Bixby Library gets $361K weatherization grant
December 5, 2024
Thanks to one major new grant, plus a smaller grant and a number of donations, the Bixby Free Memorial Library can see a series of energy-efficiency improvements and a more efficient gas boiler on the horizon.
Who was Samuel Strong? War hero and local legend explored in new exhibit
November 21, 2024
When 14,000 British troops marched down from Canada toward Plattsburgh, N.Y., in the fall of 1814, the commander of the U.S. fort there put out a call to Vermont for help.
Beyond Ethan Allen: New biography explores Ira Allen’s life
November 7, 2024
Who was Ira Allen? Land speculator, pamphleteer, politician, and revolutionary, Ira Allen has long been hidden in the shadow of his brother, Ethan Allen.
VT History learns about local history at the Bixby Library
November 1, 2024
Students from our Vermont History class took a walking field trip with Becca Coffey and Allison Mahoney to the Bixby Library. Part of the experience was the opportunity to get a library card so that students have another point of access to learning! What a fun way to model being a community member.
‘Autumn in Addison County’ falls into Bixby Library
October 31, 2024
‘AUTUMN IN ADDISON County” at the Bixby Memorial Free Library in Vergennes presents a century of local landscapes, tracing how Addison County’s natural environment has shaped its history. The stunning collection of historical artworks capture the local landscape in its autumnal splendor.
Zig Zag Lit Mag celebrates release of Issue No. 17
September 19, 2024
[Jay] Dubberly founded Zig Zag shortly after he moved to Vermont in 2015. Within a week of living here, he started a writing group out of the Bixby Memorial Free Library in Vergennes — now known as the Addison County Writers Company — and has met every week since its inception. Discovering local talent through this group and other writing groups elsewhere in the county, Dubberly worked with the Bixby library to get a grant community fund to create Zig Zag.
Bixby holds voter registration drive
September 12, 2024
Bixby Library will join a coalition of thousands of organizations across the country to celebrate National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Building St. Peter’s: An exhibit and history talk at Bixby
August 29, 2024
It’s a sesquicentennial celebration! The Bixby Library will host an exhibit and talk to honor the building of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Vergennes. Vergennes Historical Society Director, Susan Ferland will present a history talk on Thursday, Sept. 5, from 5-6:30 p.m., when she will explore the changing landscape of the Little City and the congregation over the last 150 years.
Accompanying the talk is an exhibit hanging in the Half-Round Room on the second floor of the library. The exhibit is on view during the library’s open hours, Tuesday-Saturday.
Bixby offers many chances to practice Tai Chi
August 22, 2024
For a number of years Bixby Memorial Library has been home to Tai Chi classes, and this year is no exception. A new season of classes at the Bixby begins Sept. 10.
Visiting Vergennes, Vermont? What to See, Do and Eat on Your Trip
August, 2, 2024
Bixby Memorial Free Library: Walk into the impressive Greek Revival-style library and look up! The spectacular stained-glass domed ceiling is the architectural centerpiece of the 1912 building. Visitors can stroll through the library’s many rooms — look for glass cases with Vermont archaeological finds or take a seat in a cozy leather chair in the reading room.
List of cooling centers in Vermont, New York as dangerous heat arrives this week
June 17, 2024
Addison County · Bixby Memorial Library (Vergennes) · Bristol Town Offices · Cornwall Free Public Library · Davis Family Library (Middlebury) · Lawrence …
Bixby Library over the moon after fundraiser
June 6, 2024
Bixby Free Memorial Library Director Catharine Findiesen Hays called the institution’s May 31 “Celestial Soiree” fundraiser at the Main Street library “an astronomical success” in a Monday interview with the Independent.
Ken Corey presents ‘A Panoply of Landscapes’ at Bixby
May 30, 2024
From pastels, paintings, and prints, much of his work was done en plein air. His work features limited palettes which capture the dreamy, airy quality of summer in Vermont.
Local libraries get accessibility grants
May 30, 2024
Three Addison County libraries have been awarded grants to help improve the accessibility of their offerings and better serve people with disabilities.
