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Thank you to our new sponsor, The Mountain Goat! We appreciate the generosity of The Mountain Goat and thank its managing owners, Emma and Elliott Couch.

Members Wanted! “Read It and Eat” Cookbook Club Seeks Founding Members Children’s Library Assistant, farmer, and home cooking enthusiast Karen Huerta is ready to lead a new cookbook club at MCL, and she needs your help to make it a success! The concept is as simple as it is delicious: each monthly meeting, the group…

Thank you to our generous sponsor, the Bank of Bennington!

Thank you to our Bronze Sponsor and supportive neighbor, Advanced Eyecare! We appreciate your generosity.

The Library will be CLOSED today, January 26, 2026, due to inclement weather. Please be safe out there!

The Library will be CLOSED on December 24, December 25, December 31, and January 1 in observance of the holidays. The Library will close at 5pm on December 30th. The Catalog and our Online Library of streaming videos, resources, and learning tools are available 24/7. Wishing everyone in our community a warm, happy, and healthy…

Deck the Shelves: Give the Gift of Reading this Holiday Season! Honor someone special with a gift that lasts for years. This holiday season, you can celebrate a friend, family member, or loved one by purchasing a book to be added to Manchester Community Library’s collection in their honor. Your gift will bring joy not…

The Library will be CLOSED today, December 10, 2025, due to inclement weather. Please be safe out there!

The Library will be CLOSED today, December 2, 2025, due to inclement weather. Please be safe out there!

MCL is pleased to be a collection point this year for the annual Cold Weather Clothing Drive for Manchester’s Community Food Cupboard, and a toddler-sized cold weather clothing drive for Northshire Day School‘s Community Closet, organized by their Love Inclusion Family Trust (LIFT) Committee. The Community Food Cupboard will accept any cold-weather clothing or accessory…

The Library will be closed on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We’ll reopen on Saturday, November 29, and look forward to welcoming you back! Join us on Saturday for the annual Taconic Music Thanksgiving Concert, a festive community tradition that is free and open to all ages.…

October is going to be a busy month at Manchester Community Library! Aside from the chills and thrills of the Halloween season, the coming month’s programming is as vibrant as the seasonal foliage in culture and educational opportunities. Events include gallery exhibitions, historic talks, hands-on workshops, and, of course, MCL’s annual all-ages Halloween party. These…

MCL and Merck Forest & Farmland Center Receive NEA Big Read Grant for Collaborative Community Programming Manchester Community Library is proud to announce that it has been chosen as a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read Grant, in partnership with Merck Forest & Farmland Center in Rupert. The organizations will…

The Library will be closed on Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day. We will reopen with our regular hours on Tuesday, September 2. View our regular hours of operation and schedule of holiday closures here. Our online library is open 24/7! Check out e-books and digital audiobooks on the Libby app (through Green…

One Card, Endless Possibilities: Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month this September This September, Manchester Community Library invites you to celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month and discover how a single card can open the door to endless opportunities. With a library card, you can do more than check out books. From free classes and job resources…

We are excited to share that Shaw’s has selected Manchester Community Library to benefit from the GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program throughout September 2025. The Shaw’s GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Reusable Bag Program makes it easy for shoppers to contribute to their local communities. Every time a $3.00 reusable GIVE BACK…

From spine-tingling suspense to campy cult favorites, this collection offers a cinematic journey through the strange, the scary, and the spectacular. Dive into Kanopy’s Double Trouble in August: Monsters & Aliens Collection…if you dare! Kanopy is a video streaming service that provides instant access to thousands of critically acclaimed movies, documentaries, and kid favorites. We…

We will be putting a pause on book donations at MCL starting August 1, 2025, to catch up on our current stock. The pause will continue at least through the end of August. We will post again when we resume collection. Thank you for your patience.

It’s time to stock your shelves and support your Library at the same time! The Manchester Community Library’s Grand Publication Liquidation is underway, and we’re offering an outrageously low price you won’t want to miss — Fill a bag with books for just $1! This ongoing book sale is your chance to discover hidden gems,…

Are you ready to embark on the Cinematic Journey of a lifetime? Join in on adventures that transcend language, time, and space with the transportive power of your library card. Disover Kanopy’s curated Cinematic Journeys in July collection here>> Kanopy is a video streaming service that provides instant access to thousands of critically acclaimed movies,…

In observance of Independence Day, the Library will be CLOSED on Friday, July 4th, 2025. Happy Fourth of July and we’ll see you on Saturday!

