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MAY 2, 2019
WILLISTON’S NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985
WILLISTONOBSERVER.COM
Village paving begins next week
Observer photo by Jason Starr
Jill Coffrin has coordinated children’s programs at the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library for the past 15 years. She has announced her plans to retire in July.
Williston’s youth librarian to retire By Jason Starr Observer staff
From mid-morning music times to after school activities, the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library’s youth spaces are frequently abuzz with learning and discovery. The woman who has orchestrated it all for the last 15 years, Jill Coffrin, has announced her retirement. The library recently posted a job announcement for a youth services librarian with leadership and communication skills who can coordinate with local daycares, elementary schools and homeschooled children on the library’s youth programs.
Coffrin’s last day is planned for July 5. “It’s time for me to pursue some other interests and find out what’s next,” she said. “It’s been a really rewarding time here with great people. I’ll take time to figure out my next step.” Coffrin followed an interest in children’s literature and a passion for helping kids nurture their interests into her career as Williston’s youth librarian. She had come from a general librarian position at the South Burlington library and had a history of volunteering at children’s story times. “I’ve always loved working with children, helping them explore their
interests and finding ways to support that,” she said. A native of Connecticut, Coffrin came to Vermont as an undergraduate at Middlebury College. She later earned a graduate degree in library media from the University of Vermont. Coffrin has coordinated programs for babies and teenagers and everyone in between. She’s strengthened ties with Williston Central School, the library’s next-door neighbor, to provide afterschool programming, and she’s helped the library navigate new technologies that complement its traditional book offerings. “Libraries are about how you can find out more about your interests,
not just in a book,” she said. A kids coding group, a gaming group, yoga and reading to therapy dogs started under Coffrin’s watch. The kids summer reading and bookmobile programs have expanded. “What drew me here originally was the strong community, and that has proven to be really true,” Coffrin said. In addition to hiring for Coffrin’s successor, the library is also seeking a part-time, year-round student assistant for general duties, including re-shelving returned books. Applications are due by May 15. Contact the library at 878-4918 for more information about either position, or visit williston.lib.vt.us.
The Vermont Agency of Transportation is preparing to begin a repaving project on Route 2 from Boxwood Street (near Shaw’s) through Williston Village, ending just past the North Williston Road/Oak Hill Road four-way intersection. Vtrans officials will provide a project overview to the Williston Selectboard on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at town hall, 7900 Williston Road. Work will begin May 12 and is expected to continue through September. Work will take place at night, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Traffic control crews will be present with one-way alternating traffic during construction hours. Work will include grinding of the existing pavement, resurfacing, painting new pavement markings, shoulder widening where allowable, guardrail installation, new signage and other incidental items. The passing lane on the hill near the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church will be eliminated as part of this project. Drivers are advised to be patient and plan ahead for evening and nighttime travel during this project. — Observer staff report
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