Richmond Free Library

William Stelzer (1903-2003) was a self-taught inventor, designer, and artist. Born in Switzerland, Stelzer came to the United States in 1923 at age 20. Without formal training, he decided to become an engineer and eventually held over 220 patents in his name; the power brake was his most important invention.

Stelzer enjoyed gardening, fishing, and painting. His lively, colorful work is surrealistic and sometimes abstract. Stelzer’s art was included in several shows during his lifetime and his paintings are now shared among his children and grandchildren. His paintings are on display in the library through the month of November.

William Stelzer is the grandfather of Jennifer Esser, who works here at the Richmond Library.

Please note that the library is closed on Monday, November 12 in observance of Veterans Day.

On Wednesday, October 31, after songs and stories, all the pumpkins, chickens, race car drivers, lions, bumble bees, princesses and dragons paraded through the library, down the sidewalk and through the post office, town office and school offices before returning to the library for playtime and cider. This short video, capturing the fun, was created by Mt. Mansfield Community TV.

Baby Laptime  – Mondays at 10:30 am
This 30-minute program is for our youngest visitors. Adults interact with their little person through simple stories, songs, rhymes, bounces and wiggles that are sure to bring out the smiles and giggles. Baby Laptime is designed for infants through age 2 and runs September through May. Join us on Mondays at 10:30 am.

Playgroup with Stories and Music – Wednesdays 10 am – Noon
The morning begins at 10 am with songs, stories and a simple snack (bring your own) on the alphabet rug. Around 10:30 am we’ll get out the toys for free play with friends in the library’s sunny and spacious Community Room. We have gross motor and fine motor toys, puzzles and activities for infants through preschool age children. Join us on Wednesdays, September through May.

Movers and Shakers Storytime – Fridays at 10:30 am
Frequent exposure to picture books not only entertain and delight children but also strengthens their vocabulary and their ability to make sense of the world. We’ll share fantastic new and classic picture books and work some early literacy magic into a child’s day. We’ll couple stories with simple songs and activities for some interactive moving and shaking. Toddlers and Preschoolers and their caregivers are welcome. September through May.

Storytime Outreach Visits to Richmond Childcare Providers
This outreach program brings storytime out into the community. Children and caregivers enjoy stories and music making with a focus on the early literacy skills necessary for strong reading readiness upon entering school. Bins of library books are dropped off and picked up every few weeks. If you operate a childcare business in Richmond and have not participated in this program in the past, contact Wendy at 434-3036 or rfl@gmavt.net for more information and to sign up.

Were you hoping to come to Katherine Paterson’s recent talk at the library, but couldn’t make it? You’re in luck! Mt. Mansfield Community TV recorded her speech and you can watch it on Vimeo. Audience members were moved and inspired by her words; now you can listen to her thoughts via the video.

Copies of Bread and Roses, Too are available at the library if you’d like to read the Vermont Reads book for 2018.

Join other knitters in the Mezzanine Lounge at the Richmond Free Library on Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 for social and skill exchange. All levels, any handcraft (crochet, tatting, needlepoint, etc.) welcome.