Monitor the library’s solar production here!

log in credentials:
email: solar@craftsburypubliclibrary.org
password: SunnySkies1
Once logged in, click on “Craftsbury Public Library” in the plant list to see the status of the system, how the power is flowing, and (most fun of all!) the energy generation chart.

View our solar plans

Copyright Creative Commons(CC), attribution Vince O'Connell.

The Craftsbury Energy Committee is partnering with the Craftsbury Public Library and several funding groups to provide the library with a solar electric and battery back-up system.  The Energy Committee is providing their professional expertise in the designing and installation of the renewable energy and back-up power system that will ensure uninterrupted access to communications and library resources in the event of power outages. The system includes roof mounted solar panels, a 20 kWh back-up battery and other components that will provide renewable and reliable power rain or shine.

The project will ensure a safe and reliable work space and access to resources to carry out essential internet-dependent work when power outages make work at home impossible. With this resilient system in place local citizens will be able to access communication and vital information sites as they cope with the challenges of power outages.

 The solar generation will also eliminate most of the electric utility costs for the library as well as contribute to Vermont's goals for renewable energy and resilience. In addition to being directly useful to the library the project will serve as an aspirational example of a resilient energy system that similar organizations can replicate.

The project is made possible through grants from the Association of Rural and Small Libraries, the AKC Foundation, the Vermont Council on Rural Development, municipal American Rescue Plan Act funding, and the donation of many hours of design and installation by members of the Craftsbury Energy Committee. Planning and permitting has begun, with an anticipated completion date in 2023.

The Leesa Fine Room

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The Leesa Fine Room was officially opened to the public on July 25, 2021. This quiet reading room also houses the literature and history collection, and offers fast wifi and a work table. Nearby is a new remote working space that can be reserved by the hour or by the day. The new space is a beautiful place to work, read, relax, and refresh.

In the spring of 2019, the Craftsbury Public Library was contacted by the family of Leesa Fine, a long-time summer resident on Shadow Lake Road, about developing a memorial to her at the library. During her time at Shadow Lake over many summers, Leesa frequented the Craftsbury Public Library, relishing in the literature and conviviality of the library and discussing books with the librarians.  We discussed various concepts for the proposed memorial to Leesa Fine and our dream of someday expanding the library was the project that felt to Leesa’s family like the most fitting choice.   

The library addition plans have been completed by our architect, and are available to view here.  The main portion of the addition is the Leesa Fine Room, with a small alcove and some changes to the children’s room as well.

·  Leesa Fine Room-  This room is designed to create a quiet, contemplative space within the library, while still being close to the main room and easily monitored by staff.  Our Community Needs Assessment identified the difficulties of maintaining a buzzing community hub while also being a place to study, read, and work.  This room solves that problem.  The room will be connected to the main room with glass "pocket" doors, allowing oversight from the circulation desk while providing aural privacy for quiet work.  The North Wall will be filled with bookshelves, housing literature and biography.  The fireplace and stained glass windows will take up the west wall, providing a cozy gathering spot, and ensuring privacy for our neighbors to the west.  Looking south, we will take advantage of the stunning view out to Mount Mansield with a bay window, mirroring that of the Dustan. Situated around the room will be easy chairs and comfortable work chairs.

·  Alcove- The small, separate alcove allow us to sequester the tasks that require quiet but also the ability to talk (calls, tests, classes), while maintaining the more studious feel of the Leesa Fine room.

·  Children's Room- The northwest corner of the children’s room will be converted from storage space to a bright, window-filled reading area.  Bench seating will overlook the playground and allow supervision of outside play by adults who remain indoors.