Vermont Humanities

06/23/2026

Our next Words in the Woods event is this Saturday at Kill Kare State Park in St. Albans at 11:00. We will cover the park entrance fee for all participants, so be sure to come by for a fun day of poetry and nature!

Neil Shepard has been a key figure in the poetry scene for decades, supporting writers as the learn their craft while also leading by example with his incredible body of work. We are excited to host him for this special event this weekend and hope to see you there.

06/23/2026

So, it rained (once again!) at Rutland Pride on Saturday, but we had such a good time meeting folks, giving out books, and talking up our Vermont Reads 2026 choice "Charity and Sylvia" by Tillie Walden.

Our friends at Phoenix Books had copies of the hardcover edition - just released last week! - for sale, and we sent many folks over to their store as we're holding onto our copies for Vermont Reads hosts.

Apply now to host a Vermont Reads 2026 project in your community, as our first order of 3600 books has been almost completely claimed! We'll make a second order soon but if you want to begin your program before October, please apply ASAP at vtreads.org.

06/22/2026

Looking for something to do this weekend? Come to the opening reception for Spark! Places of Innovation at the Rockingham Free Public Library in Bellows Falls!!!!!

The exhibit is open during all library hours to explore, but this special event will be on Saturday the 27th from 11:00-1:00. Light refreshments will be provided.

Spark! is a Smithsonian traveling exhibit that explores the unique combination of places, people, and circumstances that sparks innovation and invention in rural communities.

Thank you to the Alchemist Foundation for their support in shipping this exhibit! Be sure to check out more information online about the next stop on this tour across VT and NH.

06/19/2026

We're so happy to support the City of Burlington's REIB Office as they celebrate Juneteenth this Saturday, June 20, in Burlington, beginning at 1pm.

Two of our longtime poet friends will be presenting:

- 1:00 pm: Rajnii Eddins
- 1:55 pm: LN Bethea

Full schedule at: https://www.btvreib.com/schedule

https://www.btvreib.com/juneteenth

06/18/2026

Now hiring! We are searching for a new part-time Development Coordinator to strengthen community fundraising and donor stewardship efforts.

The person in this position participates in day-to-day development activities including gift processing and acknowledgement, data integrity and collection, and project management tasks aligned with the creation of fundraising appeals, publications, and weekly email campaigns.

In addition, the Development Coordinator will serve as administrative support to board committee chairs and officers.

15-20 hours per week. Hours are flexible. 15 hours are required in our Montpelier office. Remaining hours can be done remotely. Equipment will be provided.

Starting hourly wage $24-$28. Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time. Employer 6% 403(b) contribution after 6 months.

Resumes and cover letters can be sent to [email protected]

Applications accepted through 7/10/26

Read the full job description at: https://bit.ly/vth-dev-coord-26

06/16/2026

Join us at Button Bay State Park this Saturday at 11:00 for our first Words in the Woods event of the season!!!! We will cover the park entrance fee for all participants if you are looking to explore a new corner of the state.

Joanne McNeil Hayes' recent book of poetry, I am the Prairie, explores growing up in the shadow of the Illinois prairie and makes connections to Vermont farmers who immigrated to the area. Be sure to join us to hear more of her work and insights in connecting poetry with nature.

06/15/2026

On Across the Fence Miciah Bay Gault, Director of the Vermont Book Awards, recently shared some amazing book ideas for your summer reading list!

Join Miciah and finalists and winners of the 2026 Vermont Book Awards *tonight* June 15 at Phoenix Books Essex & Burlington at 7pm. Learn more and get tickets at: https://bit.ly/vba-phoenix-june

Across the Fence is the longest-running locally-produced program in the US, and is produced by University of Vermont Extension.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6lb7wUqj2g

06/10/26 Miciah Bay Gault, Director Vermont Book Awards shares some...

06/13/2026

If you are in the area be sure to stop by St. Albans Pride until 3pm today. Thanks to the St. Albans Pride Corps for having us!!!!

06/12/2026

Calling Vermont Reads and Tillie Walden fans! Don't miss your chance to see Tillie talk about "Charity and Sylvia," our Vermont Reads 2026 choice, at two local bookstores next week.

On Wednesday, June 17 at 7 pm at the Norwich Bookstore, she will be joined by fellow cartoonist (and The Center for Cartoon Studies teacher) Dan Nott. Be sure to arrive early for this free event!

And on Thursday, June 18 at Phoenix Books Essex & Burlington in Burlington Tillie will be with fellow Vermont cartoonist and author of "Berlin," Jason Lutes. Purchase $3 tickets for this event here: https://bit.ly/walden-vt-june1718

As always, thanks to Drawn and Quarterly, publishers of "Charity and Sylvia," for their ongoing support of Vermont Reads.

06/11/2026

We had such a good time at the Rockingham Free Public Library in Bellows Falls yesterday! We were joined by our friends at New Hampshire Humanities , three VT libraries, and three NH museums & historical societies, as we all set up the Smithsonian's Museum on Main Street "Spark!" traveling exhibit.

The exhibit focuses on rural innovation, and includes a big shout-out to Bethel, VT and its free Bethel University!

It opens in Bellows Falls on June 27; a special open house will be held at the library from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Here's the full tour schedule:

Rockingham Free Public Library, Bellows Falls, VT: June-July 2026
Barnet Public Library, Barnet, VT: July-August 2026
Swanton Public Library, Swanton VT: September- October 2026
Berlin Historical Society, Berlin, NH: November-December 2026
Mariposa Museum, Peterborough, NH: January- February 2027
Canaan Historical Society, Canaan, NH: February-March 2027