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BIXBY BULLETIN NEWSLETTER
October 2023
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Why are library people so fired up about Banned Book Week? Why focus on this when our community seems to understand the value of giving access to a breadth of perspectives and not trying to dictate what others can read? It’s because we are experiencing a shocking increase in book challenges in other parts of the country. We stand in solidarity as an international community to support one another and build the understanding that leads to openness and compassion, rather than a race to censorship.
I found this recent quote from the Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, especially compelling: “It’s really the philosophy of the library profession that free people should read freely and that there’s a power in being able to select what you want to read. And sometimes it’s essential to be able to have access to different topics, different points of views. And so we really believe strongly that people should have access as much as possible to materials that can help them in life to understand themselves and to understand others.”
Ready to take some action for the right to read? Here’s a great list from the American Library Association that take as little as five minutes. Read on!
Library Director
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Top row from left to right: Catharine Hays, Cedar Winslow, Amber Lay
Bottom row from left to right: Mary Neffinger, Martha Sanborn
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What's New at the Library? |
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Thank You for a Flourishing Book & Plant Sale |
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Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the Friends of the Bixby Library for their hard work on this year's Book & Plant Sale. The Friends have devoted their time and energy to making this year's sale exceptional, surpassing previous records for donations and sales. Friends, you rock!
We would also like to extend a special thank you to our generous plant and book donors for providing a fantastic array of items, and to our shoppers, who strengthen our library with every cent spent. Your support empowers us to bring fresh new books to our shelves, host library events, and expand our community resources. Thank you for supporting the Bixby!
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Watercolor Artists' Reception & Bixby Benefit Sale |
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'Tis the season for local art! Our community room has become a canvas for stunning artwork by the Vermont Watercolor Association, Burlington Chapter. Join us on Saturday, October 7th, from 11 am to 1 pm to meet the maestros behind the masterpieces and immerse yourself in a world of creativity. A portion of all painting sales will support the Bixby Library, so you can feel good about supporting local artists and your favorite library. |
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Remembering Mrs. Marilyn Woods |
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The community is invited to celebrate the life and legacy of the "Lego Lady" of Addison County, Mrs. Marilyn Woods. On Saturday, October 21st, from 11:30am to 2:30pm, Marilyn's family is hosting an open house in Bixby Hall (second floor of the library) in honor of the beloved VUES teacher of 50 years.
The event will feature displays of her inspiring career, including books, photos, art, handmade classroom materials, along with a special session of the LEGO Club. Friends, family, colleagues, and students are encouraged to share stories and memories of Mrs. Woods.
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Proud Recipient of the Walter Cerf Community Fund Grant |
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The Bixby Library is proud to be among 26 organizations who were awarded a grant from The Walter Cerf Community Fund, a component fund of the Vermont Community Foundation in its 2023 competitive grants round. The $2500 will support our programming and outreach efforts throughout our five-town community. |
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Every year, libraries nationwide celebrate the freedom to read during Banned Books Week (October 1-7, 2023). Censorship in the US has risen significantly, with the ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom documenting 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022, nearly double the amount in 2021. Censors targeted a record 2,571 unique titles in 2022, a 38% increase from the previous year. Librarians are responsible for providing equal access to library materials and services to all library users, and libraries are a safe haven for learning and ideas.
Stop by the Bixby to view our informational banned books displays, check out a banned book to take home, and take action to defend books from censorship on "Let Freedom Read Day," Saturday, October 7.
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Amber Lay, Assistant Director/Adult Services Librarian |
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It may not feel like it, but Autumn is here! Our Autumn and Halloween children's collections are circulating widely, and there are always new titles being added. Check out our displays all around the Children's Room.
Lego Club is on pause through the holidays. The Club will have a special event on October 21 in honor of Marilyn Woods, "The LEGO Lady of Addison County," and then start up after the first of the year for our Lego Contest during the February school break. Our weekly teen Fantasy Club continues, playing and teaching newcomers how to play Dungeons and Dragons and Magic the Gathering every Tuesday night.
For families with younger kids, our Costume Storytime is happening at the normal Storytime Hour on Friday, October 27th at 10:30 and also on Saturday, October 28th at 11 am. This a great opportunity for families to test drive their costumes and for librarians to enjoy all the kids in costume!
***Save the date*** Saturday, November 11th, for a Dinovember event to remember! Details to come.
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I’ve always liked the month of October- it’s filled with such fun things to do. I’m excited about many things this month at the library, starting with the Young Writers Club this Saturday, the 7th. We will be writing Haunted Haikus before we continue working on our own literary magazine. Next Tuesday, October 10th, local author DonnaRae Menard will discuss her novel Murder in the Meadow. Didn’t get to read the book yet? Come and listen to the author anyway and enjoy light refreshments! Finally, we’ll be showing Hotel Transylvania 2 on Friday, October 20th, at 6:30 pm in Bixby Hall.
