Upcoming programs and events
American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is available for Library programs upon request. Please send your request by email to jwsimpsonmemorial@gmail.com at least 4 weeks in advance of the program.
T H A N K Y O U to Mary Azarian, Grace Worcester, Natalie Kinsey and Reeve Lindbergh for sharing their five favorite books ever with us at the first annual For the Love of Books event in June. You can find the list here.
For a recording of the August 20th discussion of the conservation of the Brassknocker Farm in Craftsbury and Greensboro, click here.
Community Read of the U.S. Constitution
When was the last time, if ever, that you read through this document, fundamental to our governmental and political organization as a nation?
This is not a political discussion, everyone is welcome. This is an opportunity to read together (everyone will be invited to be a reader, but no one is obligated to be a reader - just come as a listener).
As we read we will be invited to think about the problems the writers were addressing. We will also ask ourselves IF and how our personal lives have ever been directly impacted by the articles of the constitution.
Facilitated by Abigail Stockman
Baker vs. State: Making Headlines, Making Change
Over 25 years ago, Peter Harrigan and Stan Baker were one of the three plaintiff couples in Vermont’s Freedom to Marry lawsuit. The Vermont Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in Baker v. State in 1999, which led to Vermont’s Civil Union law the following year.
Sadly, Stan Baker passed away on June 24, 2025. Harrigan reflects on the tumultuous days leading to the Civil Union law, enacted on July 1, 2000; the path toward Marriage Equality achieved in Vermont in 2009; the US Supreme Court decisions that came in 2013 and 2015; new threats to LGBTQIA rights based on the current composition of the US Supreme Court; and his husband Stan’s enduring legacy. Look back and ahead with this timely presentation.
This talk is supported by Vermont Humanities, and will take place at the Craftsbury Community Care Center, 1784 East Craftsbury Road, Craftsbury, VT. The Care Center is ADA accessible.
Old-time music jam session
Old-time music, also known as Appalachian string band music, is traditionally played on the fiddle, banjo, guitar and bass. Tunes are learned by ear and are ideal for community participation. The music is the sort that one would naturally hear at a square dance or a contra dance.
Acoustic musicians of all ages and abilities are encouraged to attend. The session is free and open to the public. Listeners are encouraged to attend as well.
The East Craftsbury old-time jam session is supported by the Allen Hilles Fund. The session occurs every 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 6 - 8pm.
Creative mapping
How to you imagine time? If you could map a dream, what would it look like? During this workshop, we will explore creating maps of all kinds: maps of places, temporal maps, maps of ideas, or something else! We’ll have lots of art supplies available, including collage. Free and all ages welcome. Facilitated by Lalee Bond and Kristin Urie.
Silly Shebang
Stop by for some fun at the library this afternoon, where we will explore the whole shebang of silliness. We will have silly activities & silly snacks to try, silly games and probably some silly competitions. Free, all ages welcome!
“Lost Nation” film screening, Q & A with Jay Craven
Jay Craven’s newest film, “Lost Nation,” will screen at 6pm, Sunday, October 4th at the East Craftsbury Presbyterian Church, 1773 East Craftsbury Road in Craftsbury - sponsored by the John Woodruff Simpson Memorial Library. Admission is free. Craven will appear at the screening for a post-film Q & A.
“Lost Nation” is a Revolutionary War-era action drama set in the early upstart Republic of Vermont. The picture stars Irish actor Kevin Ryan (“Copper,” Harry Wild”) as Vermont founding father and rebel schemer, Ethan Allen, who leads resistance to New Yorker land claims, launches an ill-fated attack on British forces in Montreal, and leads invasions by his Green Mountain Boys into Yorker strongholds of Guilford and Brattleboro. The film is also relevant to Massachusetts history – having been partly set in Deerfield and Northampton – and shot on Nantucket.
