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THE BIXBY BULLETIN
November 2025
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It’s time for the Bixby’s Annual Appeal! While I’m missing our former Director (and my fundraising partner) Catharine Hays, along with her energy, enthusiasm, big ideas, and sense of humor, I’m excited to hear about her next chapter as she balances mother-of-the-bride duties with stick season in Panton.
Whatever this fall brings for you, whether it’s a new adventure or simply the familiar rhythm of daily life, the Bixby is here for you. Need a new hobby or just a good book recommendation? Want to meet people who share your interests? Maybe you’re looking for a quiet place away from home responsibilities, a fun activity for your kids, a spot for a Zoom call, or a meeting room for your club? We’ve got you covered!
I could go on and on, but chances are, if you’re reading this newsletter, you already know and value all that the Bixby offers our community. The truth is, the Bixby depends on people like you for half of its annual budget. Please consider making a gift to our Annual Appeal—it’s as easy as visiting bixbylibrary.org/donate.
I look forward to introducing you to our new Library Director in an upcoming newsletter. In the meantime, if you see Catharine, please tell her hi from me.
| | What's New at the Library? | | A New Little Free Library For Addison | | |
On Saturday, November 1, Bixby Board Member Eliza Spencer, Community Engagement Manager Miranda Degreenia, and Historical Collections Associate Kelly Bartlett hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Little Free Library at the Addison Town Clerk’s Office!
Community members gathered to celebrate with coffee, baked goods, and the chance to add their own books to the shelves. Little Free Libraries are book-sharing boxes open seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and freely accessible to all—removing barriers to book access and making reading available to everyone.
A special thank-you goes to Vergennes Leos Kaiya and Kelsey, Vergennes Lions Mentor Chris Clair, and Cookie Steponaitis for building and delivering the Little Free Library; to the Town of Addison and Town Clerk Cheri Waterman for their support of this project; to John Spencer and Addison Selectboard Vice Chair Roger Waterman for installing the Little Free Library; to Joe Glidden from the Addison Four Corners Store for donating pastries and coffee; and to every community member who came out to support the launch and helped stock the shelves with books to share!
This project was made possible by the Bixby Memorial Free Library through an outreach grant from the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership.
| | Thanks to Our Friends, Movie Nights Just Got Better! | | A big pop of gratitude to the Friends of the Bixby Library for their generous gift of a new popcorn machine! It was a huge hit during our recent Halloween Movie Nights--the aroma of fresh popcorn filled the library, creating a true cinematic experience for families and movie lovers of all ages. We’re so grateful to the Friends for their support of programs and events that bring our community together! Stay tuned for more movie screenings in the future... | | |
It’s hard to keep track of what’s streaming where these days—but the Bixby has you covered! Thanks to a generous donation from a local community member, we’ve added more than 170 DVDs to our collection, expanding our selection of movies and TV shows for every taste. Whether you’re in the mood for an old favorite or a hidden gem, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.
Don’t have a DVD player at home? No problem! You can borrow one for a week through our Library of Things program. Have some DVDs you'd like to donate that aren't in our collection? Email me to set up a donation appointment.
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Amber Lay, Assistant Director/Adult Services Librarian
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This holiday season, we’re inviting families to take part in a fun and eco-friendly way to get presents–a toy swap! Donations of clean, gently used toys will be accepted at the Circulation Desk throughout the month of November.
Then, on Saturday, December 6 during the Holiday Stroll, come browse the collected toys and pick out some "new-to-you" favorites to take home! This is a wonderful way to share the joy of giving, reduce waste, and promote sustainability by keeping toys out of landfills and in the hands of happy kids. Any toys left over after the event will be rehomed–either added to our collection in the Children’s Room or donated to local charities and thrift stores.
| | In Book Club this month, we’ll be discussing The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré, a novel told through the voice of a young Nigerian woman determined to get an education so she can escape a life of servitude and make her own choices for the future. We’ll also be choosing books for our 2026 Book Club reading list, so bring a few interesting selections to the meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 6–7 PM! | | The holiday season is nearly upon us! Although December is still a month away, this year’s Holiday Stroll on Saturday, December 6 is shaping up to be especially festive. Starting at 10 AM, we’ll open our doors and welcome you into a winter wonderland–themed Bixby! Santa will read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore at 10:30 AM, followed by free musical performances from Addison County’s female trio Va-et-Vient (Come and Go) at 11 AM and Vermont’s female chorus, Maiden Vermont, at 12 PM. Spend the day with us and enjoy treats, a puzzle swap, a toy swap, holiday card making, and more. Yule be sure to have a holly jolly time! | | | | The Poisoned King by Katherine Rundell | |
For fans of fantasy and adventure, this sequel to Impossible Creatures cannot be missed. This book kicks off with the main character, Christopher, once again being called for help as the dragons are dying and nobody knows why. At the same time, a young princess, Anya, discovers that her grandfather has been poisoned and her father was wrongly imprisoned for the crime, and she must find out who the real murderer is. When Anya and Christopher's paths cross, they embark on a race against time joined by a sphinx, dragons, and magical birds. This is a wonderful book regardless of age that will have a lasting impact on children's literature.
Shelby Gagne, Children & Youth Librarian
| | | | The Intruder by Freida McFadden | |
Casey lives in a secluded cabin deep in the woods. When a powerful, damaging storm is about to hit, she discovers a young girl outside—alone, bloody, and clutching a knife. With the electricity and phone lines down and her only two nearby neighbors seeming a bit shady, Casey decides to let the girl inside. Soon after, she discovers that the girl has some dark secrets. If you’re a fan of Freida McFadden, The Intruder is another exciting, fast-paced read.
Martha Sanborn, Circulation Desk Manager
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This charming and magical novel is an absolute delight! Sera Swan, once one of Britain’s most powerful witches, has lost her magic and is now running an enchanted inn in Lancashire, wrangling quirky guests, and a mischievous talking fox. When the frosty historian Luke Larsen shows up one stormy night, sparks—and spells—start to fly. What follows is a touching story about second chances, unexpected friendships, and finding your place in the world. Cozy, funny, and full of heart, this is the perfect treat for your autumn reading list.
Amber Lay, Assistant Director/Adult Services Librarian
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Questions or comments on this month's newsletter?
Contact Bixby Bulletin Editor-in-Chief, Miranda Degreenia.
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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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