(This article reprinted from New England Libraries, Vol. 3, No. 2: February, 2007.)

Around New England

The 2007 Maine Libraries Conference will be November 4-6, 2007 at the Augusta Civic Center. The theme will be "Maine Libraries Celebrate Lifelong Learning". http://mainelibraries.info

"Connecting NH Libraries" is this year's theme for the New Hampshire Library Association and the New Hampshire Educational Media Association joint conference to be held on May 17 & 18, 2007 at the Mount Washington Hotel. Featured speakers include Philip R. Craig, author of the popular Martha's Vineyard mystery series and Judy Schachner, creator of the award-winning Skippyjon Jones books. http://nhlibconf.org

The Vermont Library Association is moving forward on their proposal for state funding. Legislative Breakfasts are being scheduled in each county in February to educate representatives and senators to the range of library services and public demands.

A brochure has been developed by the Vermont Library Association's Government Relations committee to help explain Vermont public library needs. The document may be downloaded from www.vermontlibraries.org/fundingflyer.pdf.

Members of VLA are also meeting with the Vermont House Committee on General Operations, Housing, and Military Affairs to discuss H. 99 which calls for a special committee to "study the impact of Vermont's public libraries on their communities and the impact that the communities have on their libraries."