Where The Books Are Now – Bixby Memorial Free Library
May 6, 2024
In today’s episode I talk with Catherine Hays, Library Director at the Bixby Memorial Free Library in Vergennes, Vermont. The Bixby is a library, a community center, and a museum that serves not just Vergennes, VT but the surrounding communities of Ferrisburgh, Waltham, Panton, and Addison. Catharine shared the interesting and surprising history of how this beautiful neoclassical revival library building came to be and the “rest room” that was included in the original plans from the early 1900s.
Va-et-vient to serenade Vergennes on Apr. 27
April 18, 2024
Come to Bixby Library in Vergennes on Saturday, April 27, from 12:30-2 p.m., to hear the talented musicians of Va-et-vient guide you through the centuries, from France to Québec and New Orleans, with lively dance numbers, touching love songs, kickin’ Cajun and Créole tunes, and rollicking Québecois favorites.
New exhibit by Anna Fugaro at Bixby Library
March 21, 2024
If you missed her exhibit at Middlebury’s Ilsley Library this winter, experience the original, mixed-media artwork of New Haven artist Anna Fugaro on display now at the Bixby Memorial Free Library.
Winners of all ages in annual LEGO battle
March 14, 2024
Back on Saturday, Feb. 24, the main floor of the Bixby Library was filled with creations such as a besieged oil rig, a fancy home, a jungle scene, forts, and one item best described as “I can’t believe that’s not a real digital camera” — as well as dozens of onlookers.
Everything Eclipse: Help Your Kids Understand the Once-in-a-Lifetime Event on April 8
March 12, 2024
At Bixby Memorial Free Library in Vergennes, bixbylibrary.org:
- An eclipse party for kids on Saturday, March 23, includes corona crafts and a solar telescope demonstration. Attendees get a pair of eclipse glasses!
- Learn all about the science of the eclipse, plus see a solar telescope and Sunspotter demonstration, on Saturday, March 30.
Free concert series kicks off with Atlantic Crossing at Bixby Library
February 22, 2024
Lace up your dancing shoes! On Saturday, March 2, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., the Bixby Library will come alive with the music of Atlantic Crossing.
100+ Women Who Care support non-profits
January 25, 2024
Catharine Hays, Mary Neffinger and Amber Lay of Bixby Memorial Free Library in Vergennes will use funds donated by 100+ Women Who Care of Addison County for accessibility upgrades at the library.
LEGO contest returns to Vergennes
January 25, 2024
Bixby Memorial Free Library and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Vergennes will hold their 6th annual Lego Contest and Exhibit on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.., at the library.
Young Lions Club does good work
January 11, 2024
Over the past 10 months, a group of more than 20 Vergennes-area teens have built a playground at the John Graham Shelter, helped fund and install an owl barn and plantings at the Otter Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, worked at Bixby Library book sales and at monthly American Legion fish dinners, helped rake the grounds at D.A.R. John Strong Mansion, read to youngsters at Ferrisburgh Central School, and helped residents tend gardens and clean up after floods.
2023 News
Student survey explores energy-efficiency efforts
December 14, 2023
Several students at Middlebury College spent part of their fall semester out in the community rather than inside the classroom, speaking with the owners and managers of nonresidential properties across Addison County.
Celebrating Civics: Good Citizens Inspire Us to Be Better
November 14, 2023
Organized around the theme of Vermont libraries’ summer reading program — “All Together Now” —the 2023 [Good Citizens] Challenge included 25 activities that appeared on a bingo-like scorecard, tasks relating to Vermont history, government, local news and community support. Participants did five activities in a row to get “bingo” and complete the Challenge.
Libraries offer classes, community for seniors
October 19, 2023
ADDISON COUNTY — Libraries around Addison County have a lot more than books to offer. For local seniors, those offerings include opportunities to socialize, be active and learn new skills. From TED Talks to Tai Chi classes, local libraries host a variety of programs each week that older residents in the county enjoy … for free.
Improve your composting skills with these free workshops
October 5, 2023
ADDISON COUNTY — Emily Johnston, the Public Outreach Coordinator for the Addison County Solid Waste Management District Board, invites homeowners and renters to come to a free workshop hosted by the ACSWMD this fall. Upcoming topics include Backyard Composting, Vermicomposting, and Plastic Recycling.
Vermicomposting: Worms Ate My Food Scraps — Worms crawl through layers of bedding and food scraps, eating as they move, digesting the food waste into nutrient-rich castings. Come learn about vermicomposting systems. – Oct. 23, 5 p.m. – Location: Ilsley Public Library, 75 Main St., Middlebury and Oct. 24, 5:30 p.m. – Location: Bixby Memorial Free Library, 258 Main St, Vergennes.
