After traveling this summer to Atlanta for a conference, I am reminded that spending time away from our community is always a good way to gain fresh perspective. Organized by the Colorado State Library and Colorado Library Consortium, The Research Institute for Public Libraries (RIPL) was a chance to gather with other librarians and learn more about data informed decision making. This grant-funded opportunity was both intensive and inspiring and will certainly help the library as we collect community feedback and plan our future programs, services and location.
To that end, we have entered the next phase of community engagement with an online survey meant to reach as many residents as possible. If you haven’t had a chance to speak in person with one of our volunteers, this is an opportunity to share your thoughts with us. You can access the survey on our website, Facebook page, Front Porch Forum or visit the library for a paper copy. The deadline for submission is September 15th. We plan to use this data along with in-depth interviews and stakeholder meetings to help inform future library design and planning, as well as share what we have learned with the community.
Settling back into our regular routines, we have some great upcoming programs for the new season. On Sunday, September 9th from 1-3pm, head out with “fun guy” and mushroom maven, John Atkinson, for a walk on the Moretown Forest trails next to the school. Explore fungi in their natural habitat and learn about this unique Kingdom of Life. All ages are encouraged, bring a basket or bag for gathering. The walk is rain or shine, so please dress for conditions. And our Moretown Open Mic Nights are back for a third season. Come share your hidden talents or cheer on your friends and neighbors as they strive to entertain. Join us at the Town Hall from 7-9pm starting Friday, September 14th and through the Fall 10/12, 11/9 and 12/14.
The MRV Libraries are also excited to host a variety of events for this year’s VT Reads title, “Bread and Roses, Too”. Vermont author Katherine Paterson shares the story of the pivotal 1912 textile mill worker strike in Lawrence, MA through the eyes of an italian-american girl and runaway boy. With a focus on the immigrant experience, labor and local history, there are many topics to investigate. Programs such as an intergenerational book discussion, the screening of a related movie, and recreating the children’s welcoming banquet from the story will be happening in late October and November. Thanks to a generous donation from the Vermont Humanities Council, all three libraries have multiple copies and we invite students and adults alike to stop in and check one out.
As we hold onto the freedom of summer for a little longer, we have a few recent titles related to travel added to our collection. “Northland : A 4,000 Mile Journey Along America’s Forgotten Border” by Porter Fox weaves together the three years the author spent exploring the region with the fascinating early history of the area and its importance as our primary border. “What We Were Promised” by Lucy Tan follows the Zhen family as they move back to China after chasing the American Dream. Even as different characters work to reinvent themselves, the past is there waiting in this novel of class, culture and family. We hope to see you at the library soon!
Moretown Memorial Library 