process which we expect will be completed by early fall. As I consider where we will take $470,000+ in cuts to our existing services and programs, and as I talk with members of my staff and get further input from our stakeholders and librarians, I will use the information that Himmel & Wilson has collected in making my final FY16 budget decisions.

There was other legislation of interest to the Department and libraries, and here are two such items:

• Geographic Naming of transportation entities (state roads, bridges, etc.) will move to the Transportation Board. The Board of Libraries will continue to name natural features, such as mountains, lakes and rivers. 10 V.S.A. § 152
• "Public library or museum permit": a permit granted by the Liquor Control Board permitting a public library or museum to serve malt beverages or vinous beverages, or both, by the glass to the public for a period of not more than six hours during an event held for a charitable or educational purpose, provided that the event is approved by the local licensing authority. A permit holder may purchase malt beverages or vinous beverages directly from a licensed retailer. A permit holder shall be subject to the provisions of this title and the rules of the Board regarding the service of alcoholic beverages. A request for a permit shall be submitted to the Department in a form required by the Department at least five days prior to the event and shall be accompanied by the permit fee required by subdivision 231(a)(24) of this title. As used in this section, "public library" has the same meaning as in 22 V.S.A. § 101 and "museum" has the same meaning as in 27 V.S.A. § 1151." Journal of the House, May 16, 2015, p. 2170.

Other bills to be examined more closely address workforce and job training, statewide videoconferencing, local economic development, K12 education, early childhood, Health Connect, and Higher Education, but one important takeaway from this legislative session is that Vermont libraries need to have an effective advocacy network. Fortunately, we have that capacity with our state library associations, the Vermont Library Association and the Vermont School Library Association, which were active during this past session. I look forward to working with them in the coming months, as FY17 budget preparation will soon begin and the budget outlook for next year is not encouraging. This underscores the need for the Department of Libraries and libraries across the state to show the impact of what we do for Vermonters. I like the phrase that the South Burlington Community Library is using in their current community strategic planning events: "Make Some Noise!" Let's hear it for libraries!

Regards,

Marty Reid 

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VT Represented at National Library Legislation Day 

State Librarian Martha Reid was in Washington D.C. on May 4-5 to participate in National Library Legislation Day, an annual event sponsored by the American Library Association. Attended by librarians, library trustees, and library "friends" from across the U.S., the event includes one day of legislative briefings and a second day for scheduled visits to Congressional offices. This year Reid was joined by Anna Bolognani, Library Media and Technology Integration Specialist at Twin Valley Middle/High School in Whitingham (representing the Vermont School Library Association), and Howard Burrows, Trustee at the Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro and President of the Vermont Library Association's Library Trustee Section.

The Vermont group met with aides in the offices of Congressman Peter Welch and Senators Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders to talk about a number of issues of interest to libraries, including: Net Neutrality, the U.S.A. Freedom Act (privacy and surveillance law reform), copyright law, the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), and inclusion of dedicated funding for school library programs in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).

While in Washington, Reid also attended the day-long meeting of Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA). At that meeting, COSLA members met with represesentatives from the American Library Association, Public Library Association, Government Printing Office, the Aspen Institute, the Federal Communications Commission, and USAC, which administers the federal E-rate program for schools and libraries.

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VTLIB to Award 5 Rural Library Conference Scholarships  

The Vermont Department of Libraries (VTLIB) is pleased to offer scholarships for up to five Vermont public library workers to attend the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas from September 30 - October 3, 2015. This conference provides an excellent opportunity to learn and share practical knowledge, skills, and connections with other rural library workers from across the country.

All of the attendees from last year's conference in Tacoma, Washington returned with very positive feedback, and highly recommend that the Department continue to offer conference grants to their colleagues. As one of last year's participants reported, "Hearing from and talking with librarians from rural areas who share the same challenges, budgets, and amount of staffing that we do was incredibly valuable. Presenters and colleagues shared doable ideas. I felt 'at home,' a feeling I don't experience at conferences where presenters are from libraries with big budgets and large staffing."

Applicant requirements:

• Have an MLS, or Vermont Public Librarian Certification, or be actively working toward certification
• Not have attended an ARSL conference in the past five years
• Agree to write a one-page article for the November VTLIB newsletter
• Agree to report on the conference within 12 months at a VTLIB workshop or webinar (date to be determined)
• Receive prior approval from the Library Director (when applicable) and the Chair of the Library Board of Trustees (or designee) to attend the conference

Scholarships of $1400 per attendee will be awarded to recipients who plan to attend both the three-day conference and a one-day preconference workshop. Scholarship funds may be used for membership, airfare, mileage, parking, hotel, ground transportation, conference registration and meals. Attendees will be required to submit receipts for all costs covered by the scholarship.  

