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BIXBY BULLETIN NEWSLETTER
February 2023
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Dear Library Lovers,
As the chill of winter blankets Vermont, the comfort and warmth of libraries are more important than ever. Libraries serve as community hubs, offering residents a wide range of resources, activities, and events. From books to e-books and study rooms to community meeting spaces, libraries play a crucial role in supporting literacy and lifelong learning.
If you're looking for something to read during these long, cold winter nights, consider the following suggestions:
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The Overstory by Richard Powers - A sweeping and insightful novel about the natural world and its relationship with humanity.
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Lab Girl by Hope Jahren - A memoir about a woman's journey as a scientist, blending personal stories with the wonder of nature.
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The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot - A powerful and fascinating examination of ethics, science, and race told through the story of one woman's cells.
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Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer - A beautifully written and thought-provoking book that blends indigenous knowledge and western science to offer a new perspective on the natural world.
Whether you're looking to escape into a great novel or gain a deeper understanding of the world around you, the library has something for everyone. So, why not take advantage of this winter season and cozy up with a good book at your favorite local library?
Warm regards,
Catharine and ChatGPT (could you tell?)
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What's New at the Library?
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Bixby LEGO Robotics Team Competes in Norwich
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Bixby’s inaugural LEGO Robotics Challenge team competed with 25 other teams from all over Vermont at Norwich University on Saturday, January 28th. The day included a presentation from Green Mountain Power about their renewable energy initiatives - this year’s theme. High school robotics teams offered complicated robot demos that kids could try out. Bixby Challenge performed their skit and explained what they had learned about cow power and renewable energy in front of judges, who asked questions about their project and robot. In the afternoon, Bixby Challenge had three tries to successfully complete the four missions they coded. As a first-time team, they learned a lot, and we look forward to seeing what they will come up with next year.
Thank you to the kids, their parents, the team mentors, coaches, and volunteer lead Will Biederman for all the hard work. This program was made possible by the Vermont Community Foundation’s Spark Connecting Community grant and financial support from Collins Aerospace and Raytheon Technologies.
The LEGO Robotics Club was also featured on-air by WCAX and on the front page of the Addison Independent. Thanks to both for the fantastic coverage!
Mary Neffinger, Children & Youth Services Librarian
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Bixby Public Computers Get an Upgrade
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Our three public computers get a lot of use from members around the community for job searching, resume writing, email checking, printing, and just browsing the Internet. Unfortunately, over the last few months, these computers have become slower and slower and one computer station stopped functioning altogether. In January, we decided to replace our well-worn computers with newer, faster models to ensure our community has access to efficient technology and Internet service. Stop in and try one out to access the Web, use Microsoft Office, or print documents with your library card or a guest pass. We also have free and open WiFi throughout the building for use with your own devices.
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Thanks to a matching grant from the 1772 Foundation in cooperation with the Preservation Trust of Vermont, the library's deteriorating wooden porch railing is being replaced. While it's a bit cold to sit outside just now, the porch will be ready for everyone to enjoy in the warm months ahead.
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Maintaining the Bixby's Trees is a Job Training Experience
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Sending a big thanks to the Urban Forestry instructors and student team at Northlands for taking down the dead branches on the trees around the library. Much appreciated!
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Last Chance to Donate to the Bixby's Annual Appeal
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We’re almost ready to put this year’s Annual Appeal to bed, but we need your help. We are close, but we still need $3000 to meet our goal. So if you haven’t sent your donation or donated online yet, we’d really appreciate it. And thanks so much to all of you who have gotten us so close to the finish line!
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Mark your calendars and tell your friends! The Bixby’s Spring Fundraiser Party is being held on Friday, June 9, 2023. Interested in helping out? Please contact Catharine Hays at catharine.hays@bixbylibrary.org to learn about volunteer opportunities.
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A public library means different things to different people. A term we hear often is “underserved” communities. These groups are no “less” than any other but face additional obstacles to utilizing resources or enjoying programming at the library. A language barrier, a lack of transportation, or a need to focus on more critical needs can all be roadblocks.
One such community in Addison County is migrant families. Recently, we added a Spanish language collection to Bixby, which has children, young adult, and adult materials. In February, we are holding a panel presentation with migrant farmers to provide the opportunity to listen to their stories. Please consider joining us, picking up a free copy of Vermont Reads 2022 book, The Most Costly Journey, and enjoying empanadas from Viva el Sabor chef Matilde Fuentes. Please let me know if you are interested in helping the library connect and grow similarly.
