Join naturalists Luke Foley with Friends of Mad River and Cory Stephenson for an afternoon wander in the woods reflecting on what we can gather from and give to our place.

Part of the MRV Libraries VT Reads programming supporting the 2024 title "Gather" by Kenneth M. Cadow, we are thankful to the Vermont Humanities Council for providing free copies of the book to all three MRV Libraries.

"Gather" by Kenneth M. Cadow
Ian is a resourceful teenager from rural Vermont. He isn't supposed to have a dog, but his adopted pup Gather soon becomes a good friend. Although he hasn't yet finished high school, Ian works hard to take care of his mother, who is trying to overcome her addiction to opioids. In between classes and other responsibilities, Ian helps his family make ends meet by fixing things for neighbors and working at a sawmill off the books. Sadly, he needed to quit the school's basketball team to support his family.

Above all, Ian wants his family to remain on the land where they have lived for generations. But after a tragedy, he and Gather leave Vermont. Living on the run, Ian draws on his well-honed survival skills to care for himself and his dog. At the same time, a community of folks come together to try to provide a way home for Ian and Gather.

Jan 13, 2025, 9 AM to 12 PM

Jan 13, 2025, 6 to 8 PM

Jan 16, 2025, 5:30 to 6:30 PM