As summer winds down, porch book discussions at library

Every Wednesday at 3 p.m. the Charlotte Library holds a chat on the porch with library director Margaret Woodruff. It’s an opportunity to discuss new books, old books and books you might have missed. Each week, she selects a theme and highlights related titles from the library collection.

Entrance to the library. Photos by John Quinney
Entrance to the library. Photos by John Quinney

Short story selections

First & Third Fridays
Join 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. We meet the first and third Thursdays of each month. NOTE: No session on Sept. 15.

Book chat
Fridays, 9:30 a.m.
Meet on Zoom to discuss new books, old books and books we might have missed. Friday is a recap of the Wednesday porch session. Register in advance for Zoom link.

Children & family programs

Hands-on Rokeby
Monday, Sept. 12, 5:30 p.m.
Take a step back in time with a hands-on introduction to the Rokeby Museum. Tucker Foltz shares some of the artifacts that tell the story of this historic house, from the Underground Railroad to the contemporary role today. For all ages.

Preschool Story Time
Tuesdays, 10 a.m., beginning Sept. 20
Come to the Charlotte Library for preschool stories, crafts and activities. No registration required. Age 2 and over.

Kindergarten/first grade story time
Tuesdays, 3 p.m. beginning Sept. 20
Please call the Charlotte Library to register for this event.

Preschool free play
Wednesdays, 10 a.m., beginning Sept. 21
Play in the preschool years enables children to explore and make sense of the world around them, as well as to use and develop their imagination and creativity. This is an opportunity for them to explore the sensory table, sort, play with blocks, play dough … these are a few of the open-ended projects planned for Monday morning play-based learning on the Charlotte Library porch. Ages 3 and 4.

Adult programs

One-on-one tech help
Thursdays, Sept. 8 and 22, 1-2:30 p.m.
Email enigma? Kindle conundrum? Computer question? App apprehension? Or maybe you want to learn how to use your library card to read or listen to books on a device. Sign up for a 40-minute one-on-one session with technology librarian Susanna Kahn to get some tech support. Make sure to bring your device and any necessary login information. Registration required. Call 802-425-6345.

Will Paton Trio

Grange on the Green: Will Patton Trio
Thursday, Sept. 8, 5:30 p.m.
Brazilian sambas and folk waltzes, gentle choros and hot jazz, a musical journey from a Parisian bistro to a plaza in the heart of Rio. Sponsored by Cumbancha, Teachers Tree Service and Philo Ridge Farm.

Garden Chat
Friday, Sept. 9, 11:30 a.m.
Join seed library coordinators Karen Tuininga and Linda Hamilton via Zoom to talk about late season gardens. Do you have success stories to share from your vegetable garden? Looking for tips on how to avoid some problems you don’t want repeated next year? Were you able to save seeds? Have questions about finishing up and preparing the garden for winter? Garden Chat is a way to connect with fellow gardeners and share experience and first-hand knowledge. Register in advance for Zoom link.

Mystery book group
Monday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m.
Discuss the page-turner The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz on the library porch, weather permitting. Jacob Finch Bonner was once a promising young novelist with a respectably published first book. Today, he’s teaching in a third-rate master’s program and struggling to maintain what’s left of his self-respect; he hasn’t written — let alone published — anything decent in years. When Evan Parker, his most arrogant student, announces he doesn’t need Jake’s help because the plot of his book in progress is a sure thing, Jake is prepared to dismiss the boast as typical amateur narcissism. But then … he hears the plot. Copies available at the library circulation desk.

Ahead of the Storm presentation
Wednesday, Sept. 21, 5:30 p.m.
What causes our streams’ and lake’s poor water quality? What can you do as a landowner to help improve water quality?
Learn about the improvements made at the Charlotte Library. After the presentation, you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions about how you can implement similar changes at home. Brought to you by Tactical Basin Planning fund from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.

Men’s book group
Wednesday, Sept. 21, 7 p.m.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning, bestselling author of The Warmth of Other Suns examines the unspoken caste system that has shaped America and shows how our lives today are still defined by a hierarchy of human divisions. Copies available at the library circulation desk. Join the discussion.

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 meets the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. For information about agenda and Zoom access, please contact the library director.