Applicants must use the official ARSL Conference Scholarship Application. Deadline for submission is June 12, 2015 (postmark date). Scanned application forms with required signatures will be accepted via email. VTLIB will announce winners on June 19, 2015.

For information about the conference please go to: http://arsl.info/category/conferences/2015-conference/.

For scholarship information, contact Michael Roche at: Michael.roche@state.vt.us, 802-748-3428, or Brittney Wilson at Brittney.Wilson@state.vt.us, 802-828-3266.

Looking for another scholarship opportunity? ARSL provides three annual scholarships. For more information visit: http://arsl.info/annual-conference-awards-calendar/award-scholarship-info/.

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VLA Encourages Library Visits with Passport to Libraries Program 

This summer, the Vermont Library Association (VLA) is sponsoring a new program, Passport to Vermont Libraries, which will run from June 1 - September 1, 2015 at over 90 Vermont public and academic libraries. As an incentive to travel around the state and visit Vermont's many wonderful libraries, participating libraries will offer a "passport" to patrons and community members, which they can bring to other libraries to receive a stamp. At the end of the summer prizes will be given at each library in three age categories for the most libraries visited, and these winners will be entered in a statewide contest for a grand prize.

VLA is providing participating libraries with passports and a printable list of libraries. Community members will be able to pick up these materials at their local library or print them out on their own.

For more information about the program, including an FAQ for patrons and links to lists and maps of Vermont libraries, visit http://www.vermontlibraries.org/passport/. There is also a Facebook page where patrons are encouraged to share stories from their travels. This is a great opportunity for Vermonters to visit and celebrate our state's libraries. Vermont has more public libraries per capita than any other state. Each one is unique and visitors will see a wide variety of architecture, programs and library collections.

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Community Financial Education Project Provides Free Resources, Trainings

Last spring, the Community Financial Education Project was launched by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in collaboration with partners including the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the American Library Association, FINRA Investor Education Foundation, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. This project aims to provide librarians with financial education resources and tools, and to help libraries connect with local partners to increase financial literacy within their communities.

The list of available resources has been growing steadily over the past year, and libraries can find a wealth of information, including program ideas and marketing materials, online for free: http://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/financial-education-tools-for-libraries-from-CFPB.html.

CFPB also offers monthly webinars to train library staff on how to discuss financial education topics with patrons. Each 30-40 minute webinar covers basic financial education topics. Archived and upcoming sessions are listed on this page: http://www.consumerfinance.gov/library-resources/librarian-training/. Programs offered in the past include Community education project with libraries and How to promote your financial education program. Watch for "Library financial empowerment showcase," coming up in September.

Libraries across the state provided materials and programs to mark Money Smart Week during the week of April 18 - 25. The Department of Libraries is gathering feedback on recent financially-focused programs held by Vermont libraries. Libraries should contact Library Development Consultant Rob Geiszler at rob.geiszler@state.vt.us or (802) 786-3839 to share feedback about their events and programs.

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DCF Conference Inspires, 2015 Winning Book Celebrated 

The thirteenth annual Dorothy Canfield Fisher (DCF) Award Conference took place on May 1 at the Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, VT. Librarians and teachers enjoyed engaging presentations from two speakers, children's book authors Steve Sheinkin and Tim Federle.

Sheinkin, a recipient of many awards for non-fiction and author of current DCF nominee The Port Chicago 50, kicked things off with a thought-provoking keynote about discovering and giving voice to the lesser-known stories of history. Federle, author of Better Nate Than Ever, a DCF selection from this past year, rounded out the day with an energizing talk about the power of educators to make a difference in children's lives. A common theme that emerged was the importance of sharing stories that have often been marginalized or gone unheard.

Through a variety of workshops, conference participants gathered dozens of ideas on how to engage students in grades 4-8 with the books on the new DCF list, introduce nonfiction and classical literature, run a book club, get kids writing, and much more. Handouts from several sessions are available on the DCF website along with many other materials to support DCF programming in libraries and schools.

