A summer season of studying enjoyable kicks off June 13 at Dorset Village Library | Native Information

DORSET — The Dorset Village Library (DVL) Summer Reading program kicks off this Saturday, June 13 and runs till Saturday, August 13. From the artsy to the energetic, this system is designed to get books into little arms and get youngsters into the library the place the world of phrases and tales awaits. 

“We had a great response to summer reading last year, and this year we hope to build on that success and have even more kids and teens participate to establish a lifelong love of reading,” said Deanna King, programming librarian at the DVL.

According to the State of Vermont Department of Libraries, Vermont’s 2026 summer reading program is a statewide initiative, coordinated by the Vermont Department of Libraries. While it is a statewide effort, programs are executed regionally through individual public libraries that host their own localized events, incentives, and activities.

“This yr we’re providing weekly summer season studying applications. We have one thing for our youngest readers all the way in which as much as teenagers,” King said. 

To incentivize participation, young DVL patrons can earn raffle tickets for prizes by completing challenges and attending library events. Participants can then enter their raffle tickets for a drawing in August.

To earn a ticket, kids can, for example, write a letter and mail it or write a book review and bring it into the library. They can follow a recipe to bake or cook something. Kids can design a bookmark or make a chalk drawing. 

The reading program is the first of a slate of fun summer events centered around raptors, dinosaurs, storytelling, nature, mystery and some good old Play-Doh. The challenges are diverse and offer something for every young reader’s taste. 

“Summer studying is all about making studying enjoyable for teenagers and teenagers and we’re doing that by providing plenty of fascinating applications that encourage studying via artwork and hands-on actions,” said King.

And, of course, participants are encouraged to read, read, read whether it’s a biography, a graphic novel, or by listening to an audiobook.

All the reading and fun can be logged in a Summer Reading Challenge Booklet they can pick up at the library starting June 13. Older kids can participate in a scavenger hunt with the first clue available at the library, also on the 13th.

That same day the DVL will be holding their “Rainbows of Kindness Inclusivity Fair” from 3 to 5 p.m. The free, all-ages celebration will include crafts, face-painting, lawn games and one of the immensely popular Drag Queen Story Hours. Information tents from local organizations will also be onsite for those interested in learning more about the many diverse communities thriving in the Shires.

Many schools wrap up the academic year on Tuesday, June 16 and that afternoon kids can celebrate the start of summer at the DVL when educators from the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) introduce some live birds of prey and talk about their dinosaur ancestry. That 2 p.m. event is free and no registration is required.

King, Library Director Erica Shott and the team have put together a dynamic list of activities, most of which are designed for all ages, are free and don’t require registration. But some events and activities do require registration so those interested should stop by the library for an events calendar where any age and registration requirements are clearly described.

For instance, the Cyanotype Workshop on Saturday, June 20 from 10 a.m. to noon requires registration. In that class registrants will “learn the basics of Cyanotype, one of the oldest photographic printing processes in the history of photography.”

Registration is also required if you want to take part in the “Dinosaur Terrarium” gathering. That event is for kids ages 10+.

The 10th Annual Dog Days Cookout will happen Saturday, July 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. where folks can enjoy a free hamburger, hot dog or veggie burger thanks to the efforts of the Library Board of Trustees.

The following weekend Jon Mathewson and Jonah Spivak will celebrate America’s 250th founding anniversary with a history lecture followed by a demonstration of the 1764 manual of arms musket drill. That event is set to take place Saturday, July 18 at 3:30 p.m.

Otherwise, the summer is full of writing workshops, movie nights and club activities in addition to ongoing weekly events like “Drop-in Tech Help” for those who need help with their device; the Dorset Knitters regular meeting with pot-luck styled snacks and beverages; and the Wednesday Story Time that happens every Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Folks interested in learning all about what the DVL has to offer, including this year’s Summer Reading Program, are encouraged reach out to Deanna King or to browse their website at