As we approach the first day of autumn, the library is busy with special events and new programs. These gatherings are free and open to the public – you do not need a library card to join us. Details can be found by clicking the images or the maroon links that will take you to the appropriate page on our website, normanwilliams.org.

On Monday afternoon at 4 pm, a new, bi-monthly Poetry Group will gather to analyze and critique poems. We'll discuss theme, language, sound/rhythm, structure, and context in a supportive environment.

The first of a series of Italian Films will screen on Tuesday at 4 pm. Veronica Delay has invited the public to join her class's exploration of classic and contemporary movies - with English subtitles.

Acclaimed physicist and astronomer Marcel Gleiser will be at NWPL on September 19 at 6 pm to talk about his new book, The Dawn of a Mindful Universe. In it, he posits that we need to rewrite the story of who we are and our relationship with the earth. 

"The core value of biocentrism is that a planet that hosts life is sacred, deserving of respect and veneration.... There is nothing naive or innocent about a movement that combines science and secular spirituality....Each individual has a role to play..."

Thompson Senior Center, the Ottauquechee Health Foundation, and NWPL are collaborating on the “Age Well Education Series: Know your Options for End of Life.” On September 21, at the Thompson Center, funeral reform advocate Lee Webster will speak about “Green Burials - Making a Clean (Energy) Getaway: Eco-friendly Funeral Practices and Products.”

Bring the kids for a Saturday afternoon concert! The high-energy musical duo, The BenAnna Band, will once again fill the side garden at NWPL with song and movement to help us wrap up our Summer Reading Program! The theme this year — “All Together Now” — is appropriate for reading and dancing.

On September 28, the second in the "Age Well" series will be held at the library. Francesca Arnoldy will present “Introduction to Death Journaling: Planning, Preparing & Processing.”

Before it gets too cold, it's time for another Family Film Night in the NWPL Side Garden. "Paddington Bear 2" is a delight for kids and adults! Bring your friends and a chair or blanket to sit on – or wrap yourself in to stay cozy. 

On Saturday morning, September 30, we are hosting two very different events. The first is a presentation by The Green Mountain Quilting Guild on Barn Quilts: What are they, where can you see them, how are they created, and more...

Later that Saturday, actress and author Christy Cashman will be here to talk about her new novel for young-adult readers, The Truth About Horses. Populated by unforgettable characters including fourteen-year-old Reese, her family, friends, and Trusted Treasure, a special horse, this novel is a spell-binding tale of the magical powers within just waiting to be discovered.

When the days become shorter, we may spend more time indoors with perhaps more time to read. NWPL invites you to stop by and check out the new books in our collection and visit our normanwilliams.org to access our online catalog of books, audiobooks, and movies.

From silly to serious, quiet to rambunctious, we host events and programs for everyone -- kids, tweens, young adults, and grown-ups of all ages!

All are free and open to the public. You do not need to have a library card to participate.

We have begun requesting RSVPs for author events and some programs. This is not required but gives us a sense of how many chairs are needed. The sign-up forms will be at the bottom of an event's webpage if we are asking for an RSVP.

Find details by clicking on the image or the title of the event.

Marcelo Gleiser - The Dawn of a Mindful Universe: A Manifesto for Humanity’s Future

Tues, Sept 19, 6 pm

NWPL Mezzanine

Acclaimed astronomer and philosopher Marcelo Gleiser posits that we need to rewrite the story of who we are and our relationship with the earth. 

Green Burials - Making a Clean (Energy) Getaway: Eco-friendly Funeral Practices and Products

Thur, Sept 21, 1 pm

Thompson Senior Center

Learn about the principles of sustainable funeral options and what we can each do to plan for a more affordable, meaningful, and planet-friendly exit.

The BenAnna Band Concert for Kids!

Sat, Sept 23, 2 pm

NWPL Side Garden

To wrap up our Summer Reading Program, this high-energy musical duo will once again fill the side garden at NWPL with song and movement for the younger set. (On the Mezzanine in case of rain.)

Introduction to Death Journaling: Planning, Preparing, and Processing

Thur, Sept 28, 5:30pm

NWPL Mezzanine

Workshop, participants are invited to reflect back and plan ahead with intention and insight, focusing on introspection as well as extending care to others.

Family Movie Night

Outside on the Big Screen! “Paddington Bear 2”

Fri, Sept 29, 6:30 pm

NWPL Side Garden

A special outdoor screening* of “Paddington 2,” a delightful Warner Brothers classic “with humor and heart.” (*On the Mezzanine if bad weather.)

Barn Quilts - Green Mountain Quilters Guild

Sat, Sept 30, 10:30 am

NWPL Mezzanine

There is a quiet but colorful phenomenon growing nationwide – barn quilts on houses, garages, barns, and other outbuildings. Quilters and non-quilters are invited to this presentation.

Christy Cashman - The Truth About Horses: A Young Adult Novel

Sat, Sept 30, 1 pm

NWPL Mezzanine

This novel for young adults, populated by unforgettable characters, is a spell-binding tale of the magical powers within just waiting to be discovered.

Madeleine May Kunin - Walk With Me / Poetry Reading & Conversation

Tues, Oct 3, 6 pm

NWPL Mezzanine

Poems that explore what it means to be an elder, a feminist, a politician, a mother, a lover, and a companion in an ever-turbulent world.

Your Options, Your Autonomy: End-of-Life Options Including Medical Aid in Dying

Fri, Oct 6, 10:30 am

Thompson Senior Center

Audrey Winograd will lead an open discussion about end-of-life decision-making making including Vermont’s Act 39.

Discover reading possibilities and chat about the books you are enjoying with the What's on Your Nightstand group. The next meeting is Tuesday, October 10 at 10:30 am.

We are pleased to offer programs in the library, online, and in a hybrid format: in person and via zoom. Please check each program for details.

Email programs@normanwilliams.org for information and link to join.

NEW! Italian Film Series

Monthly on the 3rd Tuesday; Begins September 19

4:00 pm

Local language instructor Veronica DeLay is screening a series of Italian films for her students at NWPL and invites everyone to join! (MORE INFO)

Recite! Open-mic Poetry

Monthly on the 2nd Tuesday; Next meeting October 10

5:30 PM - in person & via zoom



Poetry lovers: bring a poem of your own or one from a favorite poet to read and share. Or simply join and listen. (MORE INFO)

Qigong

Weekly on Fridays

8:30 AM - online via Zoom

Gerry Sandweiss shares her knowledge of Qigong–the art of conscious movement–offering a pathway to enhance your quality of life. (MORE INFO)

“Pasture & Shore

The Calm Side of the Wild West of Ireland”

An exhibition of paintings by Gaal Shepherd

September 1 - October 30

Gaal Shepherd has lived and worked in Vermont for 30 years. She has taken part in more than 100 shows, primarily in New England. Although best known for her pastel landscapes, she has worked in many other media. In addition, she has been a graphic designer, an art director for an award-winning magazine, an art gallery proprietor, and an actor. (MORE INFO)