May 2026 Newsletter
In This Issue:
Library Updates
Adult Programs
Youth Programs
Featured Artist
Month-at-a-Glance Calendar
Library Hours
All programs are held at the library and are open to all, unless otherwise noted.
Library Updates
The Jericho Underhill Library District Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Mx. Abbey Heimlich as the new Director of the Deborah Rawson Memorial Library as of June 1, 2026. Ms. Holly Hall, our current Director since 2007, will officially retire on June 30, 2026.
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Due to cost increases we will be cutting back Hoopla checkouts to 5 a month rather than 10. For those of you watching TV series start watching at the end of the month then you can continue the next month when your 5 checkouts reset.
ADULT PROGRAMS
Vermont, 1800 and Froze to Death: The Cold Year of 1816
Presentation by Howard Coffin
Sponsored by Vermont Humanities
Sunday, May 3 from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
1816 has long been known as the year without summer. Vermonters still call it “1800 and Froze to Death,” a year of frosts every month, dark skies, and mysterious lights that caused a widespread belief that a higher power was displeased.
In this talk, historian Howard Coffin includes scores of anecdotes on the dark year of failed crops, scarce food, and religious revival. The horrible weather also came in the aftermath of the War of 1812, which produced shortages and an economic crisis. Vermonters coped with the cold year with neighbor helping neighbor. But some greedy merchants sought to exploit shortages by charging higher and higher prices.
Recycling 101 with Chittenden Solid Waste District
Monday, May 4, 6:30 – 7:30pm
Confused about what belongs in the recycling bin, compost, or trash? You’re not alone! Join us for this fun and informative presentation to learn about the ins and outs of recycling and composting. We’ll cover what belongs in each bin, address items that are frequent points of confusion (like pizza boxes, bottle caps, black plastic, and more), and answer your burning waste-related questions. Whether you’re new to the area or just want to sharpen your waste-sorting skills, you’ll leave confident about what goes where.
French Conversation Chez Henry
Tuesdays, May 5th & 19th, from 7 to 8 p.m.
All levels of French speakers, as well as the French curious, are welcome to this informal conversation group.
Sewing and Quilting Group
Wednesdays, May 6th & 20th, from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
Volunteer Mary Stephenson hosts this twice-monthly gathering of people who sew and/or quilt. Bring a project you’re working on. Sewing machines are welcome. For more information, email marystephenson6@gmail.com
Thirty-Eight: The Hurricane That Transformed New England
Presentation by Steven Long
Sponsored by Vermont Humanities
Thursday, May 7th at 6:30 p.m.
A hurricane will never surprise us again. But that’s what happened to the people of New England on September 21, 1938. Without any warning, the most destructive weather event ever to hit the Northeast pummeled the coast and blasted its way to Vermont and New Hampshire with torrential rain, flooding, and sustained winds over 100 miles per hour.
Stephen Long tells the story of New England’s Katrina, focusing on the devastation to the region’s forests and the daunting challenge facing New Englanders still in the throes of the Great Depression. His presentation is richly illustrated with archival photos of storm damage and the unprecedented recovery operation, making the storm and its aftermath come alive.
Crafters’ Group
Thursdays, May 7th & 21st, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Bring a craft you’re working on, and join the camaraderie and conversation.
My Healthy VT Informational Session and Give Away
Tuesday, May 12 from 6 – 7 p.m.
My Healthy VT offers six workshops that are FREE to Vermonters:
Diabetes Self-Management
Chronic Pain Self-Management
Chronic Disease Self-Management
Diabetes Prevention
High Blood Pressure Control (ask about how to get an in-home blood pressure monitor)
Quit Smoking (Nicotine Patches/gum/lozenges available for FREE)
Join Amy Rainville, Outreach Specialist and workshop facilitator, for a brief presentation with Q&A to learn more about the programs offered, and a sneak preview into what you can expect when you enroll in a workshop. If you’ve been thinking about making a change; eating healthier, moving more, sleeping better, managing stress, being an active self-manager and advocate for your health, My Healthy VT can help you!
Deborah Rawson Book Lovers (DRBL)
Tuesday, May 12th, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
This month the group reads “The Cold Millions” by Jess Walter
Visit or call (802-899-4962) the library to reserve your copy for DRBL’s May discussion.
Mah-Jongg
Thursday, May 14th, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Come join the fun of our monthly Mah-Jongg games. All levels are welcome. Bring a Mah-Jongg set, if you have one. The library has two sets.
Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity – Underhill
Thursday, May 14th, 6 p.m.
Interested in living in Underhill? Could you qualify? Habitat for Humanity is starting 8 new affordable homes over the next three years. Join us for a presentation about this exciting project.
Audubon Vermont – Spring Birding VIRTUAL Workshop
Friday, May 15th from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Learn about the birds in your neighborhood with an Audubon Vermont naturalist. Participants will learn tips for identifying birds, explore birding-related tools, get suggestions for local places to look for birds, and have the opportunity to ask bird questions to an Audubon naturalist. This program is free for anyone to participate in.
Transition Town Jericho – Meet the Resilience Hub Toolkit: practical tools for local resilience.