Locals receive Walter Cerf grant money
September 28, 2023
The Walter Cerf Community Fund, a component fund of the Vermont Community Foundation, recently awarded $93,500 in grants to 26 organizations in its 2023 competitive grants round.
The Bixby invites you to engage with nature
September 21, 2023
VERGENNES — As the air becomes cooler and the leaves turn shades of red and gold, Bixby Memorial Library invites patrons to connect to the Earth at The Bixby Library. This season, The Bixby will host a series of events that will encourage people to engage with nature and support our Earth.
Walk on giant Lake Champlain map at Bixby this Saturday
September 7, 2023
VERGENNES — The Bixby Library is proud to exhibit an accurate, detailed 35-by-25-foot map of Lake Champlain and its watershed. Everyone is invited to come walk on the map and learn about Lake Champlain this Saturday, Sept. 9, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. outside the Vergennes library.
The Giant Lake Champlain Map is an interactive, spatial learning tool designed to inform people of how their home is connected to the lake. The map integrates history, science, geography, and more. The project aims to inspire people of all ages to care for Lake Champlain.
Bixby officials thanked the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership for supporting this project through the Interconnected Waterways Grant.
Robot camp offered at the Bixby
June 22, 2023
VERGENNES — Thanks to a grant from FIRSTinVT, Bixby Memorial Library will host a Lego robotics camp for kids aged 9 to 14 at the library Monday, June 26, through Friday, June 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The camp, which is free, uses Spike Prime kits that attach to Legos to create and program robots. At the conclusion of the camp on Friday, June 30, Bixby will host a community event to showcase the efforts of the campers. The camp is filling up very quickly, but as of Tuesday, June 20, there were a few spots still open. Organizers are also in need of a few more high school-age counselors.
For more information email Mary.neffinger@bixbylibrary.org.
FIRSTinVT, which aims to create a generation of highly skilled problem solvers, organizes local robotics competitions. This year they have secured funding through the AOE to sponsor free week-long robotics camps for kids age 9-14 around the State.
Pastel Society exhibits at Bixby Library
June 15, 2023
The MidState Hub of the Vermont Pastel Society will be exhibiting more than 30 original pastel paintings at Bixby Memorial Library in Vergennes from June 22 through July 28. Read more here.
The Addison Independent
Banned books stay on county shelves
May 18, 2023
ADDISON COUNTY — As an increasing number of books are challenged due to their content and pulled from shelves throughout the country, Addison County librarians are working to ensure local readers continue to have access to a diverse selection of titles — including those that have been banned in other states. Read the full story here.
The Addison Independent
Who needs a big city getaway when there’s Vergennes?
May 4, 2023
VERGENNES, Vt. — Vergennes made a great first impression. We were traveling north on twisty Route 7, passing rolling farmlands and dairy barns, grazing cows and tall silos. We crested a hill, and the compact “Little City” came into view. From afar, we saw a towering white church steeple and a tight cluster of homes and buildings nestled in a picturesque valley, hugged by mountains. Up close, we discovered a relaxed, nearly idyllic community, Vermont’s version of Three Pines, the charming, fictional town in author Louise Penny’s mystery series. Vergennes (ver-JENZ), held surprises, too. It was serene, tranquil, pretty, but also had top-notch restaurants, a nationally recognized ice cream parlor, one of New England’s best chocolate shops, boutiques, galleries, theater, and more. Read the full story here.
The Boston Globe
Lego contest draws a crowd at Bixby
March 9, 2023
The fifth annual Bixby Free Memorial Library Lego Contest once again drew a large field of contestants and then a big crowd to the city landmark to celebrate the presentation of their creations and hear the announcement of the winners on Feb. 25. Read the full story here.
Addison Independent
The Fix Is In at Vergennes’ Clothing Repair Fair
March 1, 2023
Walking into the Bixby Memorial Free Library in Vergennes on Saturday, I expected the hush of a librarian’s lair. Instead, creativity and noisy excitement coursed through the halls of the historic building. The voices of children participating in a Lego contest on the first floor blended with chatter and the hum of sewing machines: Upstairs, Addison County Solid Waste Management District hosted a Clothing Repair Fair.
