The Fairfax Community Library welcomes all patrons of all identities and backgrounds!
Page Contents: In Our Collections | Cultural & Community Organizations
In Our Collections
The Library offers books and DVDs which center BIPOC creators and characters for patrons of all ages.
Try searching the Catalog for a Diverse Characters tag for hundreds of youth books (picture books, and juvenile and young adult novels, graphic novels, nonfiction, and biography/memoir) in our collections. Please note: The search results by no means reflect every item. This tag also does not reflect adult books.
The best way to see what’s in our collections is to come in, browse, and chat with the Library staff!
Cultural & Community Organizations
Resources for finding community, advocacy, support services, and connection based on shared experiences and backgrounds. Our gratitude to the City of Burlington for compiling this list.
Abenaki Nation at Missisquoi
A Native American tribe and First Nation located in Swanton, Vermont, committed to fostering a strong, healthy, united community for its members. The tribe engages in efforts to promote and sustain cultural heritage, health, and social services for the Abenaki Nation.
Alnôbaiwi
A nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Vermont Abenaki cultural heritage. Alnôbaiwi engages in cultural awakening and living heritage initiatives, maintaining a collection of traditional clothing, tools, and sacraments used in ceremonies and educational programs.
Association of Africans Living in Vermont (AALV)
Offers support services for immigrants and refugees, including employment assistance, language learning, youth programs, and cultural integration. Provides advocacy, legal aid, case management, and community resources to help individuals and families navigate life in Vermont.
Clemmons Family Farm
One of the largest African American-owned historic farms in Vermont, dedicated to African diasporic arts, storytelling, and cultural education. Provides community programming that highlights Black history and culture.
Congolese Community of Vermont (CCVT)
A mutual-aid association of Congolese immigrants in Vermont, focused on helping Congolese families integrate and thrive. Its mission is “to help integration of Congolese immigrants in their new American environment… based on mutual help, social promotion, and integration” according to the Winooski, Vermont, website. CCVT organizes cultural events, sports, and translation/interpretation support for its community.
Greater Burlington Multicultural Resource Center (GMBRC)
“The Mission of the Greater Burlington Multicultural Resource Center…is to increase awareness and provide opportunities to celebrate, promote, and support cultural diversity within our community.” Hosts cultural events (e.g. diversity speaker series, festivals) and community forums.”
Somali Bantu Community Association of Vermont/Vermont Refugees & Immigrants Services
This Burlington-based nonprofit supports Somali Bantu and other refugees with educational, cultural, and life-skill programs to promote self-sufficiency. Services include adult literacy, citizenship classes, youth programs, and interpretation (Somali, Mai Mai, Nepali, Swahili).
The Root Social Justice Center
A POC-led, community-centered organization providing racial justice education, organizing space, and direct support for marginalized communities. The Root fosters dialogue and action for a more just Vermont.
Tibetan Association of Vermont
A nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Tibetan heritage and supporting Tibetan refugees in Vermont. The association actively promotes human rights and democratic freedoms in Tibet, organizes cultural events such as the annual Tibet Festival, and provides community support services.
U.S. Committee for Refugees & Immigrants, Vermont (USCRI Vermont)
Formerly known as VT Refugee Resettlement Program, this agency is the statewide refugee resettlement office. USCRI Vermont assists refugees and asylees with initial resettlement, case management, employment, and ESL referrals.
Vermont Abenaki Artists Association (VAAA)
A Native American arts organization connecting the public with Abenaki educators and artists across visual, performing, and literary arts. VAAA promotes awareness of state-recognized Abenaki artists, providing a platform for sharing creative ideas and facilitating public engagement with Abenaki art and culture.
Vermont Commission on Native American Affairs (VCNAA)
A state commission that provides resources related to Native American arts, culture, funding, and services. VCNAA works to recognize and support Native American tribes and communities within Vermont, promoting cultural preservation and awareness.
Vermont Interfaith Action
A faith-based community organization dedicated to addressing social justice issues in Vermont through grassroots organizing and collaboration with diverse religious groups. VIA works with local congregations to advocate for policies that promote racial, economic, and environmental justice, bringing people of all faiths together to create meaningful change in their communities.
Vermont Professionals of Color Network (VT PoC)
Empowers and supports BIPOC professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders through networking, professional development, and advocacy. VT PoC fosters mentorship opportunities and business growth while advocating for racial equity across industries.
Vermont Releaf Collective
A statewide network created by and for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to advance racial equity in land, environment, agriculture, and foodways. The collective fosters connection, shares resources, and amplifies BIPOC voices within Vermont, aiming to create a dignified future that is equitable and safe for BIPOC communities.