Library Status: Effective 2/18/2021: Due to the increased number of positive COVID tests in Franklin County, we are temporarily returning to curbside service only. We are discouraged by the need to take this step backward so soon after reopening the building, but are working to prioritize the health and safety of our community members. Our librarians are still available to assist you during our during normal business hours - give us a call at 827-3945. We are happy provide you with library materials and activities through curbside pickup. We are watching the numbers closely, and as soon as our 14 day testing positivity rate goes back below 5% for Franklin county, we will reopen the building for public access. Source for testing positivity rating by county: https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid-19/health-care-professionals/community-thresholds-decision-making
Our phased reopening plan guides our service level decisions and is subject to change is we receive new information.
About COVID-19: For accurate information regarding COVID-19, please visit the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vermont Department of Health, or the World Health Organization.
Internet Access: With schools and libraries closed, and people working remotely, many people in our area are struggling to find reliable internet. Though our building is currently closed, our wi-fi is ALWAYS ON and can be accessed from our parking lot. No password is needed. If you (or someone you know who will not see this) do not have a device to connect to wi-fi, please contact us (827-3945 or bnmllibrarian@gmail.com) and we will find a way to help you. Many internet providers are also taking measures to help keep people connected during this time by opening up wi-fi hot spots, providing free internet, and lifting data usage limits. Visit https://libraries.vermont.gov/covid19/internet for more information about specific providers. Click here for an interactive map of Public WiFi Hotspots in Vermont.
Curbside Borrowing and Returns: Please contact us at 827-3945, bnmllibrarian@gmail.com, or by messaging us on Facebook, to request items and schedule a time for pick-up. We are available during our normal business hours. We are happy to chat with you about book recommendations, search for specific titles for you, and help you in any way we can. If you would like to search our online library catalog, visit https://bnml.kohavt.org/. Staff members will be taking precautions, including isolation and disinfection of items, to help ensure that items leaving the library are virus free before they go home with you. If you are healthy and have books you have finished and would like to return, please drop them into the labelled plastic bin outside our door during our normal business hours. If you are unable to make it during our business hours, please continue to hold onto the books.
Electronic Books and Audio Books: We encourage you to use our free downloadable eBook and audio book services, Listen Up VT! and RB Digital. More information can be found on our Electronic Resources Page. Contact us if you need your library card number of any help getting your accounts set up. You can also get free classic eBooks through Project Gutenberg.
Continuing Education: We offer several online continuing education opportunities. including Learning Express, Universal Class, and access to the Vermont Online Library. More information can be found on our Electronic Resources Page.
Fairfield Food Shelf: Located in East Fairfield at the Community Center. Open Every Tuesday from 3-5 pm and every 2nd Friday of the month from 10am - noon. Restrictions during COVID-19: If you need food, please call 827-3130 (anytime) first and leave your name, number of people in your household, and a telephone number. Speak slowly and clearly. Someone will return your call to schedule a pick up or delivery if needed. No one will be turned away if they do not call. When you arrive on Tuesday or Friday, someone will greet you, and your box of food will be placed outside the door for pick-up. If you are unable to lift your box, please consider sending someone who can. Deliveries can be arranged for the Fairfield & Bakersfield area.THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR COOPERATION as we all navigate this time with caution, safety and compassion. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to call us-827-3130.
Children's Resources: Common Sense Media provides a comprehensive list of free educational games, apps, and websites, with recommended ages and reviews by parents. Some include National Geographic Kids, the NASA app, and Duolingo.
Information & Referral:
Vermont 211 - Provides information about many community resources such as: emergency food and shelter, disability services, counseling, senior services, health care, child care, drug and alcohol programs, legal assistance, transportation agencies, educational and volunteer opportunities and more. Call 211 or text your zip code to 898211.
Agency of Commerce and Community Development - The ACCD has put together a page of resources for Businesses, Individuals, and Communities. It includes, but is not limited to: Financial Assistance, Sector Guidance, Unemployment Information, Housing, etc...