2015 DCF Book Award Winner 

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library, the 2015 winner, will be celebrated at an award ceremony on Saturday, June 13. Author Chris Grabenstein will travel to Vermont to accept the award, meet students, and sign copies of his books. For event details and to RSVP, visit http://libraries.vermont.gov/blog.

Don't miss Dorothy's List on Vermont Public Radio! Listen to the May 11 episode online to hear an interview with Chris Grabenstein and get a preview of the 2015-16 list from Youth Services Consultant Sharon Colvin and award committee chair Hannah Peacock.

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Crayons Run Away with Picture Book Award  

Vermont children have chosen The Day the Crayons Quit, by Drew Daywalt and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers, as the winner of this year's Red Clover Award, Vermont's picture book award for students in grades K-4. In this humorous story, a child named Duncan opens his box of crayons only to find that the crayons have run away, leaving letters explaining their grievances -- Blue is tired out, Yellow and Orange cannot agree, and Pink feels underutilized. Duncan has to do some quick thinking to make everyone happy and get things back on track!

Over 20,800 children cast votes this year through 175 schools and four public libraries. The full voting tally is available on the website of the Vermont Center for the Book.

Author Drew Daywalt will be the keynote speaker at the 2015 Red Clover conference on October 7 at the Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, VT.

For more information about the Red Clover Award, including lists of all current and past nominees, visit the Red Clover Award page on the Department of Libraries website.

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Internet Interns Program Featured in American Libraries  

The May 2015 issue of American Libraries, the magazine of the American Library Association, has a feature story on the Internet Intern program of the Vermont Digital Economy Project. The Project, under the leadership of the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD), was made possible with a $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration.

The article, "Vermont Libraries Weather the Digital Literacy Storm," (on pages 18-19 of the May issue) reports on the success of the Internet Intern program which placed student interns in 24 public libraries around the state to assist citizens with learning computer and digital skills. The Internet Intern progam was a collaboration between the Department of Libraries and the Community College of Vermont (CCV), which designed curriculum to teach basic computer skills and trained CCV student interns.

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VTLIB Staff Recognized at VLA Conference

Congratulations to two stellar employees of the Department of Libraries: Amy Howlett, SE Vermont Library Consultant, and Mara Siegel, Continuing Education Coordinator, who received special awards from the Vermont Library Association (VLA). The awards were presented at the annual Vermont Library Association Conference at Champlain College on May 19.

L-R: Susan O'Connell, Mara Siegel, VLA President Toni Josey (Photos by Amy Wisehart)

The VLA Green Mountain Award, given to individuals or organizations for distinguished service, support, or unusual contributions to a Vermont library or libraries, was presented to Mara Siegel and Susan O'Connell, Director of the Craftsbury Public Library, for their outstanding work (and two successful Vermont Community Foundation grants) to bring maker-space programming to public libraries, and introducing innovation and leadership for Vermont libraries to enhance out-of-school learning for Vermonters of all ages. Their work has included collaboration with UVM, the VT Agency of Commerce, VT Makers, SparkFun and others.

The VLA Sarah C. Hager Award, named for the first president of VLA and a librarian at the Fletcher Free Library for 23 years until her death in 1908, is awarded each year for outstanding service in or significant contribution to the field of librarianship in Vermont. This award was presented to Amy Howlett in recognition of her distinguished service to libraries across the state, a long list of accomplishments, and a remarkable body of work at the Department of Libraries and with librarians and library trustees in our public libraries. Amy began her career at the Department of Libraries in 1978 and we salute her for her passion for libraries, her high standards of excellence, her intelligence and wealth of great ideas, her upbeat attitude and the enthusiasm she brings to work every day.

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State Law Librarian Honored

Each year in May the State of Vermont sets aside a time for Staff Appreciation Week when each department presents appreciation awards to individual employees or department teams. This year's Department of Libraries Staff Appreciation Award was presented to State Law Librarian Paul Donovan.

Paul has worked at the Vermont State Library for 38 years and for 17 years has served as State Law Librarian. Paul's work is also his passion; he has provided legal resources and research to the Judiciary, Attorney General's office, the Vermont legal community, prison inmates, the general public, and libraries statewide and is known for his expertise and knowledge in law and legislative history. An advocate for public access to legal information, Paul's training of local librarians in legal reference has helped countless citizens. His contributions have earned him widespread respect and the affection of his co-workers. On May 5 Paul attended the "Outstanding State Employees" luncheon with the Governor and received a plaque honoring his work. Congratulations, Paul!

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