This summer the Mad River Valley Librarians are coming together to help design, build and install tiny libraries in three Valley locations, joining over 50,000 registered Little Libraries across the globe.  Embracing the statewide summer reading program theme, “Build a Better World”  these mini libraries offer a free, simple and fun way to exchange books.

Providing 24 hours of accessibility to a wide range of books for a multi generational audience,  it is the hope that these little libraries will foster neighborhood book sharing and will provide one more path towards a life long love of reading. Each library is unique and will be designed by community members but typically they are made of wood and house approximately 20-30 books.

We need your help! From planning through installation there are all sorts of ways to get involved.  Nominations will commence on Monday, May 22 with the goal to find the perfect three sites to install the Little Libraries.  Do you have a place in mind that would be an ideal spot for one of these libraries?  You can nominate your spot here or in person at each library.  After compiling the nominations official voting on sites will begin Thursday, June 8 and the winners will be announced on Friday, June 16.

Once the places are designated all interested community members will then gather to brainstorm design ideas.  There will be an open session in the middle of June with a volunteer architect to help bring these ideas to life. We will then gather on Saturday, June 22 at the Waitsfield Farmer’s Market along with a few members of Aaron Flint Builders (a Waterbury based construction company) to construct the Little Libraries.

For more information come visit us or go to littlefreelibrary.org online.

 

One of my favorite things about living in Vermont is the variety found in our seasons and the unique gifts each one brings. Now the wood frog eggs are in our ponds, the trout lilies are poking up through the forest floor, and the boisterous calls of returning birds greet us in the mornings. Spring is blossoming around us, and as the plants and animals in our community are doing, it is a great time of year for our own renewal and growth. What better way to do that than by learning a new skill through reading or attending one of our upcoming programs?

If you are looking to use the plants of this season to improve your metabolic function and digestion, then join clinical herbalist Allison Dellner for her upcoming Spring Tonics and Bitters: The Gifts of Spring workshop on Sunday, April 30^th at the Moretown School at 4pm. This workshop is free with suggested donation, however you must register to attend: moretownlibrary@gmail.com or 496-9728.

Perhaps you are interested in learning how to get your bicycle ready for the warm weather ahead. On Sunday, May 21^st, we are teaming up with the Mad River Riders for a Bike Repair Café. Bring your bike along with any tools you have, and receive some hands-on training. There will also be a chance to help spruce up the Town Forest trails so they are ready for your summer use.

Maybe you are just ready to get out of the house after a long winter. Our Open Mic Nights continue, with the last two returning to Fridays on May 12^th and June 9^th at the Moretown Town Hall starting at 7pm. Come share your hidden talents, or cheer on your friends and neighbors as part of the audience.

Finally, the Birding by Ear class and walk is back by popular demand. Join the Mad Birders on Saturday, June 3^rd at the Moretown School at 4pm for an indoor slideshow, and then come to Pony Farm the next morning June 4th at 7am to hear the sounds of our returning feathered friends and practice your newfound skills.

In the library, the season has prompted weeding and building our collection. Good Spring choices include: “Backyard Foraging” by Ellen Zachos with 65 familiar plants you didn’t know you could eat, the Peterson Field Guide’s CD “Birding by Ear: Eastern Central” to help decipher what you are hearing outside; and a new arrival to complement the recent Cooking with Kids workshop, “Cooking Class: 57 Fun Recipes Kids will Love to Make (and eat)” by Deanna Cook.

Spring also brings us Meredith Whitney as our new assistant librarian. A native of Waterbury and Montpelier, she has been living in Moretown for a little over a year and the library is one of her favorite places in town. Meredith has held jobs in conservation, outdoor recreation, and environmental education. Make sure to stop in and say hello!