|
Free Public Library Service (Vermont)
The Free Public Library Service (FPLS) was one of two state library agencies in Vermont.[1] It was created in 1894 through an act of the State Legislature.[2] The act mandated the creation of a state board of library commissioners, who would offer advice to existing free public libraries.[3] The commission would also offer $100 for towns without libraries to purchase books to start a library, provided they set it up with a trained board of trustees.[3] FPLS ran a series of regional libraries, maintained a union catalog, and provided for bookmobile and interlibrary loan services in the state between 1894 and 1970.[4] It also oversaw the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award and provided library services to individuals with print disabilities.[5] It merged with the State Library to become the Department of Libraries on March 31, 1970.[6][7] Bookmobile serviceFPLS began Vermont's first "book-wagon" service in 1922 funded by the state Federation of Women's Clubs.[8] It delivered book and other materials to small libraries, and loaned materials directly to individuals in towns without libraries.[8] By 1940, FPLS has developed regional library services and divided the state into four regions, each with its own bookwagon funded by the Federation of Women's Clubs.[8] In 1957 as a result of funding received through the new federal Library Services Act, FPLS purchased two larger type bookwagons that could hold materials and patrons.[8] In 1970, FPLS merged with the State Library to create the Department of Libraries.[6] The State Board of Libraries decided to discontinue state-operated bookmobile service in 1974.[8] FPLS Executive Secretaries
References
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
.svg){kind=icon}