Alice M. Ward Memorial Library

06/18/2026

Say hello to our NEW reading buddy!

Meet our axolotl and yes, axolotls are real, remarkable, and absolutely love books (we assume).

Axolotl Reading Tip: Make reading part of your daily routine same time, same cozy spot. Kids thrive on consistency, and a daily reading ritual builds the habit that lasts a lifetime. Even 10–15 minutes a day makes a measurable difference.

05/24/2026

05/20/2026

Author Michael Caduto visited Canaan Schools on May 7th for a day full of storytelling, singing, and fun! Michael J. Caduto is an author, environmental educator, musician, and presenter, using stories and music as tools to inspire environmental awareness and cultural understanding. His programs frequently focus on sustainability, biodiversity, and helping young people develop a connection to the outdoors.

The program was sponsored by the Children's Literacy Foundation (CLiF) and the Alice Ward Library. Students in grades K–6 enjoyed hearing stories inspired by Native traditions — and every student went home with two free new books thanks to CLiF."

05/20/2026

Fashion through the centuries came alive during 250 Years of Colonial Fashion, presented by Karen Antonowicz of Spirits of Fashion, at the American Legion Hall in Canaan on May 11th. Approximately 40 guests attended the engaging program, which combined colorful slides, historical insights, and recreated period clothing modeled by Ms. Antonowicz to bring colonial fashion history to life. Attendees also enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by Rachel Reeve and Gina O’Keefe. The event was generously sponsored by the Alice Ward Library, Canaan Naturally Connected, and the Neil and Louise Tillotson Foundation. Additional thanks to the volunteers whose support helped this event be so successful.

05/12/2026

FIRE PERMITS - Canaan and Beecher Falls Residents

No person shall kindle or authorize to kindle a fire in the open air for the purpose of burning brush, weeds, grass or rubbish of any kind except where there is snow in the site, without permission from the Canaan Fire Warden. Persons in violation are subject to fines pursuant to 10 V.S.A. Ch. 83 §2645.

Norman Flanagan, Canaan Fire Warden Telephone 603-331-1176

05/12/2026

Notice of Extended Transfer Station Hours - Canaan, VT

Effective Friday, June 5, the Town of Canaan Transfer Station will extend its Friday hours.

The Town has heard the concerns of residents that the current Transfer Station hours may prevent individuals who work later in the day from having ample time to use the facility.

For this reason, beginning June 5, the Transfer Station will remain open every Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. We hope this change will make it easier for residents who work during the day to access the Transfer Station.

The Town will also be installing lighting at the Transfer Station soon to ensure the facility is properly lit during the fall and winter months as the days become shorter.

The Transfer Station hours will be as follows:
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Friday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as the Town works to make the Transfer Station more accessible for residents.

05/06/2026

Be sure to RSVP right away for the Fashion Show! RSVP is needed so that there is plenty of food for all.

The fashion show theme is 250 years of Colonial Fashion

A quick reminder about the last two Winter Series events on May 11 and May 18! Don't forget to sign up!!!

05/01/2026

Get Outside on Vermont Green Up Day, Saturday, May 2nd.

It might not be your litter, but Canaan needs our help to stay beautiful! Stop by to pick up your free Green Up supplies from the town office or the library, then spend an hour or two clearing litter from roadsides, parks, and public spaces around town.

A little time goes a long way—your effort makes a visible difference, and there’s something genuinely rewarding about giving back to your Canaan community. 🌿

See the town website for more information:

04/30/2026

Thank you to Michele Johnsen and all the kids who participated in the Folded Books & Printmaking class! Michele taught them how to take a single sheet of paper, paint it with watercolors, create stamps from cardboard and foam, and then use those stamps to decorate their designs. They then cut and folded their pages into small, one-of-a-kind books—each one completely unique! We hope to offer more classes with Michele in the future—stay tuned!