S.220 affirms essential role of libraries in culture, education
On Monday, June 4, Gov. Scott signed S.220, “an act related to public libraries.”
Originating from the recommendations of the Working Group on the Status of Libraries in Vermont Final Report and championed by senators Martine Gulick and Ruth Hardy, this legislation is an affirmation of the essential role that libraries play in the cultural and educational landscape of Vermont.
Key features of the new law include:
- The act mandates that library policies align with the First Amendment and anti-discrimination laws, ensuring libraries remain safe havens for free speech, inquiry and discovery.
- Amends laws related to criminal threats to provide stronger legal protections for libraries, ensuring they remain secure and welcoming spaces for all Vermonters.
- Supports high standards of library services through the creation of model policies and ongoing professional development.
“We are excited for the new legislation and the measures included that will allow Vermont librarians to continue their work, contributing to stronger and more resilient communities in our state,” said Margaret Woodruff, Charlotte Library director, who is also chair of the Vermont Library Association Government Relations & Advocacy Committee.
Books for the book sale
The Friends of the Library will be collecting books for the porch book sale that’s 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on July 14 at:
• Tuesday, June 25, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 26, 4-7 p.m.
• Saturday, June 29, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 9, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 10, 4-7 p.m.
• Thursday, July 11, 3-5 p.m.
Please drop off books only at the times above.
Bring gently used, recent or classic books to the back door of the library adjacent to the Program Room. The library doesn’t accept mass paperback books (the small ones), text books, reference books, older cookbooks or older travel books. Current cookbooks and travel books are accepted. Donations are limited to two boxes or bags per person.
If you have questions email Marie Norwood.
Juneteenth celebration
The library and the Clemmons Family Farm will celebrate Juneteenth 10:30 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, June 19.
Join Lydia Clemmons and Kia’Rae Hanron for a morning of storytelling and art that’s good for all ages. There will be Juneteenth-inspired refreshments as well as books to browse, coloring pages and a word search.
Community mural making
10:30 a.m.-noon
Kia’Rae Hanron will facilitate the painting of a collective mural for all ages on the library porch. Brainstorm ideas, paint and connect with others around themes and ideas of Juneteenth, such as liberation, freedom and looking to the future. The completed mural will be displayed at the library.
How Great-grandma Margie Ran Away
10:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
Clemmons Family Farm President, Lydia Clemmons, will tell a story about her great-grandma Margie, who escaped from the plantation in Louisiana where she was still working as an enslaved cook, more than 40 years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Sumer reading
The Summer Reading Kick-Off with the Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences is Wednesday, June 26, 1 p.m.
Children’s programs
Preschool story time
Tuesdays & Fridays, 10 a.m.
Come to 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.
Babytime
Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., & the first Saturdays, 10 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.
Music with Chris
Monday, June 24, 10 a.m.
Music on the library porch with Chris Gribnau. All ages encouraged to attend.
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.
Mystery book group
Monday, June 17, 10 a.m.
In “The Shape of Water,” Silvio Lupanello, a big-shot in Vigàta, is found dead in his car with his pants around his knees. The car happens to be parked in a part of town used by prostitutes and drug dealers, and as the news of his death spreads, the rumors begin. Enter Salvo Montalbano, Vigàta’s most respected detective. With his characteristic mix of humor, cynicism, compassion and love of good food, Montalbano battles against the powerful and corrupt who are determined to block his path to the real killer. Copies available at the circulation desk.
Mount Philo’s 100th birthday
Tuesday, June 18, 7 p.m.
Celebrate Mount Philo’s 100th birthday with Judy Chavez and learn the story of the amazing act of generosity that created Mount Philo State Park and started the entire Vermont State Park system. Chaves is the author of “Secrets of Mount Philo: A guide to the history of Vermont’s first state park.” There will be historic photos and maps, chill-inducing then-and-now comparisons, turn-of-the-last-century writings and a cast of admirable characters.
Better Together book club
Wednesday, June 19, 7 p.m.
Consider joining this open group that discusses books related to parenthood. In ”I’ll Show Myself Out,” New York Times bestselling author and Emmy Award-winning writer and producer Jessi Klein’s second collection, she hilariously explodes the cultural myths and impossible expectations around motherhood and explore the humiliations, poignancies and possibilities of midlife. Copies available at the circulation desk. The audiobook is available on Hoopla. Registration appreciated, but not required.
Library garden tour
Thursday, June 20, 6 p.m.
Visit the library garden with University of Vermont Extension master gardener Karen Tuininga for a tour of the beautiful and fragrant pollinator garden and the rain garden. No registration required and all are welcome. Bring a friend. Refreshments will be provided.
Make Music Day
Friday, June 21, 4-8 p.m.
Join local musicians on the library porch for tunes, songs and simple dances from various Northern European traditions.
Men’s Book Group
Wednesday, June 26, 7:30 p.m.
The group will be discussing “Oath and Honor” by Liz Cheney. In the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump and many around him, including certain other elected Republican officials, intentionally breached their oath to the Constitution. They ignored the rulings of dozens of courts, plotted to overturn a lawful election and provoked a violent attack on our Capitol. Cheney, one of the few Republican officials to take a stand against these efforts, witnessed the attack firsthand, and then helped lead the Congressional Select Committee investigation into how it happened. Join the discussion. Copies available at the library circulation desk.
Grange on the Green
Thursday, June 27, 5:30-7 p.m.
The Will Patton Quartet will play jazz and Brazilian styles as well as straight-up bebop and original compositions on the Charlotte Town Green. The rain location is the Charlotte Senior Center. Sponsored by Cumbancha and concert series sponsors Otter Creek Awnings and Shearer Audi-VW-Acura.
Thursday book club
Thursday, June 27, 7:30 p.m.
Oil is king of East Texas during the darkest years of the Great Depression. In “Stormy Weather,” the Stoddard girls know no life but an itinerant one, trailing their father from town to town as he searches for work on the pipelines and derricks; that is, when he’s not spending his meager earnings at gambling joints, race tracks and dance halls. And in every small town in which the windblown family settles, mother Elizabeth does her best to make each sparse house they inhabit a home. Copies available at the circulation desk.
Irish music
Saturday, June 29, 1 p.m.
Enjoy old time and Irish music performed by Zachary DeFranco. He’ll take time to discuss the instrument history as well as the history of the tunes being played.
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 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 Garden Circle
Fridays, 8:30-10 a.m.
The Garden Circle of volunteers who tend the library’s educational gardens would love to have you join the Friday morning group work. Experienced and new gardeners welcome. Come every time or as often as you can. Sign up, and you’ll be contacted if plans change due to weather, etc. Coordinated by garden stewards Karen Tuininga and Linda Hamilton.
Library contact information:
Margaret Woodruff, director
Cheryl Sloan, youth services librarian
Susanna Kahn, tech librarian
Phone: 802-425-3864
Email
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Contact the library or visit the library website for more information.