Plant free seeds to show support of Ukraine
We sprinkle many special days and dates throughout our year and May is no exception. There are two that stand out with special significance at the library.
First of all, May is National Youth Traffic Safety Day. The library is celebrating that with the news that the crosswalk on Ferry Road between the library and the Charlotte Children’s Center will receive a significant upgrade. Thanks to grants from the American Library Association Libraries and the Vermont Council on Rural Development, a button-activated blinking crossing light will be installed to allow for safer pedestrian crossings on Ferry Road.
May 22 is the International Day for Biological Diversity, which reminds us of the importance of growing the magical presence of biodiversity in our backyards, local farms and communities. Help support biodiversity by including some of the Seed Library selections in your garden and drawing inspiration from the library’s pollinator garden. A huge thank you to Linda Hamilton and Karen Tuininga for caring and maintaining both of these important projects.
You can also find a variety of resources on the library shelves to help you along the way in its biodiversity collection.
Also, pick up a packet of free sunflower seeds at the Charlotte Library and support the community-action group Vermont Plants Sunflowers for Ukraine. The group inspires the planting of sunflowers throughout the state with the idea that every seed planted is “a statement of solidarity.”
“Come late summer and fall, our message of multi-colored sunflowers splashed against our blue Vermont sky will give us all hope and inspiration for positive action,” the group’s website says.
Children’s programs
Preschool story time
Tuesdays & 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 and playing with blocks and play-doh. These are a few of the open-ended projects planned for Wednesday morning play-based learning at the Charlotte Library.
Babytime
Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.
Babytime is an unstructured hour at the library for parents, caregivers and babies so they can play and chat during the dark winter months. Explore books and toys and general conversation every Thursday morning in the young children’s area. Ages birth to 18 months.
Let’s LEGO
Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Drop-in for LEGO free play. There will be loads of LEGO bricks out 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.
Poetry and meditation are offered freely and in person to the Charlotte community. Come 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.
Men’s book discussion
Wednesday, May 22, 7:30 p.m.
Are trees social beings? In “The Hidden Life of Trees” forester and author Peter Wohlleben convincingly makes the case that the forest is a social network. He draws on scientific discoveries to describe how trees are like human families: tree parents live together with their children, communicate with them, support them as they grow, share nutrients with those who are sick or struggling and even warn each other of impending dangers. Copies available at the circulation desk. Join the discussion in person or on Zoom.
Better Together book club
Wednesday, May 22, 7 p.m.
You’re invited to join this group that discusses books related to parenthood. On May 22, the group will discuss “Flight of the Puffin.” Books are available at the desk and on Libby. Registration appreciated, but not required.
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.
Short story selections
Wednesdays, June 5 & 19, 1 p.m.
Join library director Margaret Woodruff to discuss short stories old and new on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Via Zoom.
Library contact information:
Margaret Woodruff, director
Cheryl Sloan, youth services librarian
Susanna Kahn, tech librarian
Phone: 802-425-3864
Email
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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, June 6, at 6 p.m. Please contact the library or visit the library website for more information.