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Let's make the 5th Annual LEGO Contest the biggest and best ever! Sign-ups are open until February 13th or until we hit 60 participants. Look for a special tab under programming on our website to sign up. Judges will pick winners of the eight categories and award LEGO prizes on Saturday, February 25.
Don't have enough LEGOs to create an entry? No problem! Individuals or teams can join us on Saturday, February 11th at 10:30 am for this month's Bixby LEGO Club to work with the library's LEGOs. You can save your work here and come in during vacation week to continue to work on it. Or, you can work on your project at the Boys & Girls Club, our co-host for this event.
For those who enjoy crafting and friendship, join us on Saturday, February 11th, from 12:30-2 to create pony bead friendship bracelets to share with your besties.
To make it convenient for families with young children, we've joined forces with the Thursday Morning Playgroup held at the Vergennes Congregational Church. Come for playtime and Bixby Storytime weekly at 10:30 am.
For teens interested in all things fantasy, Magic the Gathering Club gathers from 5:30-7 pm on Tuesday nights. Learn more about the popular trading card game here. We supply the cards at the library.
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A patron came up to the desk the other day to check out a book she discovered on one of the displays in the children’s room. “I’m sorry for messing up your display,” she apologized. Actually, we love it when you check out a book from our displays. We have a lot of fun picking out and highlighting a wide variety of titles we think you'll enjoy! We'll be taking down our winter-themed book display and creating new displays celebrating Black History Month. Come browse all our displays, and I hope you find a book (or three) to check out.
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Wildlife & Habitats: Natural History with Photographs by Susan C. Morse
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An enthusiastic community member shared a review for local author Susan C. Morse's self-published book, Wildlife & Habitats: Natural History with Photographs. Giving a five-star recommendation, our reader wrote:
"To think this is what I came to Vermont for. A scientist who lent her expertise to this exceptional book. These are some of the best wildlife photographs I've seen. These images and essays go beyond because Sue Morse truly understands the value of these animals and the importance of their habitats. If there was another star to supplement the five I gave, Sue Morse deserves it."
This book is in our Adult Non-Fiction collection, so come check it out!
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Spy School by Stuart Gibbs
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Enjoy our expanding Stuart Gibbs collection by starting with Book 1 of the Spy School series.
Ben Ripley may only be in middle school, but he’s already pegged his dream job: CIA or bust. Unfortunately for him, his personality doesn’t exactly scream “secret agent.” In fact, Ben is so awkward, he can barely get to school and back without a mishap. Because of his innate nerdiness, Ben is not surprised when he is recruited for a magnet school with a focus on science—but he’s entirely shocked to discover that the school is actually a front for a junior CIA academy. Could the CIA really want him?
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Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin (author), Mary Azarian (illustrator)
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This Caldecott Medal-winning picture book tells the true story of farmer Wilson Bentley of Jericho, VT, and his fascination with snowflakes. Wilson cataloged hundreds of snowflake photographs, gave slideshows of his findings, and, when he was 66, published a book of his photos. The perfect snow day read!
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Free Tax Preparation from AARP Tax-Aide
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AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation for low and middle-income taxpayers. If you are 50 and older, we were made especially for you, but all ages are welcome. Volunteer tax return preparers are IRS-certified. AARP membership is NOT required.
Locations in Middlebury, Bristol, and Vergennes by appointment only. Call RSVP at (802) 388-7044 any time. Leave a message, and you will receive a callback.
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Clothing Repair Fair & Swap Shop
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We're thrilled to host Addison County Solid Waste Management District's Repair Fair focused on clothing and textiles on Saturday, February 25th, from 11 am-2 pm at the Bixby Library.
At this free event, residents can learn basic mending; have minor repairs made on their clothing, shoes, accessories, or jewelry; and help build a culture of repair in Addison County.
All are welcome. For more information, call (802) 388-2333.
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Dine Around the Little City
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is in motion! Pick up a Dine Around card at 11 participating businesses and Eat, Drink, Stamp, Repeat!
Collect at least four stamps to be eligible for prizes. Collect stamps from all 11 businesses to be eligible to win the $500 Vergennes Green grand prize!
You can learn more about the businesses and how to enter here.
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Library Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday: 10 am-7 pm
Friday-Saturday: 10 am-3 pm
(802) 877-2211
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