We’re thrilled to welcome Birds & Beans Coffee as a new Library sponsor! A heartfelt thank you to founder Bill Wilson for his generosity and commitment to sustainability. Birds & Beans isn’t just about a great cup of coffee — it’s about making a difference. Since 2008, this family-owned company has championed environmentally responsible, ethically…

Matt DeLaney Named Next Executive Director at MCL The Board of Trustees of the Manchester Community Library has appointed Matt DeLaney, currently the Library Director of the Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor, Maine, as its new Executive Director. He will succeed Ed Surjan, who came to MCL in 2022 and announced last fall that…

Canasta Master Robyn is back with the warm weather! Canasta open play will continue on Mondays at the Library from 12 – 3, but Robyn would like to offer lessons outside of that time for those who may be interested. If you’d like to learn how to play, please text Robyn at (201) 306-6607.

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice reminds us of the true cost of freedom, and we are deeply grateful. In observance of Memorial Day, Manchester Community Library will be CLOSED on Monday, May 26. Regularly scheduled…

New Titles to Celebrate AAPI Heritage Homeseeking by Karissa Chen I Leave It Up to You by Jinwoo Chong Luminous by Silvia Park Blob: A Love Story by Maggie Su Hammajang Luck by Makana Yamamoto View MCL’s Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month 2025 book list on the catalog>> New Titles to Celebrate…

Check Out These Intergalactic Titles for Star Wars Day: Star Wars: Obi-1 2 3 by Calliope Glass & Caitlin Kennedy Star Wars The High Republic: Light of the Jedi by Charles Soule Star Wars Galactic Baking: The Official Cookbook of Sweet and Savory Treats from Tatooine, Hoth, and Beyond Star Wars The Mandalorian: Allies and…

We are seeking local food truck vendors to be part of our Summer Music Series — a celebration of the community featuring local food, local music, and local fun! These free outdoor concerts, happening on select Saturdays throughout the summer, spotlight talented Vermont musicians and are open to the everyone. It’s a laid-back, family-friendly vibe…

Thank you to our Bronze Sponsor, Alpine Physical Therapy and Sports Care! We appreciate the generosity of Alpine owners, John and Paola De Bitetto. Paola is the leader of the Italian Conversation Group at MCL. To participate in the group, stop by on Wednesdays from 5PM – 6PM.  All are welcome! To learn more about business…

What draws people to the library? Everything! From books and digital resources to job assistance and creative programming, libraries are essential to thriving communities.   National Library Week, April 6–12, 2025, is a time to celebrate the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning.  At MCL, we invite the community to…

Spring is Coming! Stop by the MCL Seed Library This is a mutual aid project! Stop by the Library and take as many seeds as you and your family will use, but please consider returning extras so that the Library can share the wealth with our neighbors. Together, we can create a community of care…

Work in Progress We apologize for the noise! Workers will be doing a project in the Library’s Hunter Community Room from March 17th through the 29th. Construction noises may be present in the main Library space during these dates. We apologize for any interruptions this may cause to usual Library activities.

Manchester Voters, Thank You! Your support means the world to us. The Library is grateful for the loyal backing of Manchester voters. We are pleased to continue multiplying your tax dollars with substantial annual fundraising efforts and to be responsible stewards of all the funds entrusted to us.

A vote for MCL is a vote for Community: The library is a vibrant community hub with programs like: Storytimes for Children: Building early literacy and fostering family connections. Book Clubs and Discussion Groups: Encouraging meaningful conversations among residents. Local Arts and Culture Events: Showcasing talent and celebrating diversity within the community. A vote for…

Help Us Conquer Loneliness this Valentine’s Day with “Paper Hugs” by February 12th! This year, please consider joining author J. David Moore, The Federated Church of East Arlington & Youth Group, the Southwestern Vermont Supervisory Union Schools, Arlington Memorial High School and Fisher Elementary, students at Southwestern Tech, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, St. James Episcopal…

The Director of Advancement leads and administers fundraising activities for the Manchester Community Library. As an enthusiastic, passionate, and successful fundraiser, your primary focus is identifying, cultivating, and soliciting individual donors to increase revenues that support the Library’s annual operating budget and long-range sustainability. Please see the Director of Advancement Position Description for more information and to apply.

