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From our April 2024 Newsletter~
The Vermont Department of Libraries recently informed all Vermont libraries that 16 million dollars was available in the form of grant money for library buildings and upgrades that would improve internet access for communities. Our Library Board of Trustees has discussed improving our facility for a number of years and we have eagerly awaited this opportunity! With the support of the Select Board, Ms. Reynolds, Ryan Lockwood (Fairlee Town Administrator), the trustees worked hard to complete the 30+ page application. We expect to have a response from the state by the beginning of summer. It is our understanding that the intention of the state is to fund one library project in each county and we felt we submitted a strong application. Fingers crossed and stay tuned for updates! Another exciting aspect of completing the grant is that we were told an additional 10 million dollars would become available later this fall. The library trustees felt that by applying for the first grant, we would learn skills we could use for the second opportunity if our first application is not successful. Yes, we can apply for grant #2 if we are not recipients of grant #1! We are excited to think we may be able to make some significant changes to enhance our Fairlee Public Library for decades to come! Sincerely, Cyrie Lange (Chair, Fairlee Library Trustees) Charlotte Williams Jen Titus Stacey Dunham Diane Church From our May 2024 Newsletter~ While the Library Trustees are hoping to hear by early summer regarding the Vermont State Library Building grant we’ve applied for, we’ve been busy preparing for possible next steps. The current library building is in need of significant structural upgrades that would be costly. A structural assessment found expensive repairs would be required for the roof, the foundation and aging heating, cooling, electrical and ventilation systems. Additionally the library lacks sufficient storage and spaces that can better meet the needs of our patrons which have changed over the years. While a new facility is a daunting project, the trustees are encouraged by possible funding through a state grant and the support of the Fairlee Select board and townspeople. One of the funding stipulations for this grant is that the project must be completed by the end of 2025. With such a tight timeline, we have decided to seriously consider moving ahead with this project (PENDING RECEIVING A GRANT) with Geobarns of White River Junction. Geobarns is a well known Upper Valley design/build construction company. They recently completed a new library building for the town of Meriden, NH which the trustees have visited. If we procure a grant and are able to proceed, the Fairlee Select board plans to retain the current library building and we will build on the library site, pending approval of building permits, reusing the current library parking lot and septic system. We are a long way from any of this becoming a reality, but as library trustees, we think it important that our community be aware of our plans. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to apply for a grant of this magnitude! Please help us get the word out and stay tuned for further updates! Sincerely, Cyrie Lange (Chair, Fairlee Library Trustees) Charlotte Williams Jen Titus Stacey Dunham Diane Church From our June 2024 Newsletter~ Still waiting!… for a response from the state about the grant application we submitted for building a new town library for Fairlee. We will keep you posted! However, you may have seen the small flag markers behind the library or the building permit in the library window. They indicate an area we hope to raise an outdoor gazebo for the community to enjoy! Ms. Beth has been awarded a $2500 Winnie Belle Grant grant from Vermont Public Library Federation for the purchase of the gazebo. She’s looking forward to story times there, small gatherings, people having a shaded, comfortable place for reading or wifi access…. The grant will cover the materials to purchase the supplies. If you would like to help with possible equipment costs (needed for digging 4 holes for precast concrete columns) or for some sturdy outdoor furniture, please note that donations to our library can be made on the town website! For any library donation at all, the town website is easy. Simply go to The Town of Fairlee website, scroll down to Pay Online, click on Pay Your Bill Online, select library, and fill out the information. Any donations at all are very appreciated! Thank you. Sincerely, Cyrie Lange (Chair, Fairlee Library Trustees) Charlotte Williams Jen Titus Stacey Dunham Diane Church |
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