Join us as we chat with award-winning historian David O. Stewart about his newest work, The Democracy We Must Keep, and the question he explores throughout the book: What did America's founders say about democracy, and can we remain true to their vision for America? Two hundred fifty years ago, passionate men attempted to create something the world had never seen before: a nation built not on kings or armies, but on ideas where the people ruled. In The Democracy We Must Keep, historian David O. Stewart takes readers inside the nine key documents that shaped the formation of the United States—from Patrick Henry's thunderous cry for liberty to the carefully crafted design of a government chosen by the people,...

Prepare to launch into the darkest depths of deep space! Join us online as we sit down with master storyteller Daniel Kraus, winner of the 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, to celebrate the release of his breathtaking new novel, The Sixth Nik. Deep into space, far past the triworld outposts, beyond range of the lethal trollbot internet, soars The Sickness: a ship woven from biomatter and capable of reacting to every need of its human crew. Sisilla, a nine-year-old cultist with a brain enhanced by arcane tech known as “niks,” has boarded to investigate the enigma of Fém—a plague-riddled planet that has abruptly gone rogue. The mysterious crew includes a faceless assassin, a beautiful engineer jigsawed by plastic surgery, a...

Vernon Free Library invites all children and families to celebrate the wonders of Play-Doh on National Play-Doh Day, September 16th. Come celebrate the 20th annual National Play-Doh Day with modeling projects available in the library from 10 am to 11:30 pm. You will be able to try out a variety of natural play-dohs and take home the recipes. Starting at 10 a.m., families can drop by and play with Squishy Circuits and learn about basic circuits through LEDs and Play-Doh.

Kick off the new school year with some slimy fun at Vernon Free Library! Kids ages 5–12 are invited to join us as we make colorful after-school slime to take home. All supplies are provided while they last. We can't wait to see you for a fun, hands-on afternoon of creativity and slime! Don't forget to get a library card when you are at Vernon Free Library. Getting a library card is free, easy, and empowering. For students, it may be a key to academic success.

Grab a pocketful of change and get ready to dance down the street! Join us for an energetic conversation as we celebrate the joy of community and summer fun with Latin GRAMMY-winning musician Lucky Diaz, author of the sensational bilingual picture book, Paletero Man.  What’s the best way to cool off on a hot summer day? Run quick and find Paletero José! Follow along with our narrator as he passes through his busy neighborhood in search of the Paletero Man. But when he finally catches up with him, our narrator’s pockets are empty. Oh no! What happened to his dinero? It will take the help of the entire community to get the tasty treat now. Inspired by the vibrant rhythms...

Come join us for a fun relaxed weekly craft using a variety of materials each week! Bring your own creative project to work on or use our supplies to create something new.

A single choice can transform your destiny. Join us for an online conversation with #1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth as we celebrate the enduring legacy of her Divergent series, one of the most iconic young adult series of a generation, and get an exclusive sneak peek into her highly anticipated upcoming novel, The Sixth Faction! Fifteen years after readers first stepped into dystopian Chicago alongside Tris Prior, the Divergent universe continues to captivate readers with its unflinching exploration of identity, courage, and sacrifice. And in the alternate universe of The Sixth Faction, we revisit familiar characters in a completely new way…  Beatrice Prior stands on the brink of a decision every person in her world must make:...

Join us for a captivating online conversation with acclaimed author and Smithsonian curator Carolyn Russo as we dive into her fascinating book, The Ascent of Rauschenberg. Explore the towering legacy, unexpected inspirations, and creative heights of one of America's most influential artistic icons. Most famous for his groundbreaking "Combines"—painting and sculpture hybrids that often incorporated everyday objects—American artist Robert Rauschenberg (1925-2008) created within a range of mediums, including collage, performance, photography, and printmaking. But a connective tissue through it all was his fascination with flight. The Ascent of Rauschenberg explores the flight motif across his work, spanning birds, insects, aviation, spaceflight, sensory experiences, and metaphors for his own life. More than 150 images reveal the vibrant scope of his work,...