This February, challenge yourself to read! Stop by the MCL Help Desk to pick up a BINGO sheet today. Complete the challenge and return your sheet by Friday, February 28th, and be entered to win a grand prize! Bookish BINGO is intended for Adult and Young Adult readers. Stay tuned for more monthly challenges to…

Manchester’s Annual Town Meeting and local election takes place the first week of March, and Manchester Community Library needs YOUR help to let Manchester voters know that we love our Library! Design a bookmark using the contest template and enter to win a free book and see your artwork featured on Library bookmarks throughout the…

We will be OPEN on Monday, January 20th, for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Stop by the Library and read up about Dr. King’s legacy and dream. Check out our display in-house, or view our handpicked MLK list using the link below. MCL’s MLK List>> The following weekly programs will NOT occur on Monday, January…

The MCL FY ’24 Annual Appreciation Report is now available to view! Thank you so much for your support in 2024. The community is what drives the success of our Library. The Annual Appreciation Report is a public document that provides Library operations data, highlights people, programs, and partnerships throughout the fiscal year, and thanks…

MCL will be closed for Christmas on Tuesday, December 24th and Wednesday, December 25th. The Library will also be closed for New Years on Tuesday, December 31st and Wednesday, January 1st. Regular Library hours will be held for the rest of those weeks.

Molly & Joey facilitated their last class of Music Mondays on December 9th. Thank you, Molly & Joey, for all the music, dancing, laughs, and learning. We’ll miss the fun on Monday mornings!

Give the Gift of a Good Book to the Community Collections Development Librarian Carrie and Youth Services Librarian Carson have put together a wish list of new books they’d love to add to the MCL collection. Give the gift of a good book to your community this holiday season by sponsoring the purchase of one…

Community Food Cupboard Winter Clothing Drive at MCL MCL is collecting winter clothing items for the Community Food Cupboard! Bring your new or gently used winter coats, scarves, gloves, hats, warm socks, boots, snow pants, etc. to the Library. The items will be delivered to the Community Food Cupboard to be distributed to those in…

New for Library Members: The Dorset Players, Inc. Pass The Dorset Players, Inc. have kindly donated a pass to the Library that will allow Library members to receive two free tickets for each of the theatre’s performance weekends. The pass may only be checked out by one Library member per performance weekend on a first…

Free gun locks are now available to Vermonters at Manchester Community Library’s Help Desk. “Responsible gun owners do more than use their guns safely; they store them safely because a gun that ends up in the wrong hands can have devastating results. Store your gun unloaded, locked, and away from ammunition to prevent children and…

The Library will be CLOSED for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th. We will reopen on Saturday, November 30th.

Non-Resident veterans are eligible for FREE Library cards! Stop by the Help Desk with proof of service to sign up today. The Library will be OPEN on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11th.

We’re Hiring a Patron Experience Specialist The Patron Experience Specialist staffs the Help Desk and serves as a welcoming first impression of the Library. As an ambassador for the Library, you ensure efficient and friendly service for patrons. You will provide information about programs, services, policies, and procedures. This role requires balancing multiple responsibilities in…

Did You Know? ALL students, faculty, and staff at Manchester schools are eligible for a FREE MCL membership, regardless of residency. Non-resident students ages 5 – 11 will need parental permission to receive a card, along with proof of enrollment at a Manchester school. Non-resident students, faculty, and staff ages 12+ must provide proof of…

Ellen Leeds of Dorset, VT was the winner of the raffle for the framed cheetah photograph by Youth Gallery featured artist Evan Miksis. $160 was raised through raffle tickets to directly benefit the Kenya Drylands Education Fund. Thank you to all who participated!