“Lost Nation’s” parallel and intersecting story features Kenyan actress Eva Ndachi (“Beautifully Broken”) as pioneering poet, Lucy Terry Prince, who was enslaved at the age of 3 in western Massachusetts, and settled a Guilford, Vermont homestead with her family during this same time. Like Ethan Allen, the Princes found themselves caught up in turbulent times that threatened their prospects for the land and freedom they sought. Like Allen, Lucy Prince upset the status quo in her assertive use of early Vermont’s legal and political systems to defend her family from encroachment, harassment, and intimidation.
Prince family antagonist, aspiring Guilford politician John Noyes, is played by Rob Campbell (“The Crucible,” “The Unforgiven”). British intelligence chief and former Green Mountain Boy co-founder Justus Sherwood is played by Barry Del Sherman (“There Will Be Blood,” “American Beauty”) and Lucy Prince’s daughter Drucilla is played by young actress and Spelman College student, Karma Bridges, daughter of popular rapper and film star, Ludacris. Vermont actors Rusty DeWees and Ariel Zevon plays Yorker Asa Locke and Mary Allen, respectively.
“Lost Nation” was shot on 52 Vermont and Massachusetts locations, including the town of Leyden. It includes 43 speaking characters, including Vermonters Ira Allen, Seth Warner, Gideon Brownson, and Thomas Chittenden, and founding fathers Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, and Samuel Adams (played by his direct descendant, Samuel Adams).
Acclaimed singer, composer, and Juilliard-trained violinist, Mazz Swift, composed and conducted the “Lost Nation” film score. Swift plays lead violin in Yo Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble and has performed at the Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center. Swift has composed and/or played with Vernon Reid, James “Blood” Ulmer, Whitney Houston, DJ Logic, Kanye West, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra, among others.
“Lost Nation” is Craven’s 10th feature film. His work has been shown at Sundance, Lincoln Center, The Smithsonian, and more than 500 cities and towns across the U.S. - and 53 countries. He is the recipient of the Vermont Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, the 2023 Herb Lockwood Prize, a Golden Gate Award, the National Endowment for the Arts’ American Masterpieces citation, and selection to the American Film Institute’s AFI Project 20/20. His 1993 film, “Where the Rivers Flow North” was a Critics Week finalist at the Cannes Film Festival.
Admission is free. Support for the program is provided by the Vermont Humanities Council. For more information, contact https://www.jwsimpsonmemorial.org/ or call 802-586-9692. Or Jay Craven (jcraven1590@gmail.com)
Migration of songs and ballads from the British Isles across the Atlantic
The migration of old songs and tunes across the pond is a fascinating journey. Sara Grey and her son Kieron Means will illustrate through singing and talking about the songs that migrated with folk from Ireland, Scotland, and England as they went into different regions of the States and Canada, and how the songs began to change as they became entrenched and affected by the various cultures they went into. They will show this through a wonderful variety of old songs and ballads and encourage audience participation.
Community sing with Heidi Wilson
Make a joyful noise with others! Heidi Wilson will lead us in a series of seasonal songs and accessible harmonies, starting at 3pm. All ages and voices welcome. We may be singing outside, so please dress for the weather. Hearty snacks provided.
Knitting class with Lise Roussell
Saturday knitting is back! For beginners and experienced knitters alike, you can learn how to knit, fine tune your skills, or finish that unfinished project with certified knitting instructor, Lise Roussell.
Old-time music jam session
Old-time music, also known as Appalachian string band music, is traditionally played on the fiddle, banjo, guitar and bass. Tunes are learned by ear and are ideal for community participation. The music is the sort that one would naturally hear at a square dance or a contra dance.
Acoustic musicians of all ages and abilities are encouraged to attend. The session is free and open to the public. Listeners are encouraged to attend as well.
The East Craftsbury old-time jam session is supported by the Allen Hilles Fund. The session occurs every 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 6 - 8pm.
