WELCOME NEW LIBRARY STAFF! 
Kate Belluche is a former elementary school teacher and environmental educator. When Kate isn’t matching kids with books, creating fun displays and activities, and developing and promoting exciting new library programs, she can be found wrangling her own teen boys and two fur babies, cooking, dreaming of unicorns and planning adventures.
Maxamed Ibrahim (pronounced Ma-ha-med Ee-bra-heem) has been a resident of Hinesburg since 1995 when he emigrated from Somalia via Kenya. He comes to libraries from international development and previously worked for Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront and Champlain College. Maxamed shares a deep interest in social justice, film & film criticism, and history (with a special interest in the history of science).
YOUTH “READ AWAY YOUR FINES” PROGRAM CONTINUES…
This program was so successful in re-engaging youth with reading and using the Library that we are extending it! FFL cardholders ages 21 and under can read at the Fletcher Free Library to reduce their library fines. One hour of reading in the library will wipe out $5 in fines or fees! Details here.
…AND NOW ADULTS CAN VOLUNTEER AWAY THEIR FINES
The Fletcher Free Library is launching a new program aimed at increasing library access to all! Library patrons ages 18 and over will have the opportunity to reduce or eliminate their library fines by volunteering at a rate of $15.00 in fines per hour worked, no experience required. Work will involve cleaning and tidying up. Group volunteering sessions will occur on the last Wednesday every month, starting Wednesday, January 30, 5:30-7:30 pm. Please register in advance with Emer Pond Feeney, at the Main Desk, or via email: efeeney@burlingtonvt.gov
READ TO CHILDREN AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
The Friends of the Fletcher Free Library are excited to announce a new volunteer program to support early learning in Burlington’s home childcares. The Early Literacy Outreach Programbrings stories, music, and educational fun
to enrich the experiences of children and home providers!
This program uses simple early literacy lesson plans to support kindergarten readiness for children ages 0-5 years in Burlington’s home child cares. Volunteer training will be held at the Fletcher Free Library on February 9th. Volunteers will be trained and equipped with everything they need to lead StoryTime at a home childcare. Volunteers will not only help children to develop foundational skills, but will form lasting relationships with providers, children, and families!
Volunteers will receive training on engaging children with early literacy, then will be matched with one of Burlington’s home childcare providers. Volunteers will conduct weekly visits to home child cares, equipped with a pre-made literacy kit full of books, songs, and activities. Volunteers must agree to a year-long commitment to the program. Start 2019 with a commitment to helping Burlington’s children succeed!
If you would like to begin the application process, or request more information about the program, please contact Program Coordinator Rebecca Thompson by email rthompson@burlingtonvt.govor phone 802.498.5976.
DONATE YOUR OLD TABLET OR KINDLE!
We are collecting unwanted Kindles and tablets to use and donate to other organizations. If you have an extra – please drop it off at the Tech Center Help Desk. Questions? Give us a call: 802.865.7217.
REGISTER FOR COMPUTER WORKSHOPS TODAY!
Our popular workshops are starting up again in February! See the Program Calendar for the schedule, or visit the Tech Center Help Desk to pick up a handout with workshop details. We have classes on MicroSoft programs, HTML, CSS and more! New this year: WordPress! Learn how to create your own website without needing to know how to design or code. Sign up at the Help Desk soon while there’s still space! (or phone 802.865.7217).
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK STALL
There are still plenty of “Older but Special” books available on the Special Topics Cart: books that are over 50 years old, clearly used, but in good condition and with features that make them interesting to collectors and book lovers of all kinds. Some have remarkable illustrations or covers, some are simply classics.
LOVE HARRY POTTER? HELP PLAN THE LIBRARY’S HARRY POTTER PARTY!
Seeking volunteers with wizardry skills to help us plan and assist at an upcoming Harry Potter Party. All kinds of talent is needed to make this a magical program for our HP fans, in areas such as promoting, decorating and planning party games & activities. If you are interested in helping, please come to the planning meeting January 23 in the Library Community Room at 6:30 PM. For more info, email Abby Wanserski: awanserski@burlingtonvt.gov.
Explore a calendar of Adult, Teen & Youth Programs and Events
Fletcher Free Library 235 College Street, Burlington, VT 05401 fletcherfree.org 802.863.3403