Can you cook some dead delicious food? We need your help! MCL’s annual Halloween party can’t be a bone-chilling thrill without a spooky cook or two in the kitchen. We’re looking for cooks, bakers, and snack crafters to take on the challenge of brewing up a variety of tasty morsels to be enjoyed on Saturday,…

Youth Gallery featured artist Evan Miksis is raffling off a beautiful 22” x 26” framed cheetah photo from his gallery exhibit, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Kenya Drylands Education Fund (KDEF). Buy your tickets today at the MCL Help Desk for $5 each. Act quickly! The drawing will take place this Saturday,…

First “gathering” for people interested in being a reader will be on Thursday, Oct. 3rd at 6:30 at the Dorset Playhouse.  Since 2003, Vermont Humanities has invited students, adults, and seniors across the state to read the same book and participate in a wide variety of community activities related to the book’s themes. Maureen Chaffee…

The Library will be closing at 4 pm on Thursday, September 26th, 2024 for a private Library event. We apologize for any inconvenience. If you would like to place a hold on a book, our online catalog is available 24/7. Log in with your Library card number and password.

Due to the early Library closure on Thursday, September 26th, Check Mates chess club will not take place. Meet you back at the Library next week!

If you have finished with this year’s Vermont Reads book, Gather, please return it to the Library so that other readers can enjoy it. Thank you so much for your participation, and keep an eye out on the MCL Event Calendar for Vermont Reads themed programming in the future!

As work continues in the Hunter Community Room through next Friday, September 20th, construction noises may be present in the main space of the Library during open hours. We thank you for your understanding during this time.

After Kim Murphy’s MCL Zoom talk in June of this year, the community was able to gather supplies to help enrich her students’ learning environment on St. Vincent Island. The photos below show the gratitude of the students as they use supplies provided by your generous donations. Some small medical supplies were also sent along…

Join Team MCL to raise funds and awareness for Breast Cancer on Saturday, October 5th. Walk with us or sponsor a participant using the link below. JOIN US HERE >>

Shaw’s Give Back Bag Program is benefitting MCL throughout September. $1 from every Give Back reusable bag sold at our local Shaw’s (64 Equinox Terrace, Manchester, VT) will be donated to your Library. Sounds like September is a great time to forget your bags at home! Thank you, Shaw’s!

Manchester Community Library has received a batch of COVID-19 tests to share with the public. Stop by the MCL Help Desk during Library hours to get yours, while supplies last. Free tests will also be available at Winhall Memorial Library, Dorset Village Library, Martha Canfield Library, and Manchester Town Hall.

Manchester Math Mentors will be on Saturdays starting August 24th for the Fall school sports season. Middle school students are welcome to join Burr & Burton Academy student Addison Greenland for free math tutoring. Read more on the event page here:

Maresa Bowen has been leading our Monday morning PumpeD Up class for one year as of this month! The class incorporates strength training, boxing, and balance exercises to help those living with Parkinson’s Disease improve their functional fitness level. All are welcome! Join the class on Monday mornings at 9:15.

Last Monday’s American Red Cross Blood Drive at the Library was a resounding success! The drive was able to collect 28 lifesaving pints of blood, which was 33% over the goal of the drive. Thank you, donors!

Donation Collection for Kim Murphy’s Peace Corps classroom on St. Vincent Island Wishlist Items None of this needs to be brand new.  Used items are fine! Please bring donations to the Library.

MCL Tenth Anniversary Community Engagement Survey Now Live The Manchester Community Library (MCL) is celebrating its 10th anniversary on Cemetery Avenue. The Board and staff want to know how we can better serve the residents of Manchester and surrounding towns. Your input is important as we begin to think about “What’s next” for your Community…

MCL Blood Drive July 2024 We encourage everyone ages 16+ to check your blood donor eligibility. If you are unable to donate on July 22nd, sign up for our Thursday, August 22nd blood drive here. Remember – every donation matters, no matter what blood type or how small!

We are Happy to announce that the winner of our SRP 2024 Design Your Own Bookmark Contest winner is Evie S, with Max C. and Madi C. tying for second place! These incredible designs will be available while the prints last at the Help Desk to help you keep track of your summer reading progress.…