Printmaking with Jenn Detweiler: Block printing on fabric
This is the third in a three-part series of printmaking classes with local artist Jenn Detweiler, class descriptions below. Space is limited for these classes, please sign up in advance by emailing jwsimpsonmemorial@gmail.com. This free class is made possible in part by a grant from the Allen Hilles Fund.
8/16: Making a Block for Printing: Learn how to design and carve a block for printing. We'll focus specifically on block designs that will work well on fabric.
8/23: Introduction to Natural Dyeing: Learn all about scouring, mordants, natural dye materials, and how to use them to get beautiful colors on fabric. Fabric provided.
8/30: Block Printing on Fabric: Create your own art textiles using block prints, ink, and fabric. This class is the third in the series and is meant to combine the skills and materials from the earlier block printing and dye classes, but new students are welcome to bring their own blocks and a small fabric sample, tank top, or tshirt.
American Sign Language practice group
Join us for this informal ASL practice session! We meet every Thursday at 2pm, and use a Lifeprint video lesson with Bill Vicars as a jumping off point.
Printmaking with Jenn Detweiler: Introduction to Natural Dying
This is the second in a three-part series of printmaking classes with local artist Jenn Detweiler, class descriptions below. Space is limited for these classes, please sign up in advance by emailing jwsimpsonmemorial@gmail.com. This free class is made possible in part by a grant from the Allen Hilles Fund.
8/16: Making a Block for Printing: Learn how to design and carve a block for printing. We'll focus specifically on block designs that will work well on fabric.
8/23: Introduction to Natural Dyeing: Learn all about scouring, mordants, natural dye materials, and how to use them to get beautiful colors on fabric. Fabric provided.
8/30: Block Printing on Fabric: Create your own art textiles using block prints, ink, and fabric. This class is the third in the series and is meant to combine the skills and materials from the earlier block printing and dye classes, but new students are welcome to bring their own blocks and a small fabric sample, tank top, or tshirt.
A discussion of the conservation of the Brassknocker Farm in Craftsbury and Greensboro
Join us for an evening of learning about the historic Brassknocker Farm Conservation Easement. Jared Nunery (Vermont Dept. of Forests, Parks and Recreation) will facilitate a panel discussion on the history and evolution of the Brassknocker Farm Conservation Easement, one of the first conservation easements coordinated by the Vermont Land Trust (VLT) in 1987. Cheryl Fisher (former VLT staff and Greensboro landowner) and Clarice Cutler (VLT staff) will provide an overview of the origins of this monumental conservation project. This will be followed by a presentation from Patrick Hurley (Memphremagog Watershed Association) who will share information on an active restoration project on Whetstone Brook.
To be held at the East Craftsbury Presbyterian Church, which is ADA accessible.
This event will be live streamed and recorded- click here!
Old-time music jam session
Old-time music, also known as Appalachian string band music, is traditionally played on the fiddle, banjo, guitar and bass. Tunes are learned by ear and are ideal for community participation. The music is the sort that one would naturally hear at a square dance or a contra dance.
Acoustic musicians of all ages and abilities are encouraged to attend. The session is free and open to the public. Listeners are encouraged to attend as well.
The East Craftsbury old-time jam session is supported by the Allen Hilles Fund. The session occurs every 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 6 - 8pm.
Printmaking with Jenn Detweiler: Making a Block for Printing
This is the first in a three-part series of printmaking classes with local artist Jenn Detweiler, class descriptions below. Space is limited for these classes, please sign up in advance by emailing jwsimpsonmemorial@gmail.com. This free class is made possible in part by a grant from the Allen Hilles Fund.
8/16: Making a Block for Printing: Learn how to design and carve a block for printing. We'll focus specifically on block designs that will work well on fabric.
8/23: Introduction to Natural Dyeing: Learn all about scouring, mordants, natural dye materials, and how to use them to get beautiful colors on fabric. Fabric provided.
8/30: Block Printing on Fabric: Create your own art textiles using block prints, ink, and fabric. This class is the third in the series and is meant to combine the skills and materials from the earlier block printing and dye classes, but new students are welcome to bring their own blocks and a small fabric sample, tank top, or tshirt.
