Story Time
2026-02-04 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-11 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-18 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-25 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-04 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-11 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Whiting Library, 117 Main St., CHESTER, VT, 05143, United States
This weekly program is geared toward children ages 0–5 and their caregivers. You’re encouraged to arrive between 10:00–10:15 AM to give little ones time to get settled. We’ll begin with about 10-15 minutes of songs, poems and stories, followed by free play and art activities designed to support early learning.
Story Time is essential for building literacy skills—it fosters language development, imagination, and social-emotional growth. The program wraps up at 11:00 AM.
Look for us in the Community Room downstairs, or, if the weather is nice, we may be outside in the backyard.
Preregistration is appreciated but not required—drop-ins are always welcome! To sign up, call the library at 802-875-2277 or email Carrie at youthlibrarian@whitinglibrary.org.

Drop-in Tech Help
2026-02-05 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-02-19 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-02-26 14:00 - 15:00
Drop-in tech help is available to assist with less complex computer issues that require 15 -20 minutes of help. The sessions may be limited in time depending on the number of people needing help.
Seeking guidance on basic computer or mobile device use? Want help using an online resource? Need support navigating online job applications? Join us for our drop-in help hours, held from 2 to 3 p.m. on Thursdays, for 20-minute help sessions—no registration required.
Whiting Library does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications to policies and procedures for individuals with disabilities. For more information, contact us at Director@WhitingLibrary.org or 802-875-2277.

The Librarians Film Screening and Discussion
2026-02-05 18:00 - 20:00
Librarians across the U.S. examine how book review policies are shaping their communities.
From Oscar-nominated Director and Producer Kim A. Snyder (“Death By Numbers,” “Newtown,” “Us Kids”) and Executive Producer Sarah Jessica Parker, “The Librarians” takes viewers from Texas to Florida and beyond, where local libraries have become unexpected battlegrounds in a national struggle over parental control, intellectual freedom, and democracy itself. Sparked by the controversial “Krause List” in Texas, which targets 850 books centered on race and LGBTQIA+ stories, the film takes a deep investigative dive into the escalating movement against book banning. The film captures the courage and resilience of the everyday heroes, librarians, as well as concerned parents and students flanking them, who have become first responders in the fight for the freedom to read, standing defiantly against censorship at all costs.
“The Librarians” will debut on INDEPENDENT LENS on February 9, 2026, at 10 p.m. ET on PBS and the PBS app (check local listings).
For more information, visit Independent Lens.
Filmmakers: Kim A. Snyder (director/producer), Janique L. Robillard (producer), Maria Cuomo Cole (producer), and Jana Edelbaum (producer)

Swashbuckling Heroines and High Seas Adventures with Novelist Vanessa Riley
2026-02-05 19:00 - 20:00
Award-Winning Author of Island Queen and Murder in Westminster
Join us for an unforgettable experience as we chat online with Vanessa Riley about her newest book, Fire Sword and Sea, based on the folk story of the female pirate Jacquotte Delahaye.
The Caribbean Sea, 1675. Jacquotte Delahaye is the mixed-race daughter of a wealthy tavern owner on the island of Tortuga. Instead of marriage, Jacquotte dreams of joining the seafarers and smugglers whose tall-masted ships cluster in the turquoise waters around Tortuga. In Haiti she becomes Jacques, a dockworker, earning the respect of those around her while hiding her gender.
See More and Register

Playgroup for Wee Littles (0-5) & Caregivers
2026-02-10 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-02-17 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-02-24 10:00 - 11:30 | Whiting Library, 117 Main St., CHESTER, VT, 05143, United States
Whiting Library is home to a weekly playgroup for the Wee Littles (0-5 years old) and their caregivers on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. This is a free, fun and relaxed gathering where little kids play while their grown ups supervise and socialize.
No need to pre-register, simply drop in to the library Community Room. Stay as long or as little as you like. Geared towards Caregivers who want to find friendship and build connections in the greater wee little people (0-5 years old) community.
Fun & games in the community room downstairs!
Everyone learns best through play! Contact our Youth Librarian, for more information via youthlibrarian@whitinglibrary.org or call 802-875-2277.

Teen Games Group
2026-02-10 15:00 - 16:30, 2026-02-17 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-03-03 15:00 - 16:30, 2026-03-10 08:00 - 17:00 | Whiting Library, 117 Main St., CHESTER, VT, 05143, United States
Looking for some after-school fun? Join Whiting Library’s Teen Games Group—a place to relax, laugh, and play all kinds of games with friends!
We’ll mix it up each week with everything from strategy and card games to cooperative board games, party favorites, and even the occasional tabletop role-playing adventure. Whether you’re into Magic the Gathering, Yahtzee, or Unstable Unicorns, there’s something for everyone!
🎯 For ages 13 and up📅 Tuesdays at 3:00 PM- 4:30 PM

Adult Book Discussion
2026-02-11 16:30 - 17:30
If you want to participate in the book club, contact the library at director@WhitingLibrary.org or call 802-875-2277 to reserve a copy.

