New opportunity for stories and fun for 3- to 5-year-olds

Join fellow Charlotters at the library 6:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18 for informal, small-group discussions to share ideas for the library’s future and role in the community.

Desserts will be provided. An RSVP is requested but not required by Jan. 16 to 802-425-3864 or email.

New preschool story-time
Fridays, 10 a.m.
A new preschool story-time session of both stories and fun is coming at 10 a.m. on Friday mornings.

The session is for 3- to 5-year-olds with a caregiver. No registration is necessary.

Baby time
Thursday mornings
A special time for carers and babies to learn, play and meet new friends before the library opens for regular visits. We’ll have age-appropriate toys and books to share on cozy blankets in the children’s area.

All About the Weather
Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2:15 p.m.
Ever wonder what it’s like to be a weather forecaster? Join the weather-curious for a presentation by the National Weather Service of Burlington to learn about what these meteorologists do every day to keep you safe. Ages 8 and above. Please register.

Cooking book club
Wednesday, Jan. 24, 5:30 p.m.
Matt Jennings from Red Barn Kitchen and author of “Homegrown: Cooking from My New England Roots” joins us to explore the varieties of American cooking and culture. Select a recipe from the book set that strikes your fancy (and your tastebuds). Books include: “The Sioux Chef,” “The Immigrant Cookbook,” “Aloha Kitchen,” “Jubilee,” “Homegrown” and “Forgotten Drinks of Colonial America.” Then bring that dish to share with others for an evening of eating and discussion about the geographic and historical range of American cuisine. Books available at the library circulation desk. Please email if you’re interested in attending.

Children’s programs

Preschool story time
Tuesdays, 10 a.m.
Join us at the Charlotte Library for preschool stories, crafts and activities. No registration required. Age 2 and over.

Preschool play time
Wednesdays, 10 a.m.
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. Exploring the sensory table, sorting, playing with blocks or Play-Doh — these are a few of the open-ended projects planned for Wednesday morning play-based learning at the Charlotte Library. Stay tuned for details about upcoming fall programs.

Programs for adults

Stillwater Meditation
Saturdays, 9 a.m.
Poetry and meditation are offered freely and in person to the delightful community of Charlotte. You are invited for quiet reflection, contemplation, and gentle meditation instruction. Respect for all beings and faiths is a foundational quality of our time together. Beginning and experienced meditators are welcome.

Mystery book group
Monday, Jan. 22, 10 a.m.
In “Mr. Churchill’s Secretary” it’s London in 1940. Winston Churchill has just been sworn in; war rages across the Channel; and the threat of a blitz looms larger by the day. But none of this deters Maggie Hope. She graduated at the top of her college class and possesses all the skills of the finest minds in British intelligence, but her gender qualifies her only to be the newest typist at No. 10 Downing Street. Her indefatigable spirit and remarkable gifts for codebreaking, though, rival those of even the highest men in government, and Maggie finds that working for the prime minister affords her a level of clearance she could never have imagined — and opportunities she will not let pass. Copies available at the circulation desk.

Short story selections
Wednesday, Dec. 20, 1 p.m.
Join library director Margaret Woodruff via Zoom to share and discuss short stories old and new.

Men’s book group
Wednesday, Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m.
In “Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature and Spirit,” cutting-edge science supports a truth that poets, artists, mystics and earth-based cultures across the world have proclaimed about how life on this planet is radically interconnected. Our bodies, thoughts, minds and spirits are affected by the whole of nature, and they affect this whole in return. In this time of crisis, how can we best live upon our imperiled, beloved earth? Copies available at he circulation desk. Join the discussion.

Thursday book group
Thursday, Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m.
“The Only Woman in the Room” tells the story of a woman whose beauty almost certainly saved her from the rising Nazi party and led to marriage with an Austrian arms dealer. Underestimated in everything else, she overheard the Third Reich’s plans while at her husband’s side, understanding more than anyone would guess. She devised a plan to flee in disguise from their castle, and the whirlwind escape landed her in Hollywood. She became Hedy Lamarr, screen star. But she kept a secret more shocking than her heritage or her marriage: she was a scientist. And she knew a few secrets about the enemy. She had an idea that might help the country fight the Nazis — if anyone would listen to her. Copies available at the circulation desk.

Recurring programs

Book chat
Wednesdays, 3 p.m.
Meet each week to discuss new books, old books and books we might have missed. Each week, Margaret Woodruff selects a theme and highlights related titles from the library collection. No registration necessary.

Crochet & knit night
Wednesdays, 5-6:30 p.m.
Claudia Marshall is your host for a casual weekly session of crocheting and chatting, knitting and catching up. Bring your project or start a new one with yarn and needles available at the library, along with plenty of books to instruct and inspire. For teens and adults.

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 regularly on the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. The next meeting takes place on Thursday, Feb. 1, at 6 p.m. online and in person. Please contact the library or visit the library website for more information.