Every library. A lot of yarn. Countless conversations. And one incredible journey connecting library communities across Vermont.

Dr. Hannah Miller set out on an ambitious journey: to visit libraries throughout Vermont through their Knitting in Libraries project.

Along the way, they did much more than simply check libraries off a list.

They met librarians, library workers, and community members. They listened to stories. They learned what makes each library — and the community it serves — unique. And, of course, they knitted.

One library at a time, Hannah created connections across Vermont.

Now, as that remarkable journey comes to a close, we can’t think of a more fitting place to celebrate than NELA 2026: Connected Communities, this October in Burlington, Vermont. And we agree with Hannah, people do make a library!

Stitching Together Vermont’s Library Communities

Libraries are deeply rooted in the individual towns and cities they serve. Each has its own personality, people, challenges, successes, and stories.

But Hannah’s journey is also a wonderful reminder that none of those libraries exists in isolation. We are all interconnected.

Every stop on their journey created another connection — between librarians, patrons, communities, stories, and ideas.

Through something as simple as sitting down together with yarn and conversation, Hannah’s project has highlighted something library workers across New England know well: relationships matter.

Libraries connect people to information, but they also connect people to one another.

That spirit of connection is at the heart of NELA 2026: Connected Communities.

Celebrate With Us at the NELA Stitch-In

On Sunday evening at the NELA Annual Conference, we’re bringing that spirit to life with an informal Stitch-In with Jennifer Gehly and Dr. Hannah Miller.

Sunday, October 25 | 7:30 PM
NELA 2026 Annual Conference | Burlington, Vermont

Bring your knitting, crochet, or favorite fiber project — or simply bring yourself.

This isn’t a workshop, and there’s nothing you need to prepare. It’s an opportunity to spend time together, meet fellow library people, craft, talk, laugh, and celebrate Hannah’s journey through Vermont’s libraries.

And while you craft, share your library wins with us!

What are you proud of?

What worked?

What happened at your library this year that deserves to be celebrated?

Your win doesn’t have to be enormous. Maybe a new program finally found its audience. Maybe you made a meaningful connection with one patron. Maybe your team tried something completely new. Maybe your community showed up when you needed them.

Big or small, we want to hear it.

Hundreds of Libraries. Hundreds of Communities. One Connected Region.

Hannah’s journey may have taken place in Vermont, but the idea behind it reaches far beyond one state.

Across New England, thousands of library workers are building connections every day — within their libraries, throughout their communities, and across state lines.

NELA 2026 is our opportunity to bring those people together.

Throughout the conference, library workers from across New England will share ideas, learn from one another, celebrate successes, talk honestly about challenges, build new professional relationships, and strengthen existing ones.

Because Connected Communities isn’t just our conference theme.

It’s what libraries do.

So come stitch a few rows. Share a library win. Swap some stories. Meet fellow library people. Celebrate Hannah and Hens Solo!

And be part of Connected Communities at NELA 2026.

Register for NELA 2026:
https://nela.memberclicks.net/2026conference#/

Follow Hannah’s Journey

Want to explore Dr. Hannah Miller’s journey through Vermont’s libraries before the conference?

Read Knitting in Libraries:
https://knittinginlibraries.substack.com/