242 Main Community Meeting: Help Keep It Alive!

Words by Big Heavy World & Fletcher Free Library. Photo of Reverser @ 242 Main by James Lockridge.

Updated June 28, 2016: A 360 video of the meeting introduction and, separately, most of the meeting are now posted on YouTube.

242 Main has been at the heart of some of Vermont’s best memories. It’s brought a community of young adults together where they can fearlessly share what matters and learn to respect each other. It’s the city’s voice for diversity in art and the human experience, fostering social bonds and confidence. It’s launched many young people on creative paths that led to fulfilling lives. As a program, 242 Main has a treasured history of inclusivity and a triumphant legacy of being the nation’s oldest, longest-running all ages punk rock venue. Currently, 242 is in a place of transition and would like to reach out with an invitation to join us in the conversation.

The Fletcher Free Library will be hosting a community meeting on Tuesday, June 14, 5:30pm-7pm, in the Pickering Room upstairs at the library. Everyone who’d like to support 242 Main — to help lend ideas and share 242 Main’s history and what it means to you and the city — should come and be a part of the effort to give it a potentially amazing future. Martha Keenan, in charge of the city's capital projects including Memorial Auditorium, will help explain the status of the building and what’s ahead for it; Jesse Bridges of the Parks, Recreation, & Waterfront Dept. will describe 242 Main’s move from his department to the library, and Lisa Buckton, the new Teen Librarian at the Fletcher Free Library, will be introduced as a new staff person with responsibilities for 242 Main. Rubi Simon of the Fletcher Free Library and James Lockridge of Big Heavy World will co-moderate. For more information, email Rubi at rsimon@burlingtonvt.gov. The Fletcher Free Library is located at 235 College Street in Burlington and is wheelchair accessible.

To participate in the Google Hangout of the 242 Main Community Meeting, email a request to be invited to Robert Coleburn at the Fletcher Free Library,  RColeburn@burlingtonvt.gov. You’ll be sent an invitation to join in, and will be able to interact during the Hangout. 

To VIEW the Google Hangout while it’s happening, visit the YouTube URL that will be published here _________________________ when the Hangout begins broadcasting. When viewing the meeting via YouTube you won’t be able to interact, but you will be able to see and hear it.