Upcoming literary events include Independent Bookstore Day at Misty Valley Books; expanded Story Time at Wilder; reading with pups in Putney; ‘Story of Vermont’ in Chester; and plant donations sought to benefit Rock Library

May 2: Local authors fête Independent Bookstore Day

Saturday, May 2 is Independent Bookstore Day, a national observance that points out the importance independent bookstores have as community champions of reading and writing. On that day, Misty Valley Books, on the Green in Chester, will host five local authors: Rick Blaisdell of Chester; Bill Walters of Grafton; Brad Gorham of Chester; Michael Palma of Bellows Falls; and game designer Ditto Nowakoski of Manchester. Chester restaurants will provide refreshments; special offers and a few surprises will be introduced throughout the event. The author sessions will be informal and all of the day’s events are open to the public free of charge.

The schedule is as follows:
10 a.m.: Pastor Rick Blaisdell will greet people and discuss the newly expanded edition of his book, One Life to Give.
11 a.m.: Bill Walters will discuss his memoir about life as an oarsman, Saab executive, Christmas letter writer and poet.
Noon: Meet Brad Gorham whose historical book, John and Elizabeth Howland, Pilgrims on the Kennebec was recently released.
1 p.m.: Ditto Nowakoski presents her puzzle-building board game, CanCan, and plays a few rounds with the crowd.
2 p.m. Bill and Lynne Reed, co-owners of the bookstore will present Everett, the illustrated lighter-side of prostate cancer.
3 p.m.: Steve Aikenhead discusses his work; Weathersfield Tales, a Treasury of Stories from a Vermont Village.
4 p.m.: Michael Palma, of Bellows Falls will finish the day discussing his translation of Dante’s Inferno and his own book of poetry, Begin in Gladness.

For more information call Misty Valley Books at 802-875-3400 or visit www.mvbooks.com.

May 2: Expanded Story Time at Wilder Library

Wilder Memorial Library, 24 Lawrence Road in Weston, recently expanded its Story Time programming to every Wednesday and Saturday. Starting in May, Wednesday and Saturday Story Time programs will start at 11 a.m. On Saturdays a craft activity will be provided after Story Time is over. An adult must accompany children to the 30-minute programs. The library would like to express its gratitude to the Story Time volunteers who have made this expansion of their programming possible. For more information about the programs and services offered by Wilder Memorial Library, or if you are interested in volunteering, visit our website www.wildermemoriallibrary.org, call us at 802-824-4307, or email wilderweston@gmail.com.

May 2: Waggin’ Tales reading with dogs in Putney

Putney Public Library at 55 Main St., Putney presents an event for kids featuring guest dogs, a story time, and an opportunity for kids to read to dogs. Join the library at noon, Saturday, May 2 to meet Gallant, Honey Loring’s beautiful and kid-friendly Standard Poodle. Librarian Emily Zervas will read a dog-related story and then kids can take turns reading to Gallant. Gallant has completed rigorous obedience training and has participated in numerous school programs. Bring kids but leave your dogs at home.

Reading to dogs has been proven to help those that struggle with literacy to practice the skill of reading aloud in a non-judgmental atmosphere. Reading improves because the child gets to practice, build self-esteem, and associate reading with something pleasant.

Waggin’ Tales will introduce the library’s new monthly Saturday story time program. The library invites everyone to meet some of the wonderful dogs that live in our community. The program is free and open to the public. Call or email with questions: 802-387-4407 or putpub@svcable.net.

Christopher McGrory Klyza and Stephen C. Trombulak discuss The Story of Vermont: A Natural and Cultural History

May 3: Educators discuss Vermont
at Misty Valley Books

Two Middlebury professors will present a new edition of their book, The Story of Vermont: A Natural and Cultural History, at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 3 at Misty Valley Books, On the Green, Chester. A reception and book signing will follow the professors’ remarks.

Christopher McGrory Klyza, Stafford professor of Public Policy, Political Science and Environmental Studies; and Stephen C. Trombulak, professor of Biology and Environmental Studies, examine the geologic, ecological and cultural forces that came together to create contemporary Vermont. For more information call Misty Valley Books at 802-875-3400 or visit www.mvbooks.com.

May 4: Donations needed for Rock Library’s annual Plant Sale

The Friends of the Rockingham Library are seeking donations for its annual Plant Sale on to take place Saturday May 9.

The Friends welcomes donations of houseplants, landscaping plants, bulbs, perennials, annuals, vegetable starts, herbs, ground covers, trees and ornamental grasses. Some varieties of interest are: Phlox, daisies, irises, annuals, poppies, vegetables, foxgloves, geraniums, herbs, astilbes, baptisias, hostas, day lilies, delphiniums, coneflowers, and fruits. They are also looking for donations of empty pots.

The Friends of the Library is looking for plant donations

Donate plants in pots or plastic bags, label them to the best of your ability (including name and light preference) and drop them off at the library at 65 Westminster St., Bellows Falls between May 4 and May 8 during regular library hours.
Need someone to pick up the plants from your house? Library hours are: Monday to Wednesday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, please call the library at 802-463-4270.

Volunteers are needed to help before and during the event. Contact carolyn.frisa@gmail.com if you can help. Library hours are: For more information, call 802-463-4270, stop by the library or log on to rockinghamlibrary.org.

— Compiled by Susan Lampe-Wilson