Storykeepers Explorers: Entertainment Before Movies and Television
One of the ways that Miss Jean entertained children (and adults) at the library in the 1940s and 50s was by showing her Benny Bunny stories, that she wrote and illustrated, using a machine called a Radiopticon, invented in Vermont in 1910, that would project postcards and pictures onto a wall/screen. The library has obtained a Radiopticon, and will recreate the program that Miss Jean held, showing her Benny Bunny books. Natalie will also provide a hands-on experience for participants where they can use the Radiopticon, as well as stereoscopes; a Crankie Box; and Viewmasters.
Baker vs. State: Making Headlines, Making Change
Over 25 years ago, Peter Harrigan and Stan Baker were one of the three plaintiff couples in Vermont’s Freedom to Marry lawsuit. The Vermont Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in Baker v. State in 1999, which led to Vermont’s Civil Union law the following year.
Sadly, Stan Baker passed away on June 24, 2025. Harrigan reflects on the tumultuous days leading to the Civil Union law, enacted on July 1, 2000; the path toward Marriage Equality achieved in Vermont in 2009; the US Supreme Court decisions that came in 2013 and 2015; new threats to LGBTQIA rights based on the current composition of the US Supreme Court; and his husband Stan’s enduring legacy. Look back and ahead with this timely presentation.
Abenaki stories with Miss Lucy Neel
On Tuesday, August 11 at 10am, Miss Lucy Neel will share Abenaki stories for all ages at the Craftsbury Community Care Center. Enjoy singing and drumming during this engaging presentation! Lucy Neel is the Nulhegan education coordinator for the Nulhegan band of the Abenaki tribe, and is also a board member of the Abenaki Helping Abenaki, Inc. She has years of experience teaching about Abenaki history and culture.
Old-time music jam session
Old-time music, also known as Appalachian string band music, is traditionally played on the fiddle, banjo, guitar and bass. Tunes are learned by ear and are ideal for community participation. The music is the sort that one would naturally hear at a square dance or a contra dance.
Acoustic musicians of all ages and abilities are encouraged to attend. The session is free and open to the public. Listeners are encouraged to attend as well.
The East Craftsbury old-time jam session is supported by the Allen Hilles Fund. The session occurs every 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 6 - 8pm.
Storytelling & Free Book Giveaway
Join Vermont author Christy Mihaly for a FUN and INTERACTIVE storytelling event for both children and parents. Every child in attendance will get to choose TWO NEW BOOKS to take home and keep! There will be HUNDREDS of books to choose from with MANY POPULAR TITLES.
This event is made possible by the Children’s Literacy Foundation, and is part of their Summer Readers program. It will take place in the Community Room at the Craftsbury Community Care Center.
Storykeepers explorers: History of Listening to Music
With her Storykeepers programs, Natalie Kinsey works in schools teaching students how to do historical research based on their family stories, and how our ancestors interacted with the technologies of their times.
In this program, Natalie will bring in, and play music on, various machines, including: a cylinder record phonograph; a Victrola that plays 78 records; an LP record player; transistor radio; cassette tapes on a Boombox.
Quiz Night
We hope you will join us for this Simpson Library fun-raiser at the Brassknocker Farm barn. You’ll enjoy dinner, entertainment, and six lively rounds of quizzing. Each table of eight works as a team on six rounds of trivia questions plus two “table quizzes” to complete over the course of the evening. Suggested donation $25. To secure your spot, or for more information, please email James Blue (james.blue@gmail.com).
Circle Painting with Tule Fogg
Join local artist Tule Fogg for this fun, collaborative painting experience! We will create giant circle paintings together over the course of three weeks, and each person will take home a piece of a painting at the end. You can come to just one or all three.