Drop-in Tech Help
2026-02-12 14:00 - 15:00
Drop-in tech help is available to assist with less complex computer issues that require 15 -20 minutes of help. The sessions may be limited in time depending on the number of people needing help.
Seeking guidance on basic computer or mobile device use? Want help using an online resource? Need support navigating online job applications? Join us for our drop-in help hours, held from 2 to 3 p.m. on Thursdays, for 20-minute help sessions—no registration required.
Whiting Library does not discriminate, including on the basis of disability. We may provide auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications to policies and procedures for individuals with disabilities. For more information, contact us at Director@WhitingLibrary.org or 802-875-2277\

Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic with Dr. Lindsey Stewart
2026-02-12 14:00 - 15:00
Award-Winning Author and Professor of Philosophy
Feminist philosopher Dr. Lindsey Stewart’s book, The Conjuring of America: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic, tells the stories of Negro Mammies of slavery; the Voodoo Queens and Blues Women of Reconstruction; and the Granny Midwives and textile weavers of the Jim Crow era. These women, in secrecy and subterfuge, courageously and devotedly continued their practices and worship for centuries and passed down their traditions.
Join us to take part in the magic and celebrate the legacy of America’s founding Black women. Register for free today!
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Youth Library Idea Lab
2026-02-18 15:00 - 16:00 | Whiting Library, 117 Main St., CHESTER, VT, 05143, United States
Do you love checking out books at the library? Maybe you enjoy playing games, making art projects, or hanging out with friends here. We want your ideas on how to make Whiting Library even better!
Join Carrie for a fun and creative Kids’ Library Idea Lab where kids can share what they enjoy, what they’d like more of, and what new programs or activities they dream of seeing at the library. We’ll chat, brainstorm, and imagine the future of our youth library—together!
Your voice matters, and I can’t wait to hear your brilliant ideas! No registration required.

Smithson’s Gamble: The Incredible History Behind the World’s Largest Museum with Smithsonian Curator Emeritus Tom Crouch
2026-02-24 14:00 - 17:00 | Zoom Online
Smithson’s Gamble: The Incredible History Behind the World’s Largest Museum with Smithsonian Curator Emeritus Tom Crouch
A Library Speakers Consortium and Smithsonian Institution Collaboration
Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 2:00 PM EST
See More and Register

YA Games Group
2026-02-24 15:00 - 16:30 | Whiting Library, 117 Main St., CHESTER, VT, 05143, United States

LEGO Builders Club
2026-02-25 15:00 - 16:00 | Whiting Library, 117 Main St., CHESTER, VT, 05143, United States
Build, play, and create at the library! At this event kids can design their own masterpiece, then display it in the Youth Room. Play isn’t just fun—it builds problem-solving, motor skills, and storytelling, all essential to literacy growth. Younger siblings can enjoy big blocks, and building books are on hand for inspiration.

📅 Wednesdays, January 28, February 25, March 25, April 29, May 27
🕒 3–4 PM
📍 Whiting Library
📞 RSVP at 802-875-2277 — contact Carrie King, Youth Librarian (youthlibrarian@whitinglibrary.org) for more info!
And don’t forget—you don’t have to wait for program days to build. When you come to the library, I’ll be happy to show you our big box of LEGOs and a comfy spot to make your masterpiece. It’s also a great place to meet up with friends after school and get creative together!
—Carrie

Tales to Tails: Read to a Dog!
2026-02-28 10:30 - 11:30 | Whiting Library, 117 Main St., CHESTER, VT, 05143, United States
Kids are invited to boost their reading confidence by reading aloud to a gentle, trained therapy dog named Orla. Our Tales to Tails program offers a calm, playful, and nonjudgmental space where young readers can practice their skills, build fluency, and enjoy the company of a four-legged listener.
Reading to a dog makes learning feel like play which is essential to literacy development! Through play, children engage their imagination, build language skills, and gain the confidence they need to become lifelong readers.
Perfect for emerging and reluctant readers, because dogs make the best audience! 📖
Each child may sign up for a 15-minute reading session with Orla during the program hour.
Kathleen Karl, a registered therapy dog handler and seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience helping children become successful readers, will be on hand to support young participants. Kids are welcome to bring their own book or choose one from the library.
📅 When: Saturday, February 28, 2026🕥 Time: 10:30–11:30 AM
🔖 Reserve your reading time with Orla by contacting Carrie King at youthlibrarian@whitinglibrary.org or calling 802-875-2277.

Playgroup for Littles (0-5) & Caregivers
2026-03-03 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-03-10 10:30 - 11:30 | Whiting Library, 117 Main St., CHESTER, VT, 05143, United States
Whiting Library is home to a weekly playgroup for the Littles (0-5 years old) and their caregivers on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. This is a free, fun and relaxed gathering where little kids play while their grown ups supervise and socialize.
No need to pre-register, simply drop in to the library Community Room. Stay as long or as little as you like. Geared towards Caregivers who want to find friendship and build connections in the greater wee little people (0-5 years old) community.
Fun & games in the community room downstairs!
Everyone learns best through play! Contact our Youth Librarian, for more information via youthlibrarian@whitinglibrary.org or call 802-875-2277.

Drop-In Tech Help
2026-03-05 14:00 - 15:00 | Whiting Library, 117 Main St., CHESTER, VT, 05143, United States
Have you run into a technology issue you just can’t figure out? Would you like some help? Every Thursday from 2-3 our “techie” librarian Kale sits down with folks to answer questions, teach skills, and talk through your pesky computer and mobile device problems with you.
Call to schedule at (802) 875-2277, email assistantlibrarian@whitinglibrary.org, or just come by the library!

The Fun and Games Club
2026-03-11 15:00 - 16:00 | Whiting Library, 117 Main St., CHESTER, VT, 05143, United States
Join us for an afternoon of friendly game playing, laughter, and all-around fun at Whiting Library’s Fun and Games Club, a fun and games group for school-aged kids.
We’ll rotate through a variety of games each month, including Wii favorites like bowling and tennis (always a hit!). Kids can take turns on the Wii while others jump into board games, dice games, or exciting card games. There’s something for every kind of player, and kids who just want to have a blast with friends.
Come see what fun we can create together with the Fun and Games Club!
