Each week library volunteers work with students in grades 4-8 in learning the basics of Dungeons and Dragons, including character creation, understanding game mechanics, and how to work together to create and play in their own campaigns. The program also provides a space for these kids to form their own groups, giving them the tools and confidence to continue playing and developing their own adventures together. Beginners and experienced players are welcome to contact jen@carpentercarse to reserve your spot.

Young children and their caregivers are invited to join us in the library community room every Saturday morning for play time and socializing. Coffee and tea will be provided for adults, and families can browse for books afterwards. Library staff will provide a rotating selection of activities and play themes. No registration required.

Join the fun and learning on Tuesdays at 9:30 AM for picture books, songs, movement, and rhymes that are designed to promote early language, fine motor, and pre-literacy skills in a friendly environment!  Each week we will finish up Storytime with snacks, coffee for the adults, a simple craft or sensory activity, and book browsing. Storytime is designed for babies, toddlers, and preschool/kindergarten aged children and their caregivers, and no registration is required.

 After school LEGO Club is back! Students in grades K-4 are invited to sign up for this fun and educational program that will happen every Wednesday 2:00 - 3:15 PM from September 3rd through October 8th. Students have the choice every week to work on their own or with others on weekly challenges or their own creations. To reserve a spot for your child in LEGO Club, please call us at 482-2878, email jen@carpentercarse.org, or visit the circulation desk. We hope you can join us for LEGOs, friends, and fun!

Each week Devin Morrill works with students in grades 4-8 in learning the basics of Dungeons and Dragons, including character creation, understanding game mechanics, and how to work together to create and play in their own campaigns. The program also provides a space for these kids to form their own groups, giving them the tools and confidence to continue playing and developing their own adventures together. Beginners and experienced players are welcome to contact jen@carpentercarse to reserve your spot.

With Funding from the Vermont Space Grant Consortium, Carpenter-Carse Library is offering a series of monthly after-school programs for students in Kindergarten through grade 4 during the first semester of the 2025-2026 school year. Educator and Mathematical Sciences Director for The Vermont Governor's Institute, Linda Segovia Wise has created a program called “STEM Explorers” that is designed to offer STEM enrichment in a fun and engaging environment. In this playful and curiosity-driven program, students will explore real-world challenges and creative problem solving through different themes. Our goal is for students to discover how STEM is part of everyday life and to give them an opportunity to build confidence in collaborative problem-solving and creative thinking. Contact jen@carpentercarse.org to sign up for one or all four monthly programs.

Session 1: Fibonacci in Nature - The Math of Beauty Friday, September 12th, 3:00-4:15 Did you know that pine cones, sunflowers, and seashells follow a secret math pattern? In this session, students will explore the Fibonacci sequence, a pattern that appears in spirals, petals, and more. Through nature walks, drawing spirals, and hands-on activities with natural objects, students will learn how math lives in the world around us- and how beautiful it can be!Skills: Pattern recognition, number sense, observation, art + math integration Big Idea: Math is not just numbers- it’s patterns, nature, and beauty!

Session 2: Engineering Challenge - Build It Strong! Friday, October 10th, 3:00-4:15 Can you build a tower with just spaghetti and marshmallows? What makes a bridge sturdy? This month, students take on a fun and messy engineering design challenge, learning about the design process, testing ideas, and working together to build strong structures from everyday materials. Through testing, reflecting, and trying again, they’ll also practice one of the most important STEM skills: resilience. Skills: Engineering design, measurement, collaboration, perseverance. Big Idea: Great engineers try, test, and try again!

Session 3: Take It to the Limit with Candy Math Friday, November 14th, 3:00-4:15 What happens when you keep cutting something in half... again and again? Will you ever run out of halves? This month, students explore one of the coolest ideas in math - limits. Through hands-on fun with candy rope, paper, or stepping games, they'll test how many times they can split something in half. Skills: Fraction thinking, pattern recognition, early understanding of infinity and limits Big Idea: If you keep cutting in half, you’ll never quite run out—some things can go on forever!

Session 4: Unplugged Coding - Human Robots Friday, December 12th 3:00-4:15 Who needs a screen to code? This unplugged coding session introduces students to the building blocks of computer science through fun and active games. Students will write step-by-step instructions (“code”) for a “human robot” to follow and complete silly obstacle courses or dance moves. Along the way, they'll learn about algorithms, loops, debugging, and teamwork! Skills: Sequencing, logical thinking, collaboration. Big Idea: Coding is just giving clear directions- anyone can learn it!

