State librarian briefs Senate on library services, statewide ebook programs and $26.4 million in administered grants

Catherine Villeneuve, state librarian and commissioner of the Vermont Department of Libraries, told the Senate Committee on Government Operations on Feb. 12 that the department operates statewide library services — including a statewide ebook/audiobook platform, a learning portal, an interlibrary loan courier and special services for readers with print disabilities — and is administering federal grants to support library building repairs and upgrades.

Villeneuve described several statewide services: the Palace Project (Vermont's statewide ebook and eaudiobook platform), a Vermont Online Library database with magazines and reference resources, an online learning portal (Udemy) and an interlibrary loan network that moved roughly 67,000 books to Vermonters last year. "Every library in the state can use this service," she said of the learning portal, and she noted that the department authenticates access for Vermonters.

Why it matters: Vermont's public libraries serve as local community hubs and provide remote access to research, workforce training and accessible reading materials.…