Senator Hardy delivered the following remarks at the 125th birthday celebration of the Salisbury Free Public Library, on Saturday, October 3. See below also for a video of her remarks.
Good morning everyone! It’s wonderful to be here for the 125th birthday celebration of the Salisbury Free Public Library. I’m Senator Ruth Hardy, and I love libraries! They are the heart of so many of our small towns in Vermont, including Salisbury. Libraries are unique in that they are often the most important multi-generational gathering space in a community. No matter your age, the library is here for you!
Did any of you happen to see the article in the New York Times yesterday about libraries? It was marking the 150th anniversary of the modern American library, which means that the Salisbury library was part of the movement to create libraries in towns across our country. Even as so much has changed in our country, libraries like this one have persevered.
The article quoted librarians around the country. They talked about how libraries have become even more important during these divided times. A librarian from Rhode Island said, “Librarians are defenders of democracy. We’re defenders of the freedom to read. We’re protectors of patron privacy. And I find, increasingly, that librarians have to be advocates for our communities.”
In this 250th year of our country, libraries are not only the heart of small towns like Salisbury, they are the advocates for our communities, big and small. Libraries and librarians help make sure members of a community have what they need – a book to read, a place to gather or just stay warm, access to the internet, information about rights & services, a household item or seeds for your garden, a pass to a local park, and so much more.
The name of this library is important – the Salisbury FREE PUBLIC Library because it emphasizes the values of what libraries are for in our communities. Libraries are equalizers – rich or poor, nobody has to pay money to be here. And they are for everyone – no matter your age or identity, immigration status, disability, place on the political spectrum, or whatever. Public libraries are for ALL members of the public. This library, from its founding, has worn that responsibility on its sleeve, proudly broadcasting it in its name.
Libraries and librarians – most of whom are resourceful, dedicated, and under-paid women – do so much for us. So, during my time in the Senate, I have been determined to do something for libraries. I have authored three bills related to libraries – helping libraries tell their stories & outline their needs, protecting your freedom to read the books you want, making sure libraries are eligible & supported by relevant state grants, and updating the laws that govern public libraries for the 21st century.
This work and my advocacy for libraries earned me the 2026 Senator Patrick Leahy Library Advocate of the Year Award from the Vermont Library Association. This is an incredible honor as there is no other group I’d rather be recognized by than librarians!
I have helped libraries have a voice in the State House and I have visited and advocated for all of the libraries in my district. I was thrilled when the Salisbury Library was awarded a state grant to support its renovation. With this funding and renovation, the Salisbury Free Public Library will be able to continue to serve everyone, advocate for this community, and become an even more accessible gathering space for the people of this lovely town.
Today during this celebration, and every time you visit the library, remember all of the ways your local library has enriched your life, advocated for your well-being, or helped you escape with a good book.
Thank you for including me in this wonderful celebration – Happy Birthday to the Salisbury Free Public Library! May the people of Salisbury enjoy many more years of Library Love in their town!
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