Finding Hope Within | On Display June 25 – August 15, 2026

Main Gallery

Current Exhibition

“Finding Hope Within” is a traveling exhibition of works by poets and artists incarcerated in Vermont. John Vincent of A Revolutionary Press (New Haven, VT) began “Finding Hope Within” to highlight the healing and transformative role that art plays within the American carceral system. The pieces on display range in process and medium, from knitted sculptures and garments to illustrations, poetry, and letterpress prints. The creation of the art and the curation of the pieces for exhibition are collaborative efforts between volunteers and organizations committed to keeping hope alive for incarcerated individuals.

For the gallery opening event at the Library, the three curators each presented on their particular involvement with the artists whose works are featured in the “Finding Hope Within” exhibition.

Heather Newcomb of Turning Point Center of Addison County explained her connection with the women artists and poets incarcerated at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility, as well as those who have returned to their communities.

Anna Jennings, the volunteer poetry facilitator of Free Verse Fridays at the Southern State Correctional Facility, talked about her experiences with the poets who attend the weekly sessions. She read selections of their published poems as well as newly written pieces.

John Vincent of A Revolutionary Press discussed the origins of this exhibition, which began touring Vermont in July 2023, and how it compares to similar exhibits in other states. He also described how the Press and the incarcerated poets and artists participate in both the design process and the actual papermaking and letterpress printing of their poems and artwork.

Join John Vincent at the Library again on Thursday, July 23rd at 5:30 pm for his talk, “A Revolution Will Not Be Tweeted: Printing the American Revolution,” presented in partnership with Manchester Historical Society as a part of our collaborative Vermont 250 event series.

Lower Level Gallery

Pop-Up Exhibition

The Lost Ski Areas of Vermont by the Manchester Historical Society & the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum

You’re invited to explore a special pop-up exhibit in the lower gallery of the Manchester Community Library. This collaborative display between the Manchester Historical Society (MHS) and the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum (VTSSM) in Stowe highlights Vermont’s “lost” ski areas. 

For more than 20 years, VTSSM has been documenting Vermont’s “lost” ski areas. Their research has identified 190 closed ski areas and six that never opened. This exhibit features a selection of sites located south of Route 4, including #35: Snow Valley, which is highlighted here.

To learn more about Vermont’s lost ski areas, please visit vtssm.org or call 802-253-9911.

Youth Gallery

MCL is proud to offer the Youth Gallery space on the walls of the Children’s Library. The Youth Gallery features the work of local young artists and hosts a gallery opening for each exhibit.

View the MCL Gallery Page for Gallery contact information and to read about other current and upcoming exhibitions.