Read the full story here.
Seven Days
Repairing and sharing clothes in Addison County
February 25, 2023
The Bixby Memorial Library in Vergennes hosted a Repair Fair Saturday. Watch the story here.
WCAX
Kids in Vergennes get creative with a Lego competition
February 25, 2023
VERGENNES Vt. (WCAX)- While many are out playing in the snow this weekend some kids decided to spend their day inside with Legos.
The Bixby Memorial Free library in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Club Of Greater Vergennes held their fifth annual lego contest.
Contestants were judged based on the story of their piece, creativity, and the use of space and color.
The library says they hope the competition encourages kids to be creative.
“Well it’s just really fun, and it’s like you build stuff. It can be creative, it can be sets, it could be something imaginary. There’s no rules,” said Winner Henry Cadoret
Organizers say the competition had over 40 participants. Watch the story here.
WCAX
Grant brings Eliza and Franklin Haven home
February 23, 2023
VERGENNES — Thanks to a 2023 Community Grant through Co-operative Insurance Companies and Gaines Insurance Agency, the oil portraits of Eliza and Franklin Haven have been acquired by the Vergennes Historical Society from antique dealer Greg Hamilton of Stone Block Antiques. The total paid for both portraits was $1,800.
Eliza and Franklin Haven were married in Vergennes on Sept. 21, 1852, by the Rev. Harvey Leavitt of the Vergennes Congregational Church. Shortly after their marriage, Franklin began selling clothing and household goods on the corner of Main Street and Maple Street, where The Lily now operates. Three generations of the Haven family continued the store for a span of 85 years as reported in The Enterprise and Vermonter in 1940, when the store closed. Afterwards Franklin’s grandson converted and operated a bowling alley in the prior store. If you venture into the Basin Block, some of the old bowling alley floor markings are still visible.
Co-operative Insurance Companies’ Community Grants Program was established in 2004 to assist with community projects across Vermont and New Hampshire. Through this program, Co-op partners with its agents and directors to provide funds for capital campaigns and operational support throughout the two states.
“We think it’s important to do our part as neighbors and this grant program is one more way we can do that,” said Randy Roy, Co-op’s senior vice president of marketing. The Vergennes Historical Society award was one of 11 grants which Co-operative Insurance Companies and a partner agency funded for 2023. The agency partner for this grant was Gaines Insurance.
Scott Gaines, owner of Gaines Insurance Agency, also hales from a long line of ancestors who lived and worked in Vergennes. At one time his family owned and operated the famed Stevens House on the corner of Main and Green streets. The Gaines Insurance Agency was founded by Scott’s father, Allen Gaines, in 1961. The current agency location was purchased by Allen from his father-in-law Ward Merrill, who operated a grocery store in the building. The Gaines Insurance Agency has long been a supporter of charitable causes, including the American Heart Association, Booked for Bikes, and Meals on Wheels.
The Haven oil portraits will first be displayed at the Bixby Library along with information on their family and lives in Vergennes. The Vergennes Historical Society aims to make these portraits available for study in the local schools and colleges. For the society these portraits provide a tangible reminder of the Haven family legacy and the real impact local shopping can have on a community.
Mexican migrants share stories of their journey, life in Vt.
February 23, 2023
Vergennes, VT – Over four dozen community members gathered in Vergennes Saturday to hear the stories of three migrant farmworkers who made the journey from Oaxaca, Mexico, to Vermont. The three men shared the challenges they faced in leaving their home country and the realities of living and working in Vermont. Read the full story here.
Addison Independent
Bixby Memorial Free Library Receives Two Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership (CVNHP) Grants
January 30, 2023
VERGENNES, VT – Bixby Memorial Free Library is proud to announce that it has been awarded two
Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership (CVNHP) grants. The grants will build on past CVNHP
support to care for and bring to life the library’s storied museum and archival collections in the context
of the beautiful and bountiful creeks that run through its communities. Read the full press release here.
Bixby LEGO robotics program teaches coding, teamwork and more
January 19, 2023
VERGENNES — Miniature turning windmills, a mobile front-loading truck and other LEGO creations — along with the local middle- and elementary-school students who built them and the mentors who helped the builders — took center stage in the Bixby Library’s Community Room this past Saturday.
