Vermont Center for the Book disseminates a wide variety of its Mother Goose Programs™ to increase children’s knowledge, school readiness, success and self-esteem by building the knowledge, skills and confidence of parents, librarians and educators. These professional development programs provide adults with picture books, guides, materials and training, transforming reading with children into multidimensional and powerful learning experiences.
As an affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, we work within a network of 50 state-center affiliates to promote books, reading, literacy and libraries locally, regionally and nationally.
We also work closely nationally with public libraries, state libraries, child-care organizations, health and human services agencies, elementary schools, Head Start and science museums, among other organizations.
We still rely on grants and donations from private foundations and individuals who understand the importance of engaging education professionals and families in the early learning lives of children. That support directly impacts children’s opportunities and ensures success in school and in life.
History
Vermont Center for the Book was established as the Vermont Reading Project in 1985 by founder Sally Anderson, VCB’s Executive Director. In January 1994 the Vermont Reading Project became the Vermont Center for the Book. VCB is a non-profit tax-exempt 501 (c)(3) corporation with a volunteer board. The name Mother Goose Programs™ was adopted as the public persona of the organization in 2003.
Mother Goose Programs are used in more than 30 states and hundreds of professionals and thousands of parents have been introduced to these programs. As a private non-profit organization, VCB has a variety of funding sources: the National Science Foundation, Jane’s Trust, the Henderson Foundation, Verizon Foundation, the State of Vermont, the Agnes Varis Trust, the Turrell Fund, and private individuals. Most recently VCB has partnered with the Vermont Department of Libraries through Vermont’s Early Literacy Initiative (VELI) and a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (VELI-STEM).
Board of Directors
Sally Anderson, President, Ex Officio
James M. Alic, Chair , Ludlow, VT
Jeanne Davis, Pownal, VT
Bruce Farr
, Ludlow, VT
Grace W. Greene
, Barre, VT
Rachel Hunter, North Springfield, VT
Kristi Jemtegaard, Arlington, VA