Welcome to the Martha Canfield Library
From board books for toddlers to large print books for seniors, from the latest best sellers to the classics, from fiction to non-fiction, from study tables to computers and video-conferencing (coming soon), from audio books to movies, from games to puzzles, from a community meeting room to an art gallery, from programs of current interest to a historical reference collection — it's all here, it's all free. Come and enjoy!
Latest News
Gentle Chair Yoga, Wednesday, April 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 2:30-3:30pm
Join Teresa King for chair yoga at the library! We will do postures, stretches, breathing exercises and a short meditation in the chair and balancing exercises standing behind the chair. 8 people are needed to commit to the full session. $60/person, due on the first day of class. Classes will be taught by Teresa King. She has been teaching yoga for 24 years. To register, contact Teresa at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 802 733-5729. Her website is: www.thelargerpicture.com
Meet the Pups from the Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Sunday, May 5, 2pm
Volunteers from around Southern Vermont are raising puppies who will be trained to assist people with vision loss. These volunteers will talk about Guiding Eyes programs and their experiences in raising their puppies during their time together, 12 to 18 months usually. You will also hear how you can become involved in supporting the work of Guiding Eyes and will have a chance to meet several of the dogs currently being raised in our area. Learning to meet people nicely is one of the things puppies and raisers work very hard to achieve, so you may have a chance to help us with that training.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind (GEB) works to enrich the lives of the blind and visually impaired by providing them with superbly bred and expertly trained guide dogs. Guiding Eyes breeds, raises, and trains guide dogs, as well as training the students to work with guide dogs. Each dog and recipient are selected to match their individual needs. GEB training programs and life-long follow-up support are completely free of charge and are made possible through the generous support of individuals, corporations, foundations, and organizations.
Check out upcoming library events on Facebook.
Annual Appeal Time!
Check out how you can show your local library love on our Support page or click the Donate link on the right to donate online through Network for Good. We appreciate every donation, volunteer and patron. Together we make the library awesome!
Join Bennington County 1000 Books Before Kindergarten at Martha Canfield
"Experts tell us that children need to hear a thousand stories read aloud before they begin to learn to read for themselves" – Mem Fox, Reading Magic.
The Martha Canfield library has joined the Bennington County 1000 Books before Kindergarten, inviting all children ages infant - kindergarten to participate! Kids will earn a free book for every 200 books read. You'll get more information is the folder you will receive when registering your child. Books read by caregivers, parent, grandparents, and siblings all count, even books that you read multiple times can be counted each time! Get your registration form at the front desk, or you can call 802.375.6153 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
Museum and Park Passes
We now offer an opportunity for you to visit many parks and museums for free or low cost. Passes can be checked out for three days and must be returned to the library. Many of the passes were complimentary from the park or museum*, but others were donated by a grant in memory of Roger and Margery Hanson**. Passes include:
American Precision Museum* in Windsor,
Clark Art Institute*,
Echo Leahy Center*,
Hildene**.
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum*,
MASS MoCA**,
The Nature Museum* in Grafton,
Shelburne Farms*,
Vermont History Museum* in Montpelier,
Vermont Heritage Galleries* in Barre,
Vermont Institute of Natural Science** in Quechee,
Vermont Historic Sites*,
Vermont State Parks*
Dorothy Canfield Fisher and Eugenics
Dorothy Canfield Fisher is one of Arlington, Vermont’s favorite celebrities. Recently questions have been raised about her relationship with the Vermont Eugenics Survey in the 1920s and 1930s. These questions have resulted in asking whether it is appropriate to continue to associate her name with the Vermont Department of Libraries annual award for children’s literature, the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Award.
In the interest of fostering an open and informed debate on her role concerning the eugenics movement in Vermont, the Martha Canfield Memorial Free Library has compiled a list of print and online material that is intended to show both sides of the issue over the years. Please feel free to share the list (PDF).
New Groups Wanted!
If you are interested in starting a new group such as book discussion, stamp collecting or any other topic, stop in and talk with Phyllis. We'll see if anyone else in interested in meeting at the Library to share your interest!
Volunteer Opportunity
We need people to work at the checkout desk on Saturdays. If you like helping people and are good with computers, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Join our Newsletter
If you would like to receive our email newsletter, just send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with "subscribe" in the subject line. The newsletter comes out once a month with occasional special announcements.
Book Donations
When donating books to the library, please remember these guidelines. The books must be clean. We can not take books with mildew, mold or water damage. It costs the library money to dispose of these books, so please do not include them. Drop your donations off at the front desk at the library. Please do not leave them outside at the door. If you cannot bring the books during library hours, we can arrange to pick them up for you.
Give yourself, a good friend, or family a MCL Tote Bag to carry your books in and support the library!
What's in your bag? These large canvas totes are available at the front desk. They have a front packet and zipper closure and they will hold lots of books. The cost is $15. Your gift will delight them and help support the library at the same time!
The Russell Collection
The Russell Collection is a valuable resource whether you are a historian researching Arlington's past or someone tracing family roots. Your financial help for this important collection is needed. Please consider earmarking part of your donation to the library for The Russell Collection.
Are You Interested
Learn a Language
Now you can learn a new language with the Mango program. This language learning program is yours for FREE through the Martha Canfield Library. Use the link on the right, and the barcode number on your MCL card.
Take a Class
Universal class is a new learning program available through the Vermont Department of Libraries which offers over 500 classes online. You can find the the link at the right of this page. To register you will need to enter a library membership ID that includes part of your library card barcode number. The password format is 2VSNA900XXXXXX, just replace the six X's with the last six characters of your barcode.
Databases for Research
The Vermont Online Library is an online database of periodical articles, many in full-text, and online reference, as well as a health module, a business module and reference material for kids of all ages. Your library card barcode is the password.
America's News Magazine helps you find topics of current interest and gives access to Newsweek, Popular Science, Field & Stream, Mother Earth News, Science Illustrated, Smithsonian and more.
The Bennington Banner gives access to articles from 12/18/2003 to present.
The Rutland Herald gives access to articles from 09/30/1999 to present.
Historical newspapers are available on the Library of Congress Chronicling America website.
