Celebrate summer with the easiest book club around

The Charlotte Library is reviving the easiest book club around and the month of August is the perfect time to indulge. The idea is to celebrate reading during the summertime without any obligation to meet, discuss or even finish the book.

To take part, stop by the library to pick up a copy of the library’s Hammock Napper selections for August. For fiction readers, we’re offering Leeway Cottage by Beth Gutcheon, and for non-fiction enthusiasts, A World on the Wing: the Global Odyssey of Migratory Birds by Scott Weidensaul.

Book bingo
It’s not too late to participate. Stop by the library and pick up a bingo card. Fill a line to be eligible for prizes from The Flying Pig and Cookie Love.

Grange on the Green: Tournesol
Thursday, Aug. 11, 5:30 p.m.
Tournesol plays French, Latin and Italian songs from the ’30s, swing standards, musette waltzes and on the town green. Bring a picnic supper or grab a take-out dinner from Stone’s Throw or Backyard Bistro to enjoy on the lawn. Blankets recommended. In partnership with the Charlotte Grange.

Book discussion: Waiting for Teddy Williams
Thursday, Aug. 11, 7:30 p.m.
In “one of the funniest and most heartfelt baseball stories in recent memory” (Publishers Weekly), Howard Frank Mosher returns to Kingdom Common, Vermont, to spin a touching coming-of-age tale in an America that has almost disappeared. Copies available at the library circulation desk. Register for the Zoom link.

Mystery book group: The Inland Sea
Monday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m.
Set in a sequestered part of Lake Champlain known as the Inland Sea, this book is about the people and families who have spent their lives there. Paul Brearley, part owner of Osprey Island, is a handsome, athletic, successful young minister with a beautiful wife and son. In 1990, he suddenly disappears, presumed drowned. Eighteen years later, in 2008, his body, shot dead, is found nearby propped up in a campground lean-to, as if resting from a long walk. Copies of the book available at the library circulation desk. Join the discussion at the library.

Garden Circle
Wednesday, Aug. 17, 4:30-6 p.m.
A group of volunteer garden caretakers meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Led by Karen Tuininga and Linda Hamilton, they provide tender loving care and maintenance to the educational gardens surrounding the library. To join the Garden Circle, send an email. Come every time or as your schedule allows. No particular skills necessary — just an interest in gardens and willingness to get down and a little dirty when needed. Exchange garden experiences and tips while working and supporting the library. No registration.

Book chat
Wednesday, Aug. 17, 3 p.m.
Join Woodruff on the library porch to discuss new books, old books and books we might have missed. Each week, Margaret selects a theme and highlights related titles from the library collection.

Short story selections
Thursday, Aug. 18, 1 p.m.
Join library director Margaret Woodruff to share and discuss short stories old and new. The reading list will include a variety of authors, and one or two stories will be featured each session. Copies of the stories are available at the library circulation desk or via email. Register to join the Zoom discussion.

Free Little Art Gallery
The smallest art gallery in Charlotte. Come by the circulation desk for a visit. Feel free to take a piece that you like, add a piece of your own artwork or both. All media is welcome as long as it fits inside. Use your own materials or pick up the April Take & Make for supplies to make your own masterpiece.

Library contact information
Margaret Woodruff, director
Cheryl Sloan, youth services librarian
Susanna Kahn, tech librarian
Phone: 802-425-3864
Email

The Charlotte Library Board of Trustees does not meet during August. The September meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Sept., 6 at 6 p.m. For information about agenda and Zoom access, please contact the library director.