What Ilsley Public Library does

Ilsley Public Library is a municipal public library serving Middlebury and Weybridge, Vermont, and students of the Addison Central School District, with a secondary branch (Sarah Partridge Community House and Library) in East Middlebury. The library operates from a temporary "Mini-Ilsley" location in the Duclos Building at 30 Main Street while its 1924 building at 75 Main Street undergoes the $17 million Ilsley 100 Project renovation and expansion (April 2025 through July 2026), which will add 8,000 net square feet to bring the total footprint to 26,000 sq ft. The institution is governed by a five-member Board of Trustees elected at Town Meeting and is owned by the Town of Middlebury; the Friends of Ilsley Public Library, a 501(c)(3) supporting organization with 200+ members, provides fundraising and volunteer support.

The library's product portfolio combines traditional and non-traditional services: a catalog of 110,000+ physical and digital items, digital lending via Libby/Overdrive (pooled through the Green Mountain Library Consortium), Kanopy streaming, nearly 4,000 digital magazine titles, electronic databases (Vermont Online Library, LearningExpress), and a distinctive Library of Things program lending e-bikes, tools, musical instruments, museum passes, and household items. A Digital Media Lab, operated in partnership with Middlebury Community Television (MCTV), provides patrons access to Adobe Creative Cloud and analog-to-digital conversion equipment. Cooperative lending is enabled through the Homecard network of 23 Vermont libraries and the CLOVER statewide interlibrary loan system. Programming spans children (storytimes, summer reading, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library), teens (bibliotherapy, Green Mountain Book Award support, Youth Media Lab), and adults (book clubs, film clubs, Tai Chi, voter engagement), with technology help sessions staffed by Middlebury College and CCV student volunteers.

The revenue model is a hybrid of municipal taxation (primary funding from the Town of Middlebury and Local Option Tax revenue), charitable giving (a $6.15M capital campaign for the Ilsley 100 Project, plus a separate $105K roof-replacement drive), state and federal grants, and modest non-resident membership fees ($15–$70 depending on term and family vs. individual). Services are free at point of use for Middlebury/Weybridge residents and ACSD students. The library employs approximately 15 staff including a Director, branch librarian, technology coordinator, specialty librarians for teens and youth, reference and circulation staff, and operational support roles.

Name

Ilsley Public Library

Legal name

Ilsley Public Library

Website

https://ilsleypubliclibrary.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1924

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Ilsley Public Library is a municipal public library serving Middlebury and Weybridge, Vermont, offering free lending, digital resources, community programs, and a Library of Things (e-bikes, tools, museum passes) to residents and ACSD students, with a secondary branch in East Middlebury.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (51921)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO), Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries) (EDAAAFAA), Library Collections & Cataloging Services (Acquisitions, Metadata, Circulation) (EDAEAGAE), Interlibrary Loan (ILL) & Resource Sharing Operations (EDAEAGAK), Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Community library programs
• Digital lending resources
• Library of things
• Interlibrary loan services

Headquarters

HQ city

Middlebury

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Municipal Funding (Tax Revenue): Primary funding from Town of Middlebury tax revenue; annual budget submitted to town; municipal bond of $4.5M for renovation project
2. Charitable Donations: Capital campaign donations and general contributions; Friends of Ilsley Public Library is a 501(c)(3) organization; raised $6 million in charitable gifts and pledges for renovation project
3. Non-Resident Membership Fees: Non-residents pay membership fees: Individual 3-month $15, 6-month $25, 12-month $45; Family 12-month $70
4. State and Federal Grants: Funding from government sources including Local Option Tax ($5.8M) and various grants

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Ilsley Public Library is a municipal public library system serving Middlebury, Weybridge, and Addison Central School District (ACSD) students in Vermont. It provides free access to a collection of 110,000+ physical and digital items including books, eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, movies, and databases, alongside a unique Library of Things program lending e-bikes, tools, musical instruments, museum passes, and more. The library also delivers educational and community programming for all ages, genealogy and local history research services, a Digital Media Lab with Adobe Creative Cloud, interlibrary loan access to 23 Vermont libraries via Homecard, and operates a branch library (Sarah Partridge Branch) in East Middlebury.