The entire community is invited to celebrate our new Children’s Garden on the west side of the library where we will dedicate this space in memory of longtime educator and community member Shelley Henson. Carpenter-Carse Library was awarded a SCHIP grant this year to create an outdoor gathering and play space for families and children. In addition to these grant funds, our library has received generous donations from community members in Shelley’s name, which we have used to further enhance this space and purchase reading materials for the children’s library. On September 13th we will gather outdoors at the library to place a plaque and remember Shelley’s contributions to our early childhood community. Please also join us for refreshments and child friendly activities.

Join the fun and learning on Tuesdays at 9:30 AM for picture books, songs, movement, and rhymes that are designed to promote early language, fine motor, and pre-literacy skills in a friendly environment!  Each week we will finish up Storytime with snacks, coffee for the adults, a simple craft or sensory activity, and book browsing. Storytime is designed for babies, toddlers, and preschool/kindergarten aged children and their caregivers, and no registration is required.

 After school LEGO Club is back! Students in grades K-4 are invited to sign up for this fun and educational program that will happen every Wednesday 2:00 - 3:15 PM from September 3rd through October 8th. Students have the choice every week to work on their own or with others on weekly challenges or their own creations. To reserve a spot for your child in LEGO Club, please call us at 482-2878, email jen@carpentercarse.org, or visit the circulation desk. We hope you can join us for LEGOs, friends, and fun!

Each week Devin Morrill works with students in grades 4-8 in learning the basics of Dungeons and Dragons, including character creation, understanding game mechanics, and how to work together to create and play in their own campaigns. The program also provides a space for these kids to form their own groups, giving them the tools and confidence to continue playing and developing their own adventures together. Beginners and experienced players are welcome to contact jen@carpentercarse to reserve your spot.

We invite middle school students who are interested in reading and discussing all kinds of books (chapter books, memoirs, graphic novels) that are generally geared toward students in grades 6-8. Students will receive each month’s  book from the library then meet on the third Thursday of the month to engage in a fun discussion, eat snacks, hang out with friends, and decide what to read next! Email jen@carpentercarse.org to reserve your spot and receive all the necessary info to get started in this monthly club!

Young children and their caregivers are invited to join us in the library community room every Saturday morning for play time and socializing. Coffee and tea will be provided for adults, and families can browse for books afterwards. Library staff will provide a rotating selection of activities and play themes. No registration required.

Join the fun and learning on Tuesdays at 9:30 AM for picture books, songs, movement, and rhymes that are designed to promote early language, fine motor, and pre-literacy skills in a friendly environment!  Each week we will finish up Storytime with snacks, coffee for the adults, a simple craft or sensory activity, and book browsing. Storytime is designed for babies, toddlers, and preschool/kindergarten aged children and their caregivers, and no registration is required.

 After school LEGO Club is back! Students in grades K-4 are invited to sign up for this fun and educational program that will happen every Wednesday 2:00 - 3:15 PM from September 3rd through October 8th. Students have the choice every week to work on their own or with others on weekly challenges or their own creations. To reserve a spot for your child in LEGO Club, please call us at 482-2878, email jen@carpentercarse.org, or visit the circulation desk. We hope you can join us for LEGOs, friends, and fun!

Each week Devin Morrill works with students in grades 4-8 in learning the basics of Dungeons and Dragons, including character creation, understanding game mechanics, and how to work together to create and play in their own campaigns. The program also provides a space for these kids to form their own groups, giving them the tools and confidence to continue playing and developing their own adventures together. Beginners and experienced players are welcome to contact jen@carpentercarse to reserve your spot.

Young children and their caregivers are invited to join us in the library community room every Saturday morning for play time and socializing. Coffee and tea will be provided for adults, and families can browse for books afterwards. Library staff will provide a rotating selection of activities and play themes. No registration required.

Join the fun and learning on Tuesdays at 9:30 AM for picture books, songs, movement, and rhymes that are designed to promote early language, fine motor, and pre-literacy skills in a friendly environment!  Each week we will finish up Storytime with snacks, coffee for the adults, a simple craft or sensory activity, and book browsing. Storytime is designed for babies, toddlers, and preschool/kindergarten aged children and their caregivers, and no registration is required.

 After school LEGO Club is back! Students in grades K-4 are invited to sign up for this fun and educational program that will happen every Wednesday 2:00 - 3:15 PM from September 3rd through October 8th. Students have the choice every week to work on their own or with others on weekly challenges or their own creations. To reserve a spot for your child in LEGO Club, please call us at 482-2878, email jen@carpentercarse.org, or visit the circulation desk. We hope you can join us for LEGOs, friends, and fun!

