Williston Library Voters
A coalition of Williston, Vermont residents focused on public participation in the library planning process.
Why We Formed
Last March, Williston voters were asked to consider a $13.9 million library bond proposal that closely divided the community. Many residents felt caught off guard when the proposal appeared on the ballot, believing they had not been adequately informed or meaningfully included in the process along the way. This coalition was formed after the May 19, 2026 reconsideration vote passed.Our goal is to encourage meaningful resident input and consideration of alternatives before proposals reach the ballot.
NEW UPDATES
June 30, 2026 - Library Trustee Review of Survey & Plans
Some of the key findings from the meeting below (please note: these are general comments from the meeting & may change)
New proposal likely ~$10M
Green Improvement & 2nd Story are removed
Parking lot reduced to 13 spaces; diagnol spaces will remain on Library Ln
Total added square footage reduced from 11,500 to 6,800 SF
Architect said the building addition w/ wood beams is less costly but will not allow for 2nd story addtion in the future; steel beams would be more costly but will allow future 2nd floor.
476 survey respondents; we examined the survey design, sample size, and participant pool to address some key methodological limitations in the Trustees' survey."
PAST UPDATES
June 16, 2026 Selectboard Meeting - UPDATE
The Selectboard discussed the proposed timeline for a revised library bond vote at the meeting.
Statement read discouraging an August 11 vote.
Charity Clark (Trustee Chair) recommended an August 11 vote.
Selectboard members agreed that August was not feasible and that the November election is the best option.
Project Resource:
Interested in reviewing the original
community survey & outreach findings?
Scoping and Feasibility Study Town of Williston Report of Williston 10/26/23
See Exhibits IV and V (pages 92–129)
Town Manager Memo: Proposed Next Steps / Timeline
Internal survey on what you would like to see happen with the library plan: Survey Link
May 28, 2026 — Trustees Discuss Possible August Re-Vote (Williston Observer source)
Public reporting indicates trustees may pursue another bond vote as early as August.
Trustees are reportedly considering revisions to the current proposal rather than beginning a completely new planning process.
Public reporting also indicates trustees may conduct a resident survey regarding spending levels and project priorities.
Questions remain about how resident outreach and survey participation will be conducted.
May 26, 2026 — Library Trustees Meeting:
The Library Board of Trustees held a meeting on May 26 to discuss next steps following the reconsideration vote. Topics included the project, capital campaign, and future direction.
July 9
YMCA in Williston Listening Session recap!
The meeting went well and we had an open and constructive conversation. Four GBYMCA reps, including Bob Smith the CEO, attended.Input was asked regarding what people wanted. Ideas included:
Children's after-school care
senior fitness
a swimming pool
swimming lessons, possibly using a hotel pool
a fitness facility similar to the offerings of the former Edge
classes to build friendships
NEXT STEPS:The meeting ended on a positive note. The Y said they wanted to return for another listening session. We all agreed that the turnout was low and we brainstormed ideas how to get a better turnout next time.
HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF YOUR Y
Community Listening Session
The Greater Burlington YMCA is planning for the years ahead,
and we want to hear from you. Join your neighbors for an open conversation about the programs, services, and community spaces that matter most to you and your family.
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