Healthcare:
Vermont Health Care Advocate - A free resource available to help all Vermonters solve problems related to health care:
Substance Cessation:
Vermont Help Link - Alcohol & Drug Support Services Call 802-565-LINK (802-565-5465) or go to the website and connect via CHAT.
802Quits - Smoking & Vaping Support Services - Smoking tobacco or marijuana or vaping may increase the risk of serious complications from COVID-19. Call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669)
Counseling & Support:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - Call 800-273-8255 or go to the website and click CHAT. This page has some coping skills and other helpful resources.
Northwestern Counseling & Suport Services - If you need immediate assistance, call 800-834-7793. If you are seeking services, use this online form https://www.ncssinc.org/contact or call 802-524-6554.
National Alliance on Mental Illness - NAMI has put together an extensive COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide listing multiple free online sites for aide and support.
Vermont Peer Support Line - To receive non-judgmental support and speak to a "peer" call or text 833-888-2557..
Vermont Department of Mental Health - For mental health resources visit https://mentalhealth.vermont.gov/how-to-get-help or call 2-1-1.
Financial Assistance:
Vermont Unemployment - File your claim online. https://vermont.force.com/DOLClaim/s/ You can file your initial claim by calling 877-214-3330 or 888-807-7072. General Assistance Line: 1-877-214-3332
Small Business Association - A $10,000 advance will be provided to businesses that apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) The grant will be releases withing 3 days of loan application submission. To apply for an EIDL, click here: https://www.sba.gov/disaster/apply-for-disaster-loan/index.html
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - To apply for heating assistance, call 800-479-6151 or click here: https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/fuel-assistance
3 Squares VT - To apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, call 800-479-6151 or click here: https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/3SquaresVT
Hunger Free Vermont - Contact your child's school to apply for free meals, and click the following to find information about meal sites and distribution in your district: https://www.hungerfreevt.org/news/coronavirus
Vermont Community Action Partnership - Connecting Vermonters in need with the local community agencies that can help. In Franklin County, call the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity at 802-524-5876 or 802- 524-8548.
Two organizations offering cash assistance to bar and restaurant employees who've lost work due to COVID-19: One Fair Wage and USBG National Charity Foundation.
Artist Relief - Our friends at The Vermont Arts Council have put together a resource page for professional artists (in all fields) who may be struggling during the pandemic. Click here for the link. And this is another list of organizations with emergency funding for artists of all disciplines http://www.thehavenfdn.org/links/
Our phased reopening plan guides our service level decisions and is subject to change is we receive new information.
About COVID-19: For accurate information regarding COVID-19, please visit the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vermont Department of Health, or the World Health Organization.
Internet Access: With schools and libraries closed, and people working remotely, many people in our area are struggling to find reliable internet. Though our building is currently closed, our wi-fi is ALWAYS ON and can be accessed from our parking lot. No password is needed. If you (or someone you know who will not see this) do not have a device to connect to wi-fi, please contact us (827-3945 or bnmllibrarian@gmail.com) and we will find a way to help you. Many internet providers are also taking measures to help keep people connected during this time by opening up wi-fi hot spots, providing free internet, and lifting data usage limits. Visit https://libraries.vermont.gov/covid19/internet for more information about specific providers. Click here for an interactive map of Public WiFi Hotspots in Vermont.
Curbside Borrowing and Returns: Please contact us at 827-3945, bnmllibrarian@gmail.com, or by messaging us on Facebook, to request items and schedule a time for pick-up. We are available during our normal business hours. We are happy to chat with you about book recommendations, search for specific titles for you, and help you in any way we can. If you would like to search our online library catalog, visit https://bnml.kohavt.org/. Staff members will be taking precautions, including isolation and disinfection of items, to help ensure that items leaving the library are virus free before they go home with you. If you are healthy and have books you have finished and would like to return, please drop them into the labelled plastic bin outside our door during our normal business hours. If you are unable to make it during our business hours, please continue to hold onto the books.
Electronic Books and Audio Books: We encourage you to use our free downloadable eBook and audio book services, Listen Up VT! and RB Digital. More information can be found on our Electronic Resources Page. Contact us if you need your library card number of any help getting your accounts set up. You can also get free classic eBooks through Project Gutenberg.
