Kids, if the snowshoe fits wear it — and enjoy winter

The library is the perfect place to find activities for winter vacation week. Besides opportunities to embroider, watch birds, build LEGO machines and more, the library hopes to help kids enjoy the snow with its Library of Things. Child-sized snowshoes (up to 90 pounds) are available for a one-week check out.

An adult needs to sign the Library of Things user agreement and waiver. Take a look at the entire Library of Things.

Special events

Furbearer kit display
Friday, Feb. 23-Friday, March 8
Thanks to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, a large variety of pelts, skulls and track sets will be on display at the library. Stop by to view and check out some books about the animals who inhabit our state: Furbearer Book List.

NASA Solar Ambassador Eclipse Program
Friday, March 1, 1 p.m.
Bridget Kimsey, a NASA Solar System Ambassador from South Burlington, will teach us about space in preparation for the 2024 total solar eclipse. This presentation is for all ages and will have hands-on activities available for the young and young at heart. Eclipse glasses will be available. Co-sponsored with Charlotte Senior Center. Registration appreciated through the Charlotte Senior Center: 802-425-3864. Need eclipse glasses? Fill out this form to be signed up. Glasses available March 15 at the Library.

Dog Communication
Monday, March 11, 5:30 p.m.
Is a yawn always just a yawn? Why does a dog shake off even when it’s not wet? Why is a growl a good thing? Is a tail wag always friendly?

This popular, long-running dog communication and safety lecture is a multi-media extravaganza of fun where the audience also gets to test their “dog reading” skills. Dog trainer Deb Helfrich demystifies dog communication, reveals some common dog-human misunderstandings and explores how we can all live safely and happily together. At the end of the presentation, the audience engages in several fun, interactive exercises to practice reading dog body language. Participants will also enjoy exclusive free access to a carefully curated online resource of supplementary learning materials.

Registration appreciated but not required.

Writer’s Studio @ Pierson Library
Tuesday, March 12, 6:30 p.m.
Looking for a welcoming spot to share your writing? Join us for the third session of the ongoing, 3-town Writer’s Studio, a positive atmosphere to share feedback about writing projects big and small. Geoff Gevalt of the Vermont Young Writer’s Project serves as the facilitator for this monthly meet-up that rotates among our three neighboring libraries. Please email Margaret if you’re interested in joining the group.

Music for St. Patrick’s Day
Saturday, March 16, 10:30 a.m. to Noon
Join Mike Walker and “beeswing” for a music session at the library to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. For all ages.

Children’s Programs

Preschool Story Time
Tuesdays and Fridays, 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. We’ll be exploring the sensory table, sorting, playing with blocks, play dough…..these are a few of the open ended projects planned for Wednesday morning play based learning at the Charlotte Library.

Let’s LEGO
Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Drop-in for LEGO free play. The library has loads of LEGO bricks along with some books and prompts for inspiration. For all ages. Please note children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

Programs for adults

Stillwater meditation
Saturdays, 9 a.m. (except Feb. 24 & March 2)
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.

Sustainable Charlotte book discussion
Wednesdays, March 13-April 4, 7 p.m.
In “Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World,” Katharine Hayhoe argues that when it comes to changing hearts and minds, facts are only one part of the equation. We need to find shared values in order to connect our unique identities to collective action. Explore this book and discuss possibilities for our community and world. Copies available at the circulation desk. Register for Zoom link.

Mystery Book Group
Monday, March 18, 10 a.m.
In “Mr. Campion’s Farewell,” Mike Ripley takes up the challenge of completing an old manuscript, which became Mr. Campion’s farewell. Campion himself plays the central role in this quintessentially British mystery, but there are appearances, too, from all of Margery Allingham’s regular characters, from Luke to Campion’s former manservant Lugg, to his wife Lady Amanda Fitton and others. The dialogue is sharp and witty, the observation keen, and the climax is thrilling and eerily atmospheric. Copies available at the circulation desk.

Better Together book club
Wednesday, March 20, 7 p.m.
“Never Enough” is the definitive book on the rise of the toxic achievement culture that’s overtaking kids’ and parents’ lives. It offers a new framework for fighting back. Copies available at the circulation desk. The e-book and audiobook are available on Libby.

Men’s Book Group
Wednesday, March 20, 7:30 p.m.
Stay tuned for title details. This is a hybrid event. Join the discussion at the library or on Zoom.

Recurring programs

Book chat
Wednesdays, 3 p.m.
Meet each week to discuss new books, old books and books you 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.

Short story selections
Wednesdays, Feb. 7 & 21, 1 p.m.
Join library director Margaret Woodruff to share and discuss short stories old and new via Zoom. The group meets the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

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 on the first Thursday of the month. The next meeting is March 7 at 6 p.m. Contact the library or visit the library website for more information.