Product overview

Ilsley Public Library is a public library system serving Middlebury and surrounding communities in Vermont. The library operates a main location at 30 Main Street and a branch library (Sarah Partridge Library) in East Middlebury. Its product portfolio centers on traditional library services expanded through technology: the core Library Catalog and physical/digital collections (books, magazines, eBooks, audiobooks via Libby/Overdrive, databases via Vermont Online Library and LearningExpress), supplemented by specialty lending through the Library of Things program (e-bikes, tools, games, musical instruments, museum passes, technology equipment), media creation capabilities via the Digital Media Lab (Adobe Creative Cloud, analog media conversion), and streaming services like Kanopy. The system also provides community resources, voter services, genealogy/local history collections, and extensive programming for adults, teens, and children including youth media camps and book discussion groups. Interlibrary loan and Homecard programs extend access to 23+ Vermont libraries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Library Catalog Online catalog for searching and checking out books, movies, magazines, and other physical and digital materials with direct check-out for ebook and eaudiobook items.
• eBooks & Digital Audiobooks (Libby/Overdrive/GMLC) Digital collection of eBooks and audiobooks managed through the Green Mountain Library Consortium, accessible via the library catalog, GMLC-Overdrive website, Libby app, and Kindle (up to 3 titles at a time).
• Kanopy Movie Streaming On-demand film streaming service providing free access to over 30,000 documentaries, indie and classic films, and world cinema via the Kanopy app for iOS, Android, AppleTV, Chromecast, or Roku.
• Library of Things Non-traditional lending program offering e-bikes, tools, puzzles, games, laptops, musical instruments, museum passes, and other items across categories such as Children, Crafts & Hobbies, E-Bikes, Games & Puzzles, Great Outdoors, Household & Kitchen, Musical Instruments, Passes to Fun Places, and Technology & Electronics.
• Digital Media Lab Sound-baffled studio for digital media creation, video conferencing, and digitization of analog sources, featuring an iMac workstation with Adobe Creative Cloud, studio-grade audio recording, turntable, cassette player, VCR/DVD deck, and scanner.
• Databases (Vermont Online Library & LearningExpress) Electronic databases including Vermont Online Library (VOL) for full-text articles across age levels and LearningExpress for academic and career resources including test prep, job search tools, and computer skills training.
• Digital Magazines Collection of nearly 4,000 digital magazine titles with simultaneous use (no circulation caps), including 3 years of back issues for many titles, plus limited print magazine subscriptions.
• Interlibrary Loan (CLOVER) Vermont statewide interlibrary loan system allowing patrons to request books, DVDs, audiobooks, and magazine articles unavailable at Ilsley, with a limit of 5 active requests at a time.
• Homecard Cooperative Lending Cooperative lending program with 23 Vermont libraries across Addison, Chittenden, Grand Isle, Franklin, and Lamoille counties, providing Ilsley cardholders expanded library hours and large collection access.
• Public Meeting Rooms Meeting rooms of various sizes (Activity Room, Community Room, Conference Room, Digital Media Lab, Small Study Rooms) available for community activities and events.
• Kids Programs Children's programs including After School Table Top Games, Storytime with Miss Tricia, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, Lucky Day Book Bag, and various educational and reading activities.