Continuing Education: We offer several online continuing education opportunities. including Learning Express, Universal Class, and access to the Vermont Online Library. More information can be found on our Electronic Resources Page.
Fairfield Food Shelf: Located in East Fairfield at the Community Center. Open Every Tuesday from 3-5 pm and every 2nd Friday of the month from 10am - noon. Restrictions during COVID-19: If you need food, please call 827-3130 (anytime) first and leave your name, number of people in your household, and a telephone number. Speak slowly and clearly. Someone will return your call to schedule a pick up or delivery if needed. No one will be turned away if they do not call. When you arrive on Tuesday or Friday, someone will greet you, and your box of food will be placed outside the door for pick-up. If you are unable to lift your box, please consider sending someone who can. Deliveries can be arranged for the Fairfield & Bakersfield area.THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR COOPERATION as we all navigate this time with caution, safety and compassion. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to call us-827-3130.
Children's Resources: Common Sense Media provides a comprehensive list of free educational games, apps, and websites, with recommended ages and reviews by parents. Some include National Geographic Kids, the NASA app, and Duolingo.
Information & Referral:
Vermont 211 - Provides information about many community resources such as: emergency food and shelter, disability services, counseling, senior services, health care, child care, drug and alcohol programs, legal assistance, transportation agencies, educational and volunteer opportunities and more. Call 211 or text your zip code to 898211.
Agency of Commerce and Community Development - The ACCD has put together a page of resources for Businesses, Individuals, and Communities. It includes, but is not limited to: Financial Assistance, Sector Guidance, Unemployment Information, Housing, etc...
Healthcare:
Vermont Health Care Advocate - A free resource available to help all Vermonters solve problems related to health care:
Substance Cessation:
Vermont Help Link - Alcohol & Drug Support Services Call 802-565-LINK (802-565-5465) or go to the website and connect via CHAT.
802Quits - Smoking & Vaping Support Services - Smoking tobacco or marijuana or vaping may increase the risk of serious complications from COVID-19. Call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669)
Counseling & Support:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - Call 800-273-8255 or go to the website and click CHAT. This page has some coping skills and other helpful resources.
Northwestern Counseling & Suport Services - If you need immediate assistance, call 800-834-7793. If you are seeking services, use this online form https://www.ncssinc.org/contact or call 802-524-6554.
National Alliance on Mental Illness - NAMI has put together an extensive COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide listing multiple free online sites for aide and support.
Vermont Peer Support Line - To receive non-judgmental support and speak to a "peer" call or text 833-888-2557..
Vermont Department of Mental Health - For mental health resources visit https://mentalhealth.vermont.gov/how-to-get-help or call 2-1-1.
Financial Assistance:
Vermont Unemployment - File your claim online. https://vermont.force.com/DOLClaim/s/ You can file your initial claim by calling 877-214-3330 or 888-807-7072. General Assistance Line: 1-877-214-3332
Small Business Association - A $10,000 advance will be provided to businesses that apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) The grant will be releases withing 3 days of loan application submission. To apply for an EIDL, click here: https://www.sba.gov/disaster/apply-for-disaster-loan/index.html
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - To apply for heating assistance, call 800-479-6151 or click here: https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/fuel-assistance
3 Squares VT - To apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, call 800-479-6151 or click here: https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/3SquaresVT
Hunger Free Vermont - Contact your child's school to apply for free meals, and click the following to find information about meal sites and distribution in your district: https://www.hungerfreevt.org/news/coronavirus
Vermont Community Action Partnership - Connecting Vermonters in need with the local community agencies that can help. In Franklin County, call the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity at 802-524-5876 or 802- 524-8548.
Two organizations offering cash assistance to bar and restaurant employees who've lost work due to COVID-19: One Fair Wage and USBG National Charity Foundation.
Artist Relief - Our friends at The Vermont Arts Council have put together a resource page for professional artists (in all fields) who may be struggling during the pandemic. Click here for the link. And this is another list of organizations with emergency funding for artists of all disciplines http://www.thehavenfdn.org/links/