Now that we are well into 2026, we are proud to say that we are successfully navigating the strange new world that we find ourselves in. Our fundamentals are strong, and we have a comprehensive plan to make it through these uncertain times – hopefully with a strong measure of continued flexibility, adaptability, and grace.
Interestingly, these qualities abound in our Vermont Reads heroine from The Light Pirate. Wanda navigates a changing world in the face of deep disruption, and while we aren’t yet fully in her climate-driven predicament, we certainly have ongoing lessons to learn from her as we move forward.
The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks Dalton continued our Vermont Reads winning streak. The book closed out strong in 2026 with 109 community projects and almost 5,000 books distributed across the state – including closing events at Teen Lit Mob in Woodstock and the Fletcher Free Library in Burlington. The Light Pirate is second only to Ken Cadow’s Gather in its community reach.
Other highlights from the year so far included an Author Residency with the legendary Katherine Paterson in Barre, wonderful tributes to the late poet David Budbill in Montpelier and Wolcott during National Poetry Month, and terrific launch events for Vermont Reads 2026: Charity and Sylvia by Tillie Walden in Middlebury and White River Junction. Our Vermont Early Literacy Initiative held their spring conference with a keynote address from theater educator Kailie Larkin, who led us in activities for librarians to use with children and families.
We are looking forward to the coming year with great excitement and optimism, and we know that when we lead with our values, the work will get done. Thank you for your support.
