I plan to use this blog as a means of letting local librarians know about opportunities that they may be able to use. Three such opportunities for public libraries have come to my attention recently:

• Public programs about Town Meeting by Susan Clark, co-author (with Frank Bryan) of All Those In Favor: Rediscovering the Secrets of Town Meeting and Community. Susan will read from the book, lead a discussion, and then lead discussions on issues related to civic engagement and building community. The programs are available free of charge for groups of ten or more, and Susan also has additional copies of the book for sale at a special library discount of $6 per book plus $0.50 shipping, payable to Vermont Institute for Government, 617 Comstock Rd., Suite 5, Berlin, VT 05602-9194. Contact Susan for details at 223-5824, sclark@sover.net.
• The Simple Living Lending Library and programs of the Vermont Earth Institute are still available to public libraries around Vermont. Seventeen books, one pamphlet and two videos make up the free collection, for which participating libraries create a display, circulate the books for a two-month period, and ship them to the next participating library. VEI provides libraries with flyers to advertise the collection. VEI also invites libraries to host its community discussion courses on such topics as Voluntary Simplicity and climate change. Contact Barbara Duncan at vei@valley.net or 802-333-3664 for details.
• “Wish for Lit” grants from Amazon.com, a program aimed at giving more than $20,000 in Amazon.com products to three deserving libraries in the United States. Beginning today, libraries interested in participating must submit an online entry form at www.amazon.com/wishforlit and create their Library Wish List. Applications will be accepted until February 16, 2007.

Please let us know if we can help you as you pursue the many, various grants and programs available.

Marianne Kotch