• Teen Programs Teen resources and programs including Bibliotherapy, Reading Roundup, eBooks & Audiobooks access, Life After High School guidance, Homework help, and Green Mountain Book Award nominees.
• Adult Programs Adult programs including Classic Film Club, Weekday Symposium, Otter Creek Poets, Tome Talk book discussion, True Crime Podcast Club, Craft Workshops, Cribbage, and Tai Chi.
• Genealogy & Local History Local history collection including circulating and reference books, atlases, family histories, genealogies, periodicals, government imprints, pamphlets, and newspapers on microfilm.
• Historic Newspapers on Microfilm Historical newspapers on microfilm including continuous runs of Addison Independent (1947-2013), Middlebury Record, Middlebury Register, and Valley Voice, plus partial holdings of various historical publications.
• Reference & Tech Help Professional librarian assistance available whenever the library is open, plus technology help sessions with Middlebury College and CCV students for smartphone, word processing, web searching, email, spreadsheets, social media, printing, and ebook help.
• Passes to Fun Places Borrowable passes for discounted or free admission to museums, historic sites, and cultural attractions including Billings Farm & Museum, ECHO Leahy Center, Shelburne Museum, Vermont State Parks, and others.
• E-Bikes (Cannondale Mavaro 3) Electric bikes available in Small, Medium, and Large sizes through partnership with Frog Hollow Bikes, featuring Bosch Smart System Active Line Plus motor, up to 70 miles range, 500Wh battery, and Gates Carbon Belt drive.
• Library Card Services Free membership for Middlebury, Weybridge, and ACSD students. Non-resident memberships available at various durations: 3-month $15, 6-month $25, 12-month $45 individual or $70 family.
• Sarah Partridge Branch Library Branch location in East Middlebury offering curated selection of popular books for all ages, Lucky Day Collection, free paperback books, and free Wi-Fi, including Otter Creek Poets and BLT Bookgroup programs.
• Mini-Ilsley Temporary Location Temporary library location in Duclos Building (National Bank of Middlebury) providing reduced circulating collection, limited in-person programs, free WiFi and computers, and ongoing reference and tech support during main site renovation.
• Ilsley TV & Ilsley Youth TV YouTube channels featuring video recordings of library programs (First Wednesday series, Cabin Fever Lectures, author talks), video tutorials for digital resources (Libby, Kanopy, Digital Media Lab), and youth-created content from camps and programs.
• Community Resources Directory of local services supporting health, education, housing, employment, and quality of life including Alzheimer's resources, clothing, food, mental health, legal help, transportation, and more.
• Be A Voter Nonpartisan resource for local and state election information including voter registration, absentee ballot requests, candidate information, and fact checking resources.
• Lights, Camera, Action! Summer Camps Free video production and media camps for students in grades 4+ held during school vacations and summer as a partnership between Ilsley and MCTV.
• Youth Media Lab Drop-in after school program for youth media creation, meeting Tuesdays during school year from 3:30 to 4:30, as a partnership between Ilsley and MCTV.
• True Crime Podcast Club Monthly program where participants discuss true crime podcasts, led by librarian Renee Ursitti, meeting first Thursday of each month at the temporary location.