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October arrives at the Bixby with a spectacular burst of autumnal splendor. This season, we have unveiled a lineup of programs to help deepen our connection with the Earth. On Thursday, October 5th we were delighted to welcome nationally acclaimed gardening author Charlie Nardozzi for a lesson on Fall Gardening and Bulb Planting. Coming up, we are hosting a Vermicomposting workshop presented by the Addison County Solid Waste Management District on Tuesday, October 24th, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Join us to explore the art of composting with the help of nature's ultimate reusers: red wiggler worms!
If digging in the dirt isn't your speed, we're STITCHING up something special with our first-ever Fiber Arts Circle on Saturday, November 4th, from 12 to 2 pm in the community room. This will be a fantastic opportunity for folks of all ages to come together and get creative. We hope to see you there! |
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What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama
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Can a visit to the library change your life? Absolutely. This heartwarming collection of interconnected stories details the lives of five people who are lost, stuck, and searching for meaning in their daily lives. These individuals each connect with the local reference librarian who asks, "What are you looking for?" and provides recommendations that inspire them to move forward with what they want from life -- connection, friendship, community, and personal growth. The novel is a reminder of the impact of libraries and books in our lives.
Amber Lay
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Baking Yesteryear by B. Dylan Hollis
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This cookbook takes a decade-by-decade look at some of the best, and a few of the worst, baking recipes from the 20th century. The author has baked hundreds of recipes from countless antique cookbooks, choosing unique recipes, and sharing them on social media. A few of Dylan’s recipes that stood out include potato chip cookies, tomato soup cake, and PB&J cheesecake.
If you try one of the recipes in this book, please let us know how it turned out!
Martha Sanborn
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Sheltering Angel by Louella Bryant
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You may know the story of Jack and Rose, but have you ever wondered what happened to the other passengers of the Titanic on the fateful morning of April 15, 1912? Local author Louella Bryant returns to the page with a stunning portrait of love and tragedy. Sheltering Angel follows two protagonists from supremely different backgrounds, exploring how class dynamics play out in the face of ultimate disaster. The author's well-researched novel sits at a fascinating crux between history, fiction, and spirituality. Sheltering Angel is a profound reflection on society and humanity within the microcosm of the Titanic. Check out our signed copy of the book today!
Cedar Winslow
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News from the Bixby's History Collection |
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It's officially fall, which means making the most of warm-weather fruits and veggies and getting ready for colder days! If you need some inspiration for your produce-related projects, look no further than this 1808 book on New England Cookery, part of the Bixby's special collections. The book boasts advice on "The art of dressing all kinds of flesh, fish, and vegetables, and the best modes of making pastes, puffs, pies, tarts, puddings, custards, and preserves, and all kinds of cakes, from the imperial plumb to plain cake." The description further notes that its recipes are "particularly adapted to this part of the country." From pie fillings to pickles, this tiny but mighty cookbook has you covered!
If you don't have mutton suet fat or a coarse hair sieve on hand, don't worry- you can borrow a modern canning kit from the Bixby's Library of Things for free with your library card! We also have plenty of cookbooks published in this century if that's more your style.
To view the Cookery book in person, please call us at (802)877-2211 or email us to make an appointment with a history team member.
Anna Hurd
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We love hearing what our patrons and visitors have to say about our library. Your feedback is our driving force, continually inspiring us to improve. Enjoy these highlights from our guest book:
"Such comfy couches and incredibly beautiful <3"
"What a jewel... Vergennes is lucky to have it!"
"Lovely space to be in, work in, read in!"
"Beautiful, local treasure! Looking forward to returning"
"I'm inspired by your innovative services and beautiful spaces!"
Thank you all for your kind words! We hope you will stop by and sign our guest book. Perhaps you'll see your words in next month's newsletter.
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Dead Creek Wildlife Day
Saturday, October 7, 9:30am-4pm
This Saturday marks the 21st annual Dead Creek Wildlife Day, held at the Wildlife Management Area on Route 17, west of Route 22A. The day features wildlife-related exhibits and activities such as decoy carving, building bluebird boxes, bird banding, naturalist-led walks, and nature crafts! |
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Saturday, October 21, 10am-4pm
The 5 Town Partnership is collecting winter outwear for people in need. They welcome donations of clean, usable winter jackets, snow pants, snowsuits, hats, mittens, scarves, winter boots, and new socks. Donations will be accepted from October 8-18th, and items can be dropped off at St. Ambrose Rectory (on the porch), Monkton Friends Church (on the porch), New Haven Congregational Church (in the tote by the front door) or at the Robinson Elementary School (under the overhang outside the multipurpose room door).
The giveaway event will occur on the Bristol Town Green on October 21st. Everything is free for the taking!
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Friends of the Bixby
Used Book Sale
Saturday, October 28th, 9am-1pm
The Friends of the Bixby are hosting their used book sale in the library’s basement Otter Creek Room (accessible by the back parking lot). We offer gently used fiction, non-fiction, children’s, YA, gardening, sci-fi/fantasy, Vermont books, and more! Purchases at the used book sale support the Bixby. |
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If you enjoyed our newsletter, forward it to a friend near or far! |
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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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