Gather: Vermont Reads 2024

Since 2003, Vermont Humanities has invited students, adults, and seniors across the state to read the same book and participate in a wide variety of community activities related to the book’s themes.

The Vermont Reads 2024 book is Gather by Kenneth M. Cadow. Gather tells the story of Ian, a resourceful teenager from rural Vermont. He isn’t supposed to have a dog, but his adopted pup Gather soon becomes a good friend. Although Ian hasn’t yet finished high school, he works hard to take care of his mother, who is trying to overcome her addiction to opioids.

The Library has free copies of Gather, provided by Vermont Humanities. Visit the library’s front desk to borrow a copy!

Throughout the month of October, art-making tables will be set up in the Children’s Room and Reference Reading Room. Library visitors of all ages are invited to help make small pieces of art to take home or to add to the library’s large mural that will be created by community members on Saturday, November 2 at 2 p.m.

On Thursday, October 17 at 10 a.m. the Third Thursday Readers (book club co-sponsored by Green Mountain RSVP for readers ages 55 years+) will open its meeting to the public for a hybrid book discussion of Gather (in-person and online or by phone via Zoom).

At 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 17, the Library will host a World Conversations Gathering. Enjoy free pizza and meet people interested in sharing world languages.

Thursday, October 24 at 7 p.m., the Library will host an in-person book discussion of Gather.

Our final program on Saturday, November 2 at 2 p.m. is a Community Mural-Making and Art-Making Gathering. Using Gather the dog templates and other small pieces made at the art-marking tables in the Children’s Room and Reference Reading Room, community members are invited to gather and create a large moral that will be displayed near the library’s entrance.

The Bennington Free Library is excited to host Vermont Reads programs that encourage reflection, sharing, and making connections.