Richmond Free Library

Sunday, February 3
4:00 pm
Community Room

Learn the true story of the eastern coyote and how an understanding of its mind and ecology can help us live alongside this wild animal. Coyotes are rarely seen, but they live among us and contribute to keeping our forests and fields healthy. Despite the ecological benefits it brings, the coyote is the most persecuted carnivore in North America. Yet, it continues to thrive.

Wild canid ecologist Chris Schadler will discuss coexistence strategies, whether you farm, hike or garden. Chris has 30 years of experience in wolf and coyote research, sheep farming, and teaching. She is the Vermont and New Hampshire representative for Project Coyote.

This is the final program in our Wild Nature Series, which has been made possible with support from the Eddy Foundation.

Event is free and wheelchair accessible.
Light refreshments will be served.

From Camels Hump to Patagonia: Who Saved the Parks Beloved by Millions?
with Tom Butler
Sunday, January 6, 4:00 pm
Community Room

Join us for a richly illustrated slideshow and inspiring talk with writer and conservationist Tom Butler. Alongside spectacular nature photography, Tom will tell stories of how some of the places that we most treasure came to be protected for the public for all time. From Muir Woods to Camels Hump to the far reaches of Chilean Patagonia, individuals and groups investing their time, influence, and wealth have secured some of Earth’s most extraordinary landscapes as national parks and other protected areas. This tradition of wildlands philanthropy is little known but crucial to safeguarding beauty and wildlife habitat, and providing opportunities for recreation and nature-focused economic development in local communities. A particularly grand example of this conservation tool is the recent success of Tompkins Conservation to protect and expand national parks, work that has secured millions of acres in Chile and Argentina.

A resident of Huntington, Tom Butler is the author or editor of more than a dozen books including Wildlands Philanthropy: The Great American Tradition. He is a founding board member of Northeast Wilderness Trust and currently serves as vice president for conservation advocacy for Tompkins Conservation, a nonprofit that has helped create or expand 13 national parks in South America. In addition to having deep knowledge of global conservation issues, Tom is a dynamic speaker.

Events are free and wheelchair accessible.
Light refreshments will be served.
Programs made possible with support from the Eddy Foundation.

Save the date for the final program in the Wild Nature Speaker Series (first Sunday of the month, 4:00 pm):
The Real Eastern Coyote with Chris Schadler, Sunday, February 3

Download a poster here.

Friday, December 14
3:30 pm, Community Room

We will be showing a favorite and hilarious holiday classic about a human who is raised by elves. Like most elves, this particular elf-like human named Buddy has a real fondness for all things sweet. There’s a very funny scene where Buddy douses his spaghetti with syrup, sprinkles, mini-marshmallows, M&Ms, and more–and eats it for breakfast. Well, you can try a variation on this idea–Elf Pizza–if you sign up to come to the movie this Friday after school! Call the library at 434-3036, email us at rfl@gmavt.net or stop by the desk. (Registration not required but helps us know how much pizza to get.) Common Sense Media recommends the movie for ages 7 and up.

Holiday Books: Our great selection of over a hundred and fifty children’s holiday books are out on display in the youth room for the month of December. Cozy up with your favorite little person, a cup of hot cocoa and a copy of The Night Before Christmas, The Grinch or whichever is your favorite. We have titles that celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, the Solstice, Kwanzaa, and just a good ole fashioned winter day.

Free Coffee and Tea: Warm yourself with a hot cup of coffee or tea during the holiday season. The beverage table is to the left of the circulation desk on the ground floor. Help yourself and sip while you browse.

Holiday Sweater Coloring Show: Thank you to the many young (and not so young) artists who decorated a cut out sweater for our walls. We have red sweaters, reindeer sweaters, painted sweaters, snowman sweaters, pom pom sweaters and sweaters with stickers, buttons and stars. Hanging together on the walls they make a bright and merry sight indeed. If you decorated a sweater come find yours on the wall and admire those of your friends and neighbors. All entries will be on display throughout the month of December.