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movies, from games to puzzles, from a community meeting room to an art gallery, from programs of current interest to a historical reference collection — it's all here, it's all free.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
Fall Reading Program extended to November 23
The Fall Reading Challenge is being extended for a few more weeks. Get your book bingo cards filled and redeem them for tickets to be entered into our prize drawings. Prize drawings will be on Tuesday November 23rd at noon!
22nd Annual Arts & Crafts Holiday Festival, Nov 26-Dec 31
It's time for our annual craft fair. The gallery will be again filled with a variety of items made by local crafters such as pottery, woodworking, fabric crafts, decorations, jewelry, food, as well as wreaths and garlands this year. Shop the fiar for unique gifts and treat yourself while supporting your library and local crafters. The fair will be open during normal library hours. Cash, crecks and cards are accepted. For more information, contact the library at (802) 375-6153 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,
Annual Basket Raffle & Santa Visit, Nov 26-Dec 16
Virtual Drawing & Santa Visit on Dec 16 at 6:30pm
Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5, cash, credit cards, and checks accepted, and will be available for purchase from Nov 26 to Dec 16. Drawing will follow the reading of a holiday story by Santa which will be streamed live on the library's Facebook page.
Youth Paint and Sip, Saturday, December 4, 1pm
UPDATE: Registration is full, if you'd like to join the waitlist please contact us; if there is enough interest we will host a second event.
Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and paint with Miss Holly to recreate a winter scene on canvas. Paintings can either be taken home or put on display at the library through the month of December. This program is free but does have a limited capacity. Registration is required and Covid precautions will be followed. Registration is required. Please call 802-375-6153 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Volunteer Opportunity
We often need people to work at the checkout desk, either during the week or on weekends. 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. or ask at the circulation desk to find out how you can help.
Check out upcoming library news and events on Facebook and Canfield Gallery updates on Facebook.
Online Resources
These had been on the front page of the website when the library was closed due to COVID-19 regulations in Spring 2