Bethel Public Library

05/30/2026

A gothic horror tale, a creepy science-fiction romp, a sweeping romance, an intergenerational saga, a book about birds — here are the fiction and nonfiction our critics are most looking forward to.

05/30/2026

I'm a year-round reader, but I still love to think of summer reading.
When I was a kid, I went to the public library's summer reading programming.
And I spent a lot of time in a tree fort in our backyard, happily lost in books.
I hope (for kids and adults) that you all have a hammock, a tree fort, a library or a quiet nook where you can give yourself over to summer reading.
P.S. Every book is better if you read with a dog (or (okay!) a cat) at your side.

Here are a few books I have been reading and recommending:

Noodles on a Bicycle, by Kyo Maclear and Illustrated by Gracey Zhang
This is a fantastic read-aloud and also features mesmerizing, kinetic art. The impossible happens right before our eyes. Plus, it begins and ends with noodles.

Fireworks written by Matthew Burgess, illustrated by Cátia Chien
Winner of the Caldecott Medal and a love letter to summer. Radiant, beguiling, timeless.

The Peter Rabbit Library by Beatrix Potter
These books charmed me as a kid, and I find them just as beguiling as an adult.
Perfect for curling up and reading in a tree house, or on a front porch.

Birdy by N. West Moss
This novel about Birdy and her brother Mouse is a book about loving the world, and learning to let yourself be loved in return.

For adults:
Whistler by Ann Patchett
What can I say? Ann is the best there is. This book will make you believe in the world again.

Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler
Published in 1982, I remember reading it on the beach in Florida. I revisited it early this summer for the first time, and I realized I have carried the book in my heart for all of those years. Definitely worth revisiting.

05/26/2026

05/24/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, the library will be closed Monday, May 25th. See you Wednesday.

05/23/2026

May History Talk! Come hear Bob Tabor share the history of the Vermont Railroad!!Thursday, May 28th, 5:30pm!

05/23/2026

She is the best!!

A Vermont librarian and sandwich shop worker started a soup kitchen and organizes card-making for children with cancer.

05/17/2026

05/09/2026

☕️Legislative Breakfast is May 11th!
🧁Come on by the library at 7:30 am for coffee/tea, a bite to eat, and lots of information about what’s going on in Montpelier!!

05/09/2026

Thanks so much to everyone who joined us for the Mother’s (and Other’s ) Day Tea! So fun!!
(I did a really poor job of taking people pictures! On the up side, I did pretty well chatting and filling teapots with hot water!! 😂)
You might also notice that Delectable Mountain Quilters are exhibiting their craft this month!! Come by and check out the beautiful quilts!