 After school LEGO Club is back! Students in grades K-4 are invited to sign up for this fun and educational program that will happen every Wednesday 2:00 - 3:15 PM from September 3rd through October 8th. Students have the choice every week to work on their own or with others on weekly challenges or their own creations. To reserve a spot for your child in LEGO Club, please call us at 482-2878, email jen@carpentercarse.org, or visit the circulation desk. We hope you can join us for LEGOs, friends, and fun!

With Funding from the Vermont Space Grant Consortium, Carpenter-Carse Library is offering a series of monthly after-school programs for students in Kindergarten through grade 4 during the first semester of the 2025-2026 school year. Educator and Mathematical Sciences Director for The Vermont Governor's Institute, Linda Segovia Wise has created a program called “STEM Explorers” that is designed to offer STEM enrichment in a fun and engaging environment. In this playful and curiosity-driven program, students will explore real-world challenges and creative problem solving through different themes. Our goal is for students to discover how STEM is part of everyday life and to give them an opportunity to build confidence in collaborative problem-solving and creative thinking. Contact jen@carpentercarse.org to sign up for one or all four monthly programs.

Session 2: Engineering Challenge - Build It Strong! Friday, October 10th, 3:00-4:15 Can you build a tower with just spaghetti and marshmallows? What makes a bridge sturdy? This month, students take on a fun and messy engineering design challenge, learning about the design process, testing ideas, and working together to build strong structures from everyday materials. Through testing, reflecting, and trying again, they’ll also practice one of the most important STEM skills: resilience. Skills: Engineering design, measurement, collaboration, perseverance. Big Idea: Great engineers try, test, and try again!

With Funding from the Vermont Space Grant Consortium, Carpenter-Carse Library is offering a series of monthly after-school programs for students in Kindergarten through grade 4 during the first semester of the 2025-2026 school year. Educator and Mathematical Sciences Director for The Vermont Governor's Institute, Linda Segovia Wise has created a program called “STEM Explorers” that is designed to offer STEM enrichment in a fun and engaging environment. In this playful and curiosity-driven program, students will explore real-world challenges and creative problem solving through different themes. Our goal is for students to discover how STEM is part of everyday life and to give them an opportunity to build confidence in collaborative problem-solving and creative thinking. Contact jen@carpentercarse.org to sign up for one or all four monthly programs.

Session 3: Take It to the Limit with Candy Math Friday, November 14th, 3:00-4:15 What happens when you keep cutting something in half... again and again? Will you ever run out of halves? This month, students explore one of the coolest ideas in math - limits. Through hands-on fun with candy rope, paper, or stepping games, they'll test how many times they can split something in half. Skills: Fraction thinking, pattern recognition, early understanding of infinity and limits Big Idea: If you keep cutting in half, you’ll never quite run out—some things can go on forever!

Session 4: Unplugged Coding - Human Robots Friday, December 12th 3:00-4:15 Who needs a screen to code? This unplugged coding session introduces students to the building blocks of computer science through fun and active games. Students will write step-by-step instructions (“code”) for a “human robot” to follow and complete silly obstacle courses or dance moves. Along the way, they'll learn about algorithms, loops, debugging, and teamwork! Skills: Sequencing, logical thinking, collaboration. Big Idea: Coding is just giving clear directions- anyone can learn it!

With Funding from the Vermont Space Grant Consortium, Carpenter-Carse Library is offering a series of monthly after-school programs for students in Kindergarten through grade 4 during the first semester of the 2025-2026 school year. Educator and Mathematical Sciences Director for The Vermont Governor's Institute, Linda Segovia Wise has created a program called “STEM Explorers” that is designed to offer STEM enrichment in a fun and engaging environment. In this playful and curiosity-driven program, students will explore real-world challenges and creative problem solving through different themes. Our goal is for students to discover how STEM is part of everyday life and to give them an opportunity to build confidence in collaborative problem-solving and creative thinking. Contact jen@carpentercarse.org to sign up for one or all four monthly programs.

Session 4: Unplugged Coding - Human Robots Friday, December 12th 3:00-4:15 Who needs a screen to code? This unplugged coding session introduces students to the building blocks of computer science through fun and active games. Students will write step-by-step instructions (“code”) for a “human robot” to follow and complete silly obstacle courses or dance moves. Along the way, they'll learn about algorithms, loops, debugging, and teamwork! Skills: Sequencing, logical thinking, collaboration. Big Idea: Coding is just giving clear directions- anyone can learn it!