Vermont Reads, the Vermont Humanities Council's Statewide One-Book Community Reading Program encourages all Vermonters—students and adults alike — to read the same book and participate in a wide variety of community activities related to its themes. This year's pick, Bread and Roses, Too by Katherine Paterson, tells the story of the 1912 "Bread and Roses" strike in the Lawrence, Massachusetts textile mills through the eyes of an Italian-American girl and a runaway boy.

Paterson is a world-renowned children's author, Vermont resident, and frequent VHC presenter. The novel relates the journey of Rosa, who, along with Jake and other children, are sent temporarily out of harm's way to foster families in Barre, Vermont, as children actually were during the strike.

The book features life in the Italian-American community and to celebrate all things Italian, the Waterbury Public Library is partnering with the Waterbury Area Senior Center in celebrating "Italian Night" on Thursday evening, September 20th at the WASC. Dinner will be offered from 4:30-6:30 followed by a book discussion at 7 O'Clock. Come enjoy a delicious Italian dinner of chicken parmigiana and pasta, salad bar, homemade rolls and apple crisp. All are welcome. Cost: Adults, $12, Seniors (60+) $8, children under 12, $5. Call the Waterbury Library at 244-7036 by Friday, September 14th to sign-up. The Senior Center is located at 14 Stowe Street, Waterbury.

The library still has copies of Bread and Roses, Too for sign-out. Stop by and pick up your copy, Monday through Wednesday, 10-8, Thursday and Friday, 10-5 or Saturday 9-noon.

Oct 17, 2024, 3 to 6 PM

Oct 20, 2024, 8 to 10 AM

Oct 20, 2024, 12 PM