Raise a Glass of Cider to the Jeudevine

HARDWICK – Some of you may have wondered if you actually felt the earth tremble under your feet; others may have cocked your heads, wondering was that a distant roaring you heard; or, even in the midst of this run of magnificent weather, did some feel an extra rush of warmth that day? That day was September 30th, when the Vermont Department of Libraries (DoL), at long last, announced the recipient libraries across the state for grant funding that had been distributed to DoL more than a year ago. In turn, the DoL reviewed applications from dozens of Vermont communities, finally arriving at a list of 14 libraries from 11 of the state’s 14 counties.

And, yes, our Jeudevine Memorial Library succeeded in winning one of the grants, for $725,000.

The unusual sensation you might have felt that day was the collective expression of exultation and relief from the Jeudevine Board of Trustees and staff. We had been encouraged to believe that we would ultimately be selected for an award, but, after months of waiting to hear, long past the date we had anticipated learning, our nerve endings were raw, our nails chewed to the nubs, our teeth ground to the gums.

Herewith, a look back at our story: the effort to bring the Jeudevine into the Twenty-first Century has literally lasted all of the Twenty-first Century to date. In 2001, our newly appointed librarian Lisa Sammet set a path to upgrade our building which holds only 1000 square feet and is not ADA compliant.

By 2007 drawings were completed featuring a design that filled the backyard with a two-story addition. And then, in 2008, the economy crashed.

Fast forward to 2015: the senior center, next door to the Jeudevine was deemed uninhabitable and given to the town. In turn, the town gave the property to the Jeudevine for space upon which to build an addition. In 2016 a new design, incorporating that space, was completed, but, after many public meetings, a 2017 municipal bond vote failed to pass. After that defeat, the board embarked on a listening tour to better understand the thinking of those opposed to the project. Those concerns highlighted that no money had yet been raised towards the construction to help offset taxpayer expense, and that the design seemed too fancy and too costly.

In 2018, two unexpected bequests, totaling over a half million dollars, kick-started the current effort. A citizen committee worked to create a new design aimed at maximizing space and reducing cost. New architects were brought in, fundraising efforts moved into high gear. Special events were held, grants were submitted, thousands of letters were written. We moved to within $100,000 of our fundraising goal, and the pandemic arrived. All progress ground to a halt.

Later in 2020, as the world slowly opened up again we learned that we had been awarded two large grants, and, together with the fundraising, felt we could proceed toward a second bond vote. Despite the horrific impact upon the economy through the pandemic, the bond passed.

In 2021 we went out to bid, having budgeted $1.54 million. We knew that inflation had hit building costs, but were stunned when the lowest bidder came in almost a million dollars over our budget. Through Senator Leahy’s office, we hoped for a budget appropriation, as we were one of 10 projects selected from 300 applicants. That budget did not pass until March of 2022.

We then went to bid again, with a budget of $2.42 million and the bids returned at about $3.1 million, an almost 30% increase in one year!

With two failed bids behind us, we explored a new model, hiring a construction manager (CM), rather than a general contractor. The CM allows for greater flexibility throughout the construction process. We elected to go with ReArch. Having secured another grant to reach $3 million, we worked with them through early 2023 to create a budget at that target number. Even then, as ReArch bid out to subcontractors, we needed to pare away another $330,000 from our design, meaning an unfinished lower level of community space, kitchen and staff areas.

At last, early in 2023, we broke ground, only to discover that an underground stream flows through the site. Work was halted. In July, the flooding made it abundantly clear that reengineering was called for – the new design raised the new building two feet, drainage was improved, and our planned elevator was changed to a LULA which does not require as deep a pit. Work recommenced in October, but the delay and redesigning cost $400,000.

Following those many paragraphs of inflation and disappointment, 2024 has seen steady, and relatively trouble-free progress. And now, with these latest grant dollars in hand we can see our way to completion. Phew! Even I shudder at the memories. Is it any surprise at our expressions

of relief on September 30th?

As the finishing touches are put to the exterior of our new addition, and work on the landscaping has begun, we can turn our attention inside with an expectation to open the addition in the early spring. We are reviewing flooring options and color schemes, scoping out the millwork (desks, counters, etc.) and imagining the paths our patrons will follow through the newly created space.

In the meantime, there is much to anticipate this month at the library. For adults, two book discussions will take place: first, on Monday, October 21, Kathleen Kesson will visit to talk about her book, “Becoming One With the World, A Guide to Neohumanist Education.” The author explores our current educational model and asks can we possibly reimagine a system that feels more just and joyful. Her background is as a professor, researcher and consultant around curriculum design and personalized learning.

Then, on Thursday, October 24, Jim Schley will lead a discussion of Kenneth Cadow’s young-adult novel “Gather.” The story follows the life of Ian, a young boy growing up under challenging circumstances in modern-day Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. Its message is one of resilience, connection to nature and the importance of interpersonal relationships. The author has taught in the Northeast Kingdom and notes that during his career he has “encountered dozens upon dozens of stories like Ian’s: kids whose spirits are threatened to be crushed by societal disregard.” Jim Schley has worked as a book editor and writer, has taught at Vermont Community College, and led book discussions for many years.

In addition to Thursday Storytime (10:30 a.m.), children can look forward to two special events this month. On Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 3 p.m., the library will host Murphy, a therapy dog who loves children to read to him. Call the library to reserve a 10-minute time slot. On Thursday, Oct. 24, at 3 p.m., come to create a pumpkin lantern from a Mason jar.

Two occasions are on tap in October for teenagers. On Tuesday, Oct. 15, there will be a workshop to create Halloween dragon puppets, and on Thursday, Oct. 29, come to create (and enjoy!) no-bake Halloween treats.

So, raise a glass of cider to the Jeudevine and have a happy Halloween.