The occasion was the Community Demo Day for the Bixby Lego Robotics Program. That program brought two teams, one of nine older students and one of five younger pupils, together every Wednesday at the Vergennes library since this past fall to design and build robotic projects, including writing the necessary software code, with the help of a half-dozen mentors. Read more here.
Addison Independent
Legos robotics team gears up for state competition
January 14, 2023
VERGENNES, Vt. (WCAX) –
The Bixby memorial library’s Lego robotics teams showed off their new projects in Vergennes today.
The explore team, made up of kids from first through third grade, demonstrated their stationary Lego windmill project.
While the middle school age challenge team showed their cow-themed robot. The challenge team is gearing up for the statewide first Lego league competition, where the theme this year, is renewable energy.
Volunteers and coordinators for this team and the statewide competition tell us that Lego robotics have been a great way to get kids started in stem.
“Trying to get kids excited at the first-grade level, then they go on to the first Lego league challenge up through middle school. Then after that there are two more competitions. FTC and FRC, where the robots get bigger, and the competitions get a little more exciting. So, it’s about this pipeline of getting students excited early on,” said Mike Cross, a coach and coordinator for the championship event.
The Vergennes team will be competing against other teams across the state at Norwich on January 28th to show off their work and share what they have learned about robotics and renewable energy.
2022 News
Repair fair set Feb. 25 in Vergennes
December 29, 2022
VERGENNES — Give your clothes a second chance, and get them repaired! The Addison County Solid Waste Management District will host its next “Repair Fair” in Vergennes on Feb. 25. The “Clothing Repair Fair and
Swap Shop” will be held that Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bixby Memorial Free Library at 258 Main St. Read more here.
Addison Independent
Vergennes has lots of holiday spirit
November 23, 2022
VERGENNES — Tradition returns to the Little City as Vergennes readies to kick off the holiday season. Read more about the Bixby’s role in the Holiday Stroll here.
Addison Independent
The Bixby Library awarded a Spark Connecting Communities grant from the Vermont Community Foundation
October 12, 2022
Bixby Memorial Free Library received $3,000 to attract, engage, and inspire youth in its five rural towns by launching a Bixby Library LEGO Robotics Club and creating its first two Robotics teams for a 2022 competition. County to be served: Addison. Read more here.
Vermont Business Magazine
Bixby Library “a Fall Hot Spot”
September 2022
The Bixby Library is noted as a Fall Hot Spot in this year’s Addison Independent Fall Guide.
Bixby Library free library cards available
September 8, 2022
September is National Library Card Sign-up Month so the Bixby Memorial Free Library is celebrating by inviting residents of Addison, Ferrisburgh, Panton, Vergennes, and Waltham to sign-up for a free library card to take advantage of all that the library has to offer. Read more here.
Addison Independent
40th annual Vergennes Day to celebrate Vermont’s Little City Aug 26 & 27
August 24, 2022
Vergennes Day kicks off its 40th year on Friday, August 26th and continues Saturday, August 27th. The weekend’s activities are hosted by the Addison County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Vergennes and presented by Vermont Gas Systems and sponsored by multiple area businesses. Vergennes Day is a celebration of the city and community to be enjoyed by all ages. Read more here.
Vermont Business Magazine
The Bixby Featured in the Addison County Economic Report
August 2022
Vermont Business Magazine recently released its Addison County Economic Report which provides insight into the region’s successes and challenges. Catharine Hays, Director of the Bixby, highlights how “libraries across the state sit at the intersection of quality of life and economic development.” Read the full report here.
Vermont Business Magazine
The Bixby Listed as a “Charm Seekers” Destination
August 2022
The Addison County Chamber of Commerce recently released 48-hour itineraries in Addison County featuring destinations for foodies, outdoorsy folks, and charm seekers. The Bixby Library was named a must-see site in the Charm Seekers guide! Check out all three guides here.
Addison County Chamber of Commerce
No Records, No History: Opening and Preserving Sam’s Box
May/June 2022
The Bixby Memorial Free Library in Vergennes, Vt., recently preserved historic documents from the Strong family dated to the late 1700s, thanks in part to a DAR Historic Preservation Grant sponsored by the Seth Warner-Rhoda Farrand Chapter, Vergennes, Vt.