Class dates: Wednesdays, July 15, 22, 29 at 4pm
Space is limited so please sign up by emailing jwsimpsonmemorial@gmail.com
Seasonal Sing with Heidi Wilson
Make a joyful noise with others! Heidi Wilson will lead us in a series of seasonal songs and accessible harmonies, starting at 3pm. All ages and voices welcome. We may be singing outside, so please dress for the weather. Hearty snacks provided.
Girl Scout gathering
Calling all Girl Scouts, young and old, near and far!
Miss Jean (the founder of the John Woodruff Simpson Memorial Library in East Craftsbury) led a troop of Girl Scouts in Craftsbury from the early 1940's through the early 1960's. Five years ago, we had a wonderful Girl Scout reunion at the Library, for those who were part of the Girl Scouts with Miss Jean, and we have gathered every July since, broadening the invitation to anyone who has ever been a Girl Scout, in any place, at any time.
We welcome you to stop by the library on Saturday July 25 to share stories, view the historic photos and films from the library archives, browse the vintage Girl Scout handbooks, compare badges, and eat cake together.
Circle Painting with Tule Fogg
Join local artist Tule Fogg for this fun, collaborative painting experience! We will create giant circle paintings together over the course of three weeks, and each person will take home a piece of a painting at the end. You can come to just one or all three.
Class dates: Wednesdays, July 15, 22, 29 at 4pm
Space is limited so please sign up by emailing jwsimpsonmemorial@gmail.com
Made possible by a grant from the Allen Hilles Fund
Play with Clay: Class with Emma Podolin
Play with clay to make a functional drinking vessel to bring home, use and treasure! Learn how to make a cup or mug using slabs, pinching and coils. We will then decorate our pots using colorful clay slips and surface design techniques such as sgraffito, wax resist, and transfers. The pots will then be glazed, fired, and returned to be used at your table.
Monday, July 13, 4-6: Making your drinking vessel
Sunday, July 19, 4-6: Surface design
This class is free and open to all ages, but spaces are limited! To sign up, please email jwsimpsonmemorial@gmail.com
Made possible by a grant from the Allen Hilles Fund
Old-time music jam session
Old-time music, also known as Appalachian string band music, is traditionally played on the fiddle, banjo, guitar and bass. Tunes are learned by ear and are ideal for community participation. The music is the sort that one would naturally hear at a square dance or a contra dance.
Acoustic musicians of all ages and abilities are encouraged to attend. The session is free and open to the public. Listeners are encouraged to attend as well.
The East Craftsbury old-time jam session is supported by the Allen Hilles Fund. The session occurs every 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 6 - 8pm.
Circle painting with Tule Fogg
Join local artist Tule Fogg for this fun, collaborative painting experience! We will create giant circle paintings together over the course of three weeks, and each person will take home a piece of a painting at the end. You can come to just one or all three.
Class dates: Wednesdays, July 15, 22, 29 at 4pm
Space is limited so please sign up by emailing jwsimpsonmemorial@gmail.com
Play with Clay! Class with Emma Podolin
Play with clay to make a functional drinking vessel to bring home, use and treasure! Learn how to make a cup or mug using slabs, pinching and coils. We will then decorate our pots using colorful clay slips and surface design techniques such as sgraffito, wax resist, and transfers. The pots will then be glazed, fired, and returned to be used at your table.
Monday, July 13, 4-6: Making your drinking vessel
Sunday, July 19, 4-6: Surface design
This class is free and open to all ages, but spaces are limited! To sign up, please email jwsimpsonmemorial@gmail.com
How to play guitar (nicely) with others
How To Play Guitar (Nicely) With Others : a beginner to intermediate class for adults with Ray Lewis
June 25 & July 9
IN TWO FREE CLASSES:
- review basic chords and keys
- learn to play efficiently
- explore rhythm & jam etiquette
Ray is a local musician with almost 50 years of guitar playing experience.
for questions: raylewisbanjo@gmail.com
More Than Just a Picture: Norman Rockwell
Celebrate the legacy of "America’s favorite illustrator" in a 90-minute lecture exploring Norman Rockwell’s life, creative process, and impact on the national conscience.
