The Charlotte Library looks to the future
Last week the library trustees invited Selectboard members to the library to meet and share ideas on addressing the space situation at the library.
Formed earlier this summer, a committee made up of three library staff members, two library trustees and a Friends of the Library board member has been meeting with an architect to consider the possibility of adding on to the library building.
The library, built 20 years ago and originally designed to hold about 8,000 volumes, now houses a collection of nearly 16,000 items. Space available for providing the increasing number of programs requested and supported by the community is inadequate.
The conversation centered on increased usage of the library, planning for reasonable growth of the library collection, providing much needed space for a constantly growing collection as well as for ongoing library activities, issues with the building site and parking, and, of course, funding.
The Friends of the Library group plans to fund a feasibility study. The committee will continue to assess and research the library’s options and welcomes community input.
September is National Library Card Month. Stop for your card and enter our T-shirt raffle, too. We hope to see you here, at the library.
Kids programs & activities
Beginning September 12, Tuesdays at 2:15 p.m. After School Story Explorations. Take the bus from CCS and explore the world of stories! For kindergarten and first grade students. Registration required.
Wednesday, September 13: Roald Dahl Day. Celebrate the creator of all things whoopy-splunkers. We’ve got phizz-whizzing quizzes to tweak your imagination and whoopsy-wiffling snacks to tickle your tum.
Beginning September 14, Thursdays at 3:15 p.m. Coding Club. Beginners will learn to code with Scratch through guided video lessons to make their own simple games. Members with more experience will plan and create their own using skills they’ve learned. Chromebooks & earbuds provided or BYO. For 4th grade & up. Registration required.
Beginning September 15, Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Friday Free for All. From rocks, blocks & socks to babies, bugs & hairy bread, join us to investigate on Friday mornings. Ages 3 to 5. Registration required.
Wednesday, September 20 at 3:15 p.m. Afterschool: A-Maze-ing LEGO. Using everyone’s favorite building block and glass marbles, create your own maze challenge. Grades 2 to 4. Registration required.
Info and interest for adults
Tuesday, September 12, 7:00 p.m. “Revolutionary War in the South.” Join historian and interpreter David Ryan as he shares information about the economic importance of 18th century Charleston, SC, and highlights some key players from Charleston in the Revolution. This is a unique opportunity to hear a perspective of the Revolution that is rarely discussed. This program should be of interest to adults who wish to have a more complete picture of our Revolution as well as students who are studying U.S. history this fall. David Ryan is a highly trained guide/interpreter/docent who works at the Shelburne Museum during the summer months and volunteers during the winter months at the Charleston (SC) Museum, which owns two historic houses: the Joseph Manigault House (1803) and the Heyward-Washington House (1772). Co-sponsored with the Charlotte Historical Society.
Monday, September 18 at 10:00 a.m. Mystery Book Group. The intriguing debut by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling), Cuckoo’s Calling, has the riveting storytelling style of Harry Potter without the Muggles & magic. Join us for coffee & discussion. Copies available at the library circulation desk.
Monday, September 25–Saturday, September 30: Banned Books Week. Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Stop in to check out our annual BBW display, highlighting the value of free and open access to information. You can even join our Facebook photobooth with your favorite banned book!
Tuesday, September 26 at 7:00 p.m. Wandering Home: Climate Change Up Close & Personal. The first in our three-part series on climate change and our own landscape, supported by PLACE and NOAA. Using Bill McKibben’s hiking journal as a starting point, this session focuses on who and where we are to zero in on the stake we have in our community. Co-sponsored by the Pierson Library in Shelburne, the Carpenter-Carse Library in Hinesburg, the Champlain Valley Union High School ENACT Club, and the UVM Extension Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Registration required.
Coming Up In October
Baby Time, Cooking Book Club’s local food buffet, Great Decisions, Irish poetry and Jane Austen. Stay tuned! For the latest information, visit our website.