The Vermont Department of Libraries has awarded $350 grants to 148 public libraries statewide for the 2026 Summer Program, including 22 libraries serving the Northeast Kingdom.
The grants support summer reading programs for children and teens, with activities ranging from STEM and author visits to book discussions and story times. Research has shown that continued reading over the summer helps students maintain skills and return to school better prepared.
In 2025, 146 libraries that received grants served 22,607 children ages 0-18. The department said it hopes even more children will benefit this year from the non-competitive grants, funded with state general funds.
"These grants are a small investment with a big return," said Catherine Delneo, Vermont's state librarian and commissioner of libraries. "When public libraries deliver high-quality summer programming, we are supporting families, strengthening communities, and setting students up for success in the new school year."
In Caledonia County, grants went to libraries in Barnet, Danville, Waterford, Burke, Groton, Peacham, St. Johnsbury, and Walden. In Essex County, grants went to libraries in Canaan, Lunenburg, and Brighton. In Orleans County, grants went to libraries in Barton, Craftsbury, Derby, Greensboro, Orleans, Irasburg, Lowell, and Troy.
Originally reported by The North Star Monthly.
Photo: Laura Mann via Unsplash. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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