Free Public Library Service
Agency overview
FormedNovember 6, 1894
DissolvedMarch 31, 1970
Superseding agency
JurisdictionState of 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 service

FPLS 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

Year(s) Name
1969–1970 James Igoe
1968–1969 Lillian Irons
1965–1968 Elena Horton
1964–1965 Lillian Irons
1957–1964 Jane Hobson
1935–1957 Dorothy Randolph Barre
1928–1935 Elizabeth T. Williams
1924–1928 Mildred C. Cook
1922–1924 Helen M. Richards
1920–1922 Julia C. Carter
1917–1920 Ruth Brown
1910–1917 Rebecca Wright
1904–1910 Frances Hobart
1903–1904 Esther Taber
1901–1903 M. H. Buckham
1901 Charlotte Gibson
1894–1901 Mary L. Titcomb

References

  1. ↑ "Title 22: Libraries, History, And Information Technology Chapter 3: Public Libraries Subchapter 1: Free Public Library Service". Vermont Laws. State of Vermont. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  2. ↑ Vermont. General Assembly. Senate (1895). Journal of the Senate of the State of Vermont. Vermont. General Assembly. Senate. Retrieved 2020-04-26.
  3. 1 2 Vermont. Free Public Library Service (1896). Vermont Libraries: Biennial Report of the Free Public Library Service. Free Press Association Printers. Retrieved 2020-04-26.
  4. ↑ Parker, Wyman (June 1968). A Study of the Acquisition Policies of the Vermont Council of Academic Libraries with the Vermont Free Public Library Service and Vermont State Library (PDF). US Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  5. ↑ "Children's Book Award to Close May 1 in Strate". Burlington Free Press. No. Vol 134, No.93. April 19, 1961. p. 6. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  6. 1 2 "Igoe Takes Oath to Head Unified Library Service". Burlington Free Press. October 11, 1969. p. 5. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  7. ↑ "Vermont Department of Libraries Biennial Report". Vermont Department of Libraries. 1993. p. 3. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 McShane, Sybil. "View of Mobile library literacy: Solutions for a rural environment". First Monday. Retrieved 2020-04-25.


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