Local libraries get grants for summer programming

The Vermont Department of Libraries has awarded 148 public libraries grants of $350 to support the 2026 Summer Program.

Public libraries across Vermont offer a variety of summer programs for children and teens to help foster a love of reading and prevent the loss of reading skills during the summer when school is out. Program types include STEM, author visits, arts enrichment activities, book discussion groups, story times, and more.

Research shows that children who continue to read and learn over the summer maintain reading skills and return to school better prepared in the fall. In 2025, the 146 libraries that received summer reading grants from the department provided programming for 22,607 children, ages 0 to 18. The Department of Libraries is hopeful that this year, even more children will benefit from these non-competitive grants, which were made available with State general funds.

Local recipients include Bennington Free Library; Dover Free Library; Guilford Free Library; John G McCullough Free Library, North Bennington; Lydia Taft Pratt Library, Dummerston; Manchester Community Library; Martha Canfield Memorial Library, Arlington; Moore Free Library, Newfane; Putney Public Library; Readsboro Community Library; Rockingham Free Public Library, Bellows Falls; South Londonderry Free Library; Townshend Public Library; Vernon Free Library; Whitingham Free Public Library; and Winhall Memorial Library.