Monday, May 18th from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The Resilience Hub Toolkit is a step-by-step plan for communities to build people-centered resilience in Vermont amid chronic and acute disaster. The toolkit includes practical skills, training materials, supply lists, and prompts for assessing community vulnerabilities and assets. Grassroots organizers from across Vermont’s floodplains built this resource in the wake of flooding in 2023 and 2024. Today, communities across the state and country are using this toolkit to get organized and ready for the disasters that might come their way.
On Monday, May 18, 6-7:30pm at DRMemorial Library, Transition town Jericho hosts reps from Community Resilience to speak about the Resilience Hub Toolkit, and see how we might incorporate it into the Jericho community. Refreshments provided; RSVP requested. send an email to: TTJericho.VT@gmail.com
Jericho & Underhill Energy Committees Round table
Wednesday, May 20, 6-8pm
The Jericho and Underhill Energy Committees invite you to join an in-person gathering. It will kick off with a short presentation from the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission on what Energy Committees and residents can do now that there is less funding for energy and climate projects. This will be followed by a round table discussion and networking. There will be light refreshments.
Deborah Rawson Library Board of Trustees Meeting
Thursday, May 21st, at 7 p.m.
The monthly meeting is open to all. Those who wish to attend remotely may email drawsonmemlib@gmail.com to receive the link.
Daylilies …. All Summer Long
Tuesday, May 26h at 6 p.m.
Do you want to grow bright and colorful daylilies in your gardens? Would you like them to bloom all summer along? Our own UVM Master Gardener, Suzanne Freitas, gives you tips on numerous varieties and how to plant, these low-maintenance, pest-free perennials
Mystery Book Group
Tuesday, May 26th at 7 p.m.
This month the group will read Craig Johnson’s “The Cold Dish”.
Visit our website or call (802-899-4962) the library to reserve a copy.
Legislative Update
Thursday, May 28th, from 6 to 7 p.m.
Your local representatives Edye Graning and Trevor Squirrel will be here to provide a legislative update and answer your questions. Please feel free to join us and meet with your representatives.\
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Community Story Time [birth to PreK] Tuesdays at 10:30am
Join Mx. Abbey for a half hour of songs, rhymes and stories. Stay to play with newly made friends.
Stories and Songs with Beth and David London [birth to PreK] Fridays at 11am
Come on down for an hour of pure fun with Beth and David. We’ll sing, dance, rhyme and romp.
Animation Club – Thursdays, May 7th & 21st from 3 to 5 p.m. [ages 8+] Registration Required
Make your own short stop motion masterpieces. The library has all the cameras and software you need.
This program is very popular! To get on the sign up opportunity list email youth_librarian@drml.org
Youth Chess Club – Fridays, May 8th & 22nd from 3 to 4 p.m. [suggested ages 6+] Registration Required
Chess players of all skill levels are welcome to come enjoy this great game of skill and strategy.
Minecraft Social – Tuesday, May 12th from 3 to 4:30 p.m. [ages 8+] Registration Required
Train a dragon, play the nerf games or build your own world. Sign up to join our crew of friendly Minecrafters.
While the library has a few devices to borrow, it is best if you can bring or drop off your own device.
Read to Wyatt the Therapy Dog – Wednesday, May 13th from 3 to 4:30 p.m. [all ages]
Wyatt, a five year old Bernese Mountain Dog and gentle giant wants your company. He doesn’t care if you mess up while you read, he’ll just be happy you’re here. Check in at the front desk to see if he’s available.
Marbled Paper Craft – Thursday, May 14th from 3 to 4 p.m. [suggested ages 6+] Registration Required
With just some shaving cream and watercolors you can create beautiful paper for cards, decorations or future craft projects. Please sign up for this messy craft.
LEGO Club – Fridays, May 15th & 29th from 3 to 4 p.m. [ages 6+] Registration Required
Make a LEGO garden, or a laugh powered spaceship. There’s no wrong way to LEGO. Sign up to join us for an hour of free build time, and then display your work on the shelves in the kids room.
Magic the Gathering Club – Tuesday, May 19th from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. [ages 8+]
Bring your own deck and come play MtG. Our parent volunteers have some decks for use if you don’t have your own. Players of all experience levels are welcome.
Robots – Tuesday, May 26th from 3 to 4:30 p.m. [ages 6+]
Drop in for a turn putting the library’s Sphero robot and RVR robot through their paces with coding and driving challenges.
Perler Beads – Wednesday, May 27th from 3 to 4:30 p.m. [ages 8+] Registration Required
Back by popular demand! Sign up to use melty Perler Beads to create art.
We’re excited to be part of @MESHhelps Play for Resilience™ initiative this May for Mental Health Awareness Month! Visit us to explore toys, games, and activities that help build resilience through play.
Featured Artist for May
Chris Gluck
Memory Collages by Poker Hill Arts students ages 6-11
Chris studied art and design at Parsons School Design in New York City and has attended a wide range of art and craft classes and workshops throughout the US. She enjoys working with kids and has spent much of her career focused on children’s interaction with art, both through Poker Hill Arts and through her entrepreneurial endeavors.
“I love when the art or craft at museums and galleries inspires me to create new curriculum for my students. This past Fall at the Kent Museum in Calais, VT “Holding: Memories kept, Memories kindled” inspired this collage project. I asked the students to bring in items and photos that would inspire memories.
Be sure to stop by to enjoy the work!
Hours
Tuesday & Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Wednesday & Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. (September through May).
Monday: Closed