Rockwell brought Americans together throughout the 20th Century with his virtuoso technique and affectionate interpretations of their country. Learn how his focus shifted from small town Americana to poignant civil rights and social justice illustrations for Look Magazine. Beneath his charismatic imagery lies a layer of compassionate reporting that gives his work gravitas.
This art talk will take place at the Craftsbury Community Care Center, and it is free and open to the public. It is the first in our Second Wednesday series, a collaboration between the Simpson Library and the Care Center to bring more humanities programming to East Craftsbury, that will feature a humanities presentation on the second Wednesday of each month at 2pm.
Pippa Drew is a central Vermont artist with an MA from Dartmouth College who specializes in Art Talks that explore the creative process.
Bubbles at the Block Party
Beat the heat with bubble and water fun at the collaborative library table at the Craftsbury Block Party! We’ll have giant bubbles, water play, and info about upcoming summer programming at the Simpson Library and the Craftsbury Public Library.
Old-time jam session
Old-time music, also known as Appalachian string band music, is traditionally played on the fiddle, banjo, guitar and bass. Tunes are learned by ear and are ideal for community participation. The music is the sort that one would naturally hear at a square dance or a contra dance.
Acoustic musicians of all ages and abilities are encouraged to attend. The session is free and open to the public. Listeners are encouraged to attend as well.
The East Craftsbury old-time jam session is supported by the Allen Hilles Fund. The session occurs every 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 6 - 8pm.
For the love of books: Vermont author and illustrator book talk
Four of Vermont’s beloved authors and illustrators, Reeve Lindbergh, Mary Azarian, Grace Worcester and Natalie Kinsey, are coming together in East Craftsbury for an informal conversation about their five favorite books.
This is a fundraiser for the John Woodruff Simpson Memorial Library. Donations for the Library will be taken at the door. There will also be a collection of items for the Hardwick Area Food Pantry.
About the authors/illustrators:
Reeve Lindbergh--- Author of more than two dozen books for children and adults. Works with libraries, Vermont Arts Council, and other non-profit organizations.
Mary Azarian---Woodcut artist and children's book illustrator, she has illustrated more than 50 books, and has won the Caldecott Medal for children's book illustration.
Grace Worcester-----Director of Youth Services for Vermont Department of Libraries for 28 years, working with Vermont’s 183 public libraries, she served as an advocate for children's literacy. Now she is an artist.
Natalie Kinsey----Author of more than 20 books for children. Natalie works in schools to help students find their own family stories.
Music for Hard Times: Grief, Loss and Dying
Music for Hard Times: Grief, Loss and Dying
The NEK Death Care Community, together with the John Woodruff Simpson Memorial Library, have put together a wonderful, free, welcoming community workshop about the power of music to hold us up during hard times in our lives. This workshop will include stories from community members about the power of music when a loved one is dying and a talk from a local chaplain about why music impacts our bodies, minds and spirits so profoundly. Farmsong, a local singing group that is available to sing at the bedside of loved ones, will share a few songs. Songleaders will teach simple songs to the group that can be especially useful in hard times. Participants will experience the power of music and come away with tools and resources for difficult times to carry forward.
This workshop is free and will take place at the East Craftsbury Presbyterian Church, 1773 East Craftsbury Road in Craftsbury, which is ADA accessible. Following the workshop, Heidi Wilson will be leading a community seasonal sing down the road at the J.W. Simpson Memorial Library from 3:30-5:30pm.
How to Play Guitar (Nicely) with Others
How To Play Guitar (Nicely) With Others : a beginner to intermediate class for adults with Ray Lewis
June 25 & July 9
IN TWO FREE CLASSES:
- review basic chords and keys
- learn to play efficiently
- explore rhythm & jam etiquette
Ray is a local musician with almost 50 years of guitar playing experience.
for questions: raylewisbanjo@gmail.com