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.

Our library participated in Vermont Reads 2024 during October and November.

Free copies of Gather, provided by Vermont Humanities were distributed at the library and given to community partners.

On Thursday, October 17 at 10 a.m. the Third Thursday Readers (book club for readers ages 55 years+) opened 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 hosted a World Conversations Gathering for people who wanted to learn a new language and/or help people from different countries practice their English skills.  

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

Our final program on Saturday, November 2 at 2 p.m. was 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 (throughout the month of October), community members of all ages were invited to gather and create large mural that is near the library’s entrance. Stop in and see the fantastic community art! 

The Bennington Free Library collaborates with Vermont Humanities to host Vermont Reads programs that encourage reflection, sharing, and making connections.