Vermont has new State Librarian

Martha Reid, the Burnham (Colchester, VT.) Library director for the past 8 years, has been appointed State Librarian of Vermont, succeeding Sybil McShane, who has been in the office since 1997. Sybil retires this month after nearly 30 years at the State Library. She was primarily responsible for bringing technology to Vermont public libraries with the automation of the State Library and the Vermont Automated Library System, which facilitates the loaning of Vermont library materials in the State. Many small public libraries got their first computers with Department of Library grants which Sybil implemented.

Marty Reid comes with 30 years of experience in a wide variety of libraries in Colorado and Connecticut. According to Secretary of Administration, Michael Smith,

“Martha Reid has worked in public libraries for more than 30 years in Virginia, Connecticut and Colorado, and has led the Burnham Library in Colchester for the past seven years. Her experience ranges from children’s outreach services in rural areas to serving as a workshop leader, a reference librarian, and collection coordinator in a large, suburban library system,” says Secretary Smith. “Her broad range of experience will serve her well in her new capacity as State Librarian. I look forward to having her join the Agency of Administration in this role.”

According to Marty:

“Being chosen as the new State Librarian is a distinct honor for me,” said Ms. Reid. “Vermonters are lucky to have so many good libraries around the state, and deserve the best that we can provide in the 21st century. I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that this position will bring.”

Smith said of McShane,

“Sybil has been a valued member of the team from day one, and she is a true government professional in every sense of the word,” says Secretary Smith. “I thank her for all she has done for me, for this administration, and for the State of Vermont.”

I agree: Sybil has been a major mover and shaker in helping all Vermont libraries come into the 21st century. Her breadth and depth of knowledge will be sorely missed. I wish her good luck in her retirement years.