Library one of 300 chosen for small, rural libraries grant

The Charlotte Library has been selected as one of 300 libraries to participate in the third round of three of Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an American Library Association initiative that provides community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help them serve people with disabilities.

The competitive award comes with a $10,000 grant that will help the library improve access by adding a safety rail to the library entrance ramp.

The library is proud to be chosen again for this opportunity. This third round of funding will provide the Charlotte Library with an additional grant to help continue what was started in the first round.

As part of the grant, Charlotte Library staff will take an online course in how to lead conversations, a skill vital to library work today. Staff will then host a conversation with residents about safely accessing the library building and use the grant funds to continue making the library a welcoming place for all.

If you are interested in getting involved or taking part in the conversation, please contact the library.

Since 2014, the Libraries Transforming Communities initiative has reimagined the role libraries play in supporting communities. Libraries of all types have utilized free dialogue-and-deliberation training and resources to lead community and campus forums; take part in anti-violence activities; provide a space for residents to discuss challenging topics; and have productive conversations with civic leaders, library trustees and staff.

Programs for kids

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

Preschool free play
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. Explore the sensory table, sorting, playing with blocks, playdoh — these are a few of the open-ended projects planned for Wednesday morning play-based learning at the Charlotte Library.

Baby Time
Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.
An unstructured hour for parents, caregivers and babies to play, explore books and chat 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. We’ll have 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.

Beautiful Blues
Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m.-noon
Indigo enthusiast Toby Goldsmith’s indigo-dyeing workshop will introduce the art and process of dyeing with the indigo plant. Participants will design their own small piece and dip dye it in the prepared vat. No experience necessary. For all ages 10 and up. Space is limited, email to let the library know if you’d like to join. Presented as part of a Japanese cultural series based on a grant from the Japan Foundation.

Garden Circle
Mondays, 8:30-10a.m.
It’s time to open up the educational gardens around the library and start tending them regularly again. These include the Rain Garden along the east side of the building, the Welcome Garden that wraps around the south end and the raised bed food and herb gardens behind the Quinlan School building. Garden stewards Karen Tuininga and Linda Hamilton invite past and new members of our Garden Circle to join. Come regularly or as you can. Questions? Email.

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, library director 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.
Join in 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

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The Charlotte Library Board of Trustees meets the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. except the month of August unless otherwise rescheduled following the Opening Meeting Law. Contact the library or visit the library website for more information.