American Spirit
Lego contest brings fun, creativity to Bixby
March 10, 2022
VERGENNES — Displays including a zoo, a dream home on pillars, and a space ship filled most the first floor of the Bixby Library in Vergennes on the last Saturday in February.
The kids and adults who crafted those Lego creations joined them at the Bixby, as did the four judges — Bixby Library Director Catharine Hays, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Vergennes official Steven Maluenda, Rokeby Museum Director Lindsay Houpt-Varner, and State Senator Ruth Hardy — who picked the winners of the Bixby and club’s fourth annual Lego Contest. Read more.
Addison Independent
Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership (CVNHP) Funding to Support the Creation of “Bixby History Kits” from the Library’s Object and Artifact Collections
February 2022
Bixby Library is proud to announce that it has been awarded a Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership (CVNHP) grant to continue bringing the library’s Object and Artifact Collections to life. In 2019, the library documented a complete inventory of donations made over the decades. In 2020, a CVNHP grant enabled the library to understand and develop a process to comply with the Native American Graves and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) of 1993 which helps museums and other cultural institutions return items of indigenous American origin to their native In 2021, The Bixby Board of Trustees formed an Historical Collections Committee and updated its policies to reaffirm the library’s central role in curating, preserving, digitizing for broader access and providing contextualized presentation of the many archival and objects collections that celebrate the remarkable history of our five towns. Read the full press release here.
This Place in History: Stephen Bates
2/25/2022
Stephen Bates was Vermont’s earliest known Black sheriff and chief of police, living and serving in the City of Vergennes from 1879-1907. Bates was born enslaved in Virginia. He escaped in 1862 and came to Vermont after the Civil War with U.S. Congressman Frederick E. Woodbridge. Watch the full interview with Bo Price here. Read the transcript here.
This Place in History, produced in partnership with Local 22 & Local 44 (www.mychamplainvalley.com) and the Vermont Historical Society.
Virtual Black History Month event Saturday to honor Vermont’s first-known African-American sheriff
2/24/2022
VERGENNES, VT — On Saturday, a virtual panel called “Stephen Bates: From Slave to Sheriff” will honor the accomplishments and life of Vermont’s first-known African-American sheriff and police chief.
The event is hosted by the Bixby Free Library. Read the full story and watch the interview here.
NBC5
Sights and Sounds: Feb. 24, 2022
Coverage of the Stephen Bates documentary showing and virtual panel. Read here.
Press-Republican
Vermont PBS’ The Lift Newsletter Covers Two Bixby Events
2/23/2022
Weekend plans haven’t clicked into place? Head to Vergennes. They’ve put together the 4th Annual Lego Contest and Exhibit and are spending Saturday building castles in the sky. You’d have to be thick as a brick not to go.
As Vermont’s first Black chief of police, Stephen Bates had an arresting career. Log on Saturday for the virtual panel Stephen Bates: From Slave to Sheriff and a brush with the law that combs through a fascinating story it’d be a crime not to know.
Vermont PBS – The Lift Newsletter
Black History Month program honors Vermont’s first Black sheriff
2/20/2022
VERGENNES, Vt. (WCAX) – The Bixby Memorial Library in Vergennes is hosting a virtual Black History Month program this upcoming weekend about the life and legacy of the first-known Black sheriff in Vermont.
It’s called “Stephen Bates: From Slave to Sheriff.”
Bates was born into slavery in 1842 on Virginia’s Shirley Plantation. Fourteen years after the Civil War ended, he was elected sheriff of Vergennes. Bates held that position for two decades.
Laksamee Cave, the adult services librarian at the Bixby Memorial Free Library, says librarians and the research team want more Vermonters to know about Bates’ legacy and realize how rich Vermont’s Black history is. Read more.
WCAX
Bixby to host online program on Black sheriff
2/17/2022
VERGENNES — In a Black History Month presentation, The Bixby Memorial Free Library will host a virtual program exploring the life and times of Stephen Bates, the first-known African American sheriff in Vermont on Saturday, Feb. 26, from 1-2:30 p.m. The program includes an illustrated lecture, documentary film, and conversation and Q&A with Bates’ family members, historians, and community volunteers who helped unearth this history over the last two years. The program is free and pre-registration is required at bit.ly/batesbixby. Read more.