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core partnership - critical collaborator for media literacy and youth programming initiatives, core - enables e-bike lending program, core - provides database access, core - pooled digital collection funding, core - enables expanded access, critical - provided temporary location during renovation, project partner, design phase partner and supporting.

• MCTV (Middlebury Community Television)core partnership - critical collaborator for media literacy and youth programming initiativesStrategic or Co-development PartnerMCTV is a tenant on the 3rd floor and strategic partner advancing media literacy, documenting community stories, and supporting freedom of expression. Collaborates on Digital Media Lab, Youth Media Lab after-school program, and Lights, Camera, Action! summer camps for youth (free, grades 4+). Provides equipment, training, and air time for video storytelling.
• Frog Hollow Bikescore - enables e-bike lending programTechnology or IntegrationPartnership through which library cardholders can borrow Cannondale Mavaro 3 Low StepThru e-bikes in three sizes. Pickup at Frog Hollow Bikes location. E-bikes available May through October, borrowed Tuesday-Thursday or Friday-Monday.
• Vermont Online Library (VOL)core - provides database accessTechnology or IntegrationVermont Online Library offers electronic databases with full-text articles on variety of topics for different age levels, both generalists and specialists.
• Green Mountain Library Consortium (GMLC)core - pooled digital collection fundingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of Vermont libraries pooling money to fund digital collections including eBooks and audiobooks through Overdrive/Libby platform. Previously known as Listen Up Vermont when collection contained only audiobooks.
• Homecard Library Systemcore - enables expanded accessStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperative lending program of 23 Vermont libraries. Ilsley cardholders can borrow from libraries in Addison, Chittenden, Grand Isle, Franklin, and Lamoille counties. Requires Middlebury residency and good standing for 3 months.
• National Bank of Middleburycritical - provided temporary location during renovationOthersGenerously provided Duclos Building space at no cost to house library during renovation period. This temporary location at 30 Main Street allows continued core library services during construction.
• ReArch Companyproject partnerOthersGeneral contractor for the $17 million renovation and expansion project (Ilsley 100 Project). Construction began April 2025, expected completion July 2026.
• Wiemann Lamphere Architectsproject partnerOthersArchitecture firm leading design for renovation and expansion. Partnered with ReArch Company on the Ilsley 100 Project.
• Gossens Bachman Architectsdesign phase partnerOthersParticipated in conceptual design competition (August 2023) for renovation and expansion project before final architect selection.
• Vermont Integrated Architecturedesign phase partnerOthersParticipated in conceptual design competition (August 2023) for renovation and expansion project before final architect selection.
• Vermont Kit ClubsupportingOthersCollection of book club sets (10 copies each) loaned from various Vermont libraries. Sets available by contacting library staff for request.
• Middlebury CollegesupportingOthersCollege students assist with monthly tech help programs, providing technology assistance to patrons with smartphone, computer, and digital resource questions.
• CCV (Community College of Vermont)supportingOthersCCV students participate in monthly tech help programs alongside Middlebury College students to assist patrons with technology challenges.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Dorothy Alling Memorial Library: Williston, Vermont public library of similar size and scope, also a Homecard participant — directly comparable small Vermont municipal library with overlapping collections and program offerings.
• Brooks Memorial Library: Brattleboro, Vermont public library — comparable Vermont small-city municipal library providing similar lending, programming, and community resources within the same state context.
• Kellogg-Hubbard Library: Montpelier-area Vermont public library of comparable size and community orientation, serving a similar Vermont small-city demographic with traditional lending plus programming — the most directly comparable in-state public library peer.
• Brownell Library: Essex Junction, Vermont public library, also part of the Homecard network — comparable Chittenden-county municipal library offering overlapping collections and community programming.
• Fletcher Free Library: Burlington, Vermont's public library — a larger but analogous Vermont municipal library offering similar services (collections, programming, digital lending, local history) and operating within the same Homecard and GMLC consortia Ilsley participates in.
• Norfolk Public Library: Comparable small-town American public library with a similar mix of community programs, local history collection, and municipal funding model — useful peer for benchmarking community-library operating practices.
• Bennington Free Library: Southern Vermont municipal public library serving a similar small-town population with comparable adult/children programming, digital lending, and local history collections — a directly comparable peer in the Vermont public library system.

Others

• Middlebury College Library: Adjacent academic library in the same town that overlaps Ilsley's service area for college users; collaborates on tech-help programs but is a separate institution. Useful peer for understanding academic-vs-public library delineation in Middlebury.
• Overdrive / Libby: Primary vendor platform powering Ilsley's digital eBook/audiobook lending through the GMLC consortium — a technology partner (not direct competitor) whose roadmap and pricing materially affect Ilsley's digital service quality.

Broad incumbents

• Green Mountain Library Consortium (GMLC): Vermont library consortium that Ilsley participates in for pooled digital lending via Overdrive/Libby — Ilsley's peer as a member organization and indirect competitor in the broader shared-collection ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/ilsleylibrary
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/IlsleyTV
• Facebookfacebook.com/ilsleypubliclibrary
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ilsley-public-library
• Instagraminstagram.com/ilsleypubliclibrary

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ilsley Public Library