Please check out our KIDS page for more children's programs!
Bear Haiku Challenge
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submit by April 15
MRV Libraries
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Celebrate National Poetry Month with The MRV Libraries and MRV Bear Initiative! We invite all in the community to contribute a bear-themed haiku for display at local businesses throughout April. People of all ages may submit their haiku about bears using this form or by picking up a paper form at one of the MRV Libraries. Submissions will be accepted until April 15, 2026.
What are Haiku, again?
Haiku are a form of poetry originating in Japan. Each haiku contains seventeen syllables divided into three lines. The first and last line each contain five syllables while the second line contains seven syllables. Here’s a bear-themed haiku by Susan Bauchner:
Mama and three cubs
Exploring our neighborhood
Young ones are so cute
What is the Mad River Valley Bear Initiative?
The Mad River Valley Bear Initiative is a local volunteer group that raises awareness about the bears that live around us in the Valley. Members come from the 5 towns in our watershed: Warren, Waitsfield, Fayston, Duxbury, and Moretown. Find out more at mrvbears.org.
We welcome submissions by children, teens, and adults. Let’s celebrate poetry, community, and bear awareness together!
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Braver Angels
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Sunday, April 12, 1:00-3:00 pm
Joslin Memorial Library
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​Talking with friends and family about contentious topics can be challenging! How do you share your ideas confidently without feeling like you’re stepping on eggshells? This interactive workshop will be led by Beth Malow, author of the new book, Beyond the Politics of Contempt: Practical Steps to Build Positive Relationships in Divided Times. An experienced trainer with Braver Angels, Beth will provide practical advice and model techniques and strategies to stay engaged in difficult conversations with others.
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The Revolution within the Revolution: African-Americans in the War for Independence
Thursday, May 14, 6 pm
Warren Public Library
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As the American colonies fought to free themselves from the British two hundred and fifty years ago, one fifth of that population — the enslaved African-American population — undertook their own struggle for liberty. Their stories of ingenuity and heroism speak to us, two and a half centuries later, of how precious the birthright of freedom really is, and how it’s worth fighting for.
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New York Times bestselling author M. T. Anderson, whose National Book Award-winning novel The Pox Party explored this history, will discuss some of the lost and overlooked stories of that revolution within the Revolution, and why they’re important to remember in this celebratory anniversary year.
Book Discussion
Monday, April 13
6:00 pm
Warren Public Library
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The Warren Public Library will host a discussion of Bruce Holsinger's novel Culpability at 6:00 pm on Monday, April 13. The novel explores themes of responsibility and morality in the age of AI. Copies are available to check out from the library to read in advance.
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Pub Trivia
Thursday, May 7, 7:00 pm
Déco Restaurant and Bar
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​The MRV Libraries host their monthly session of pub trivia at Déco Restaurant. In honor of Mother’s Day, the theme is “The Mother of all Trivia.” Teams compete for prizes with four rounds of trivia about moms in the wild, in song, in literature, on the screen, and more. Call the restaurant at 802-496-9222 to reserve a table for a team.
Book Discussion
Monday, May 18, 6 pm
Warren Public Library
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Warren Public Library staff host a discussion at the library on Monday, May 18, at 6:00 pm. This month's selection is North by Vermont author Brad Kessler, a novel about the intertwined lives of a Vermont monk, a Somali refugee, and an Afghan war veteran. We have multiple copies of the book at the library available for you to check out and read before the discussion. Sponsored by the Friends of the Warren Library.
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