Addison County Independent
2021 News
Bixby Library Repatriates Native American Remains
10/8/2021
In addition to its work as a traditional library, Vergennes’ Bixby Memorial Free Library serves as a repository for local, regional, and national cultural material dating from the pre-contact era to the mid-twentieth century.
This year, Bixby staff were able to build upon previous CVNHP-funded efforts to further develop its collections management plans by submitting inventories and summaries of the Native American artifacts in its custody to the National Park Service. The museum began the lengthy and important process of repatriating and rematriating the ancestors and belongings to their homelands.
Using a 2020 CVNHP Collections grant, the library completed the entire repatriation and rematriation process for three funerary belongings to a Native group in the Great Plains. The Bixby hopes to continue this work with the more than 200 collection items in consultation with the National Park Service. (Note: the repatriation and rematriation process disallows publishing specifics on locations and descriptions of the artifacts.)
Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership e-Newsletter
Vergennes to recognize Vt’s first Black sheriff, elected there in 1879
10/1/2021
VERGENNES — Vermont is awash in history. Some of it is as obvious as the white clapboard churches and the monumental stone markers erected in honor of Civil War veterans. Other history is overlooked — for a while, at least — though no less important. Read more.
Addison County Independent
New Historical Marker in Vergennes Honors Stephen Bates, Vermont’s First Black Sheriff
9/29/2021
Stephen Bates served as sheriff and chief of police in Vergennes for almost 25 consecutive years between 1879 and his death in 1907. The recent resurgence of interest in Bates’ life and career culminates this week in the unveiling of a new historical marker commemorating him in Vergennes City Park. The park will be the site of a dedication ceremony on Sunday, October 3. A related exhibit, just down the street at the Bixby Memorial Free Library, is on view through the fall; an online version is available on the Bixby website. Read more.
Seven Days
39th annual Vergennes Day to celebrate Vermont’s Little City
08/17/2021
The 39th annual Vergennes Day is being held on Friday, August 27th, and Saturday, August 28th. The weekend’s activities, hosted and sponsored by the Addison County Chamber of Commerce, City of Vergennes and area businesses, are a celebration of the city and community to be enjoyed by all ages.
On Saturday, from 10 a.m. until they’re gone, KidsSafe Collaborative will be giving away bike helmets & doing free fittings at Bixby Library. At 1:45 pm. Bixby Library will hold its “Booked for Bikes” drawing at the bandstand which is sponsored by the library and Vergennes Rotary Club. Entries are accepted until August 21st. Read more.
Vermont Business Magazine
Friends of the Bixby Library Book Sale a Staff Pick at Seven Days
08/12/2021
“Even though I’ve already hit it twice this summer, I’ll be checking out the third installment of the Bixby Memorial Free Library’s summer book sale on Saturday. Also, the delectable Vergennes Laundry is across the street, a delicious coincidence that I’m happy to exploit.” — Jordan Adams (Staff Writer)
Seven Days, Notes on the Weekend
Vermont Libraries Association VLAC21 Awards
05/26-06/2/2021
The Bixby Library had a strong showing in the Vermont Library Association Outstanding Service Awards. Two of our Trustees, Ed Place and Marsha Hoffman, received the “Trustee Extraordinaire” and “Bixby Above and Beyond Award” respectively. Assistant Director Becky Johnston also received the “Most Positive Attitude During the Pandemic” award. Congratulations to these, and all the winners of the VLAC21 Awards!
Bixby Volunteers Thanked in Addison Independent “Volunteer Week 2021” Edition
04/18-24/2021
In their annual Volunteer Week edition, the Addison Independent featured a beautiful ad thanking the Bixby Volunteers for their outstanding service to the library. Particularly during the difficult pandemic year, the Bixby volunteers maintained a caring, dedicated, and professional commitment to their roles. The work of the Bixby would not be possible without them. To learn more about the Bixby volunteers, and other Addison County volunteers featured in the Addison Independent, please follow this link to their website.
Addison Independent
Vermont Humanities’ “Libraries in the Time of Covid”
03/12/2021
The Bixby was featured along with several other libraries throughout the state in a March 10th presentation hosted by Vermont Humanities, “Libraries in the Time of Covid”. It’s worth a watch on YouTube if you’re in the mood to be inspired by the creativity and determination of the State’s 183 libraries. We are definitely going to borrow lots of ideas (how about a Virtual Dog Show?). Librarian Jessamyn West helps us to understand the role of the library in these unusual times.
