About

Mission

To enrich the community and inspire lifelong learning by providing free public access to quality materials, services, programs, and ideas in a space that welcomes everyone.

Vision

To become a vital center of learning, discovery, and community engagement that is inclusive and accessible to all and that enriches the lives of everyone it serves.

Values

We believe in free access to information and ideas and in supporting learners of all ages. We are committed to preserving the historic character of Jericho Center and the strong community ties that have developed here for centuries. Jericho Town Library is also dedicated to social justice, equity, and strengthening its community. To this end, the library works to interrupt systems of oppression that marginalize individuals and strives to build a community that welcomes and affirms people of all different identities.

History

Jericho Town Library is a municipal library, established by a vote on Town Meeting Day, March 7, 1899. The collection was situated in various private homes during the early 1900s. With need for more room, the library moved to the former Jericho Academy in 1915, preserving this historic structure built in 1825. In 1955, the State of Vermont paved Browns Trace Road and the building was moved across the street to its present location. The Town of Jericho acquired the building in 2005, although the library is still managed by the Jericho Town Library non-profit organization.

Strategic Plan

In April 2022, the Board of Trustees approved Jericho Town Library's Five-Year Strategic Plan. This document is something of a to-do list, laying out our vision for where we want to be in 2027 and the steps we plan to take to get there. A digital version is posted here and there are also print copies available to read at the library.

Intergenerational Programming Space

If you haven't seen it yet, our amazing second-floor play area was transformed a couple years ago with a generous gift from the King family, commemorating the life of beloved Jericho resident Kelly King. The second floor also features the Makerspace and some beautiful mosaics by local artist Mary Lacy. Some fan-favorite toys in the play area are the grocery store, kitchen, puppets, and of course, the train set! The play area is open whenever the library is, or join us for Playgroup on Wednesdays at 10:30 am.

Staff

Gretchen Wright, Library Director

Gretchen has lived in Jericho for most of her life: she went to school here for K-12 and even did some time working at the Jericho Center Country Store. Gretchen attended Duke University, where she majored in English and Classical Studies and watched a lot of basketball games. She is so excited to be back in the town and community she calls home. When she's off-duty from the library, you can find Gretchen somewhere by the lake or in the woods with her dog (and usually a book in her backpack).

Kelly Johnston, Library Assistant

Kelly is the newest member of the JTL team, and she's so excited to be on board! From her work at the Mount Mansfield Union High School Library and Phoenix Books, Kelly knows a thing or two about books, reading, and literary programming. Come to the library on Tuesday evenings for all of Kelly's best book recs-- especially mystery and YA fiction!

Volunteers

Interested in volunteering? We'd love to have you help out! Whether it's covering the circulation desk, reshelving books, gardening, leading programs, running errands, or anything else you might be interested in, we are grateful for your help. Contact Gretchen, the library director, to chat more about what you're looking for.