ORWELL — Orwell Free Library has been selected as one of 200 libraries to participate in Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that helps library workers better serve their small and rural communities. More than 300 libraries applied for the grant, according to ALA.
The competitive award comes with a $3,000 grant that will help the library purchase quality streaming technology and support staff time to bring the 2021 Orwell Town Meeting safely to town residents. “We are excited and ready to assist our town officials with a COVID-safe Town Meeting alternative. The grant funds will also allow our library to build infrastructure for quality virtual programming. This moment in time is special and challenging in so many ways. It is wonderful to be given opportunities to work together and serve our community as best we can,” said Kate Hunter, Orwell librarian.
The pandemic put small Vermont towns in a difficult position. Running a virtual informational meeting with a Q & A piece is a challenge many are not comfortable offering. Local libraries are positioned to provide advice and, in some cases, assistance to local governments amidst this challenge.