2020 News
How libraries across Vermont are continuing to serve people despite a pandemic
4/30/2020
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Vermont’s public libraries have figured out how to serve their communities despite mandatory closings and limitations. Initially, like every institution in Vermont, libraries across the state shut down in early March to help combat Covid-19. But in mid-April, libraries found ways to reach people — through curbside services and expanded digital resources. In the months since, the individuality of each of Vermont’s libraries has shone through. Read More
Addison County Independent
New Bixby director returns to her roots
02/20/2020
VERGENNES — The new director of the Bixby Free Memorial Library studied in Switzerland and Washington, D.C; worked high-powered government and corporate jobs in D.C. and New Jersey; and then held influential positions in the nonprofit and academic worlds in New York City and Philadelphia.
Catharine Findiesin Hays also spent her early years on an Addison family orchard, Yankee Kingdom, on the shores of Lake Champlain, and the 1980 graduate of Georgetown University had always wanted to return to Vermont. Read More
Addison County Independent
Legos spark imagination at Bixby Library
02/19/2020
VERGENNES — From “Planet Earth” to “Star Wars: The Last Star Fire,” the main floor of the Bixby Library contained a universe of imagination on Monday evening, not to mention dozens of Lego sculptors and many more of the artists’ family members.
What filled the space under the library’s stained-glass dome was the awards reception for the second annual Vergennes Lego Contest and Exhibit, jointly sponsored by the library and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Vergennes. Read More
Seven Days
Public Libraries Adapt to the 21st Century … and Uphold Democracy
02/13/2020
Four Ionic columns and wide stairs in classic Greek revival style form the impressive and somewhat intimidating entrance to the Bixby Memorial Free Library. But inside, a large square foyer, lit from above by sunlight streaming through a colorful glass dome, seems to whisper, “Relax. You belong here. Stay a while.”
Listed on the national and state historic registers, the Bixby was built in 1912 as both a library and a community center. It remains true to those functions today. Read More
Addison County Independent
Second annual LEGO contest comes to Bixby
01/27/2020
Are you into LEGOs? First-timers to fanatics will compete in the second annual LEGO contest and Exhibit at the Bixby Library in Vergennes. Online registration closed on Feb 3, but those still interested in participating can call the library at (802) 877-2211. Read More
Addison County Independent
Get ready for the LEGO contest at Bixby Library
01/27/2020
VERGENNES — Lego-mania will return to the Bixby Library in Vergennes in mid-Feburary. The Bixby and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Vergennes have announced they are co-sponsoring their second annual Lego Contest and Exhibit, which will culminate with a a Monday, Feb. 17 awards reception at the library. Read More
Addison County Independent
2019 News
Search begins for new Bixby Library director
09/08/2019
VERGENNES — The Bixby Memorial Library board of trustees on Tuesday decided to move forward with a search for the Vergennes landmark’s next director. Bixby Board Chairwoman Paula Moore on Tuesday said that advertising for the new library director will begin Feb. 1, with a four-month timetable. Read More
The Library Project
Bixby Memorial Free Library | Vergennes, Vermont
05/16/2019
The goal: explore the libraries of Vermont. Come along! There’s so much to learn and the first stop is the Bixby.
Tucked into Vergennes, at last census under 3,000 souls, this gem is an architectural pantheon. Considered Greek Revival, the Bixby is Neoclassical in style. (Pinkies up when you read that.) Bixby was designed by the renowned New York firm Trowbridge & Livingston, who went on to design major New York City landmarks. Read More
MyChamplainValley.com
This Place in History: Bixby Memorial Free Library
VERGENNES, Vt.
At ‘This Place in History’, we’re in Vergennes with Executive Director of the Vermont Historical Society Steve Perkins.
“We are going into what I think of as one of the most beautiful libraries in the state of Vermont, the Bixby Memorial Free Library. How was it built? Why was it built? It’s gorgeous. So let’s go check it out.” began Perkins.
“This building was built in 1911 and opened in 1912. It was definitely the first dedicated building used as a library and it was built as a library. We get that question where people ask if it was something beforehand and it was not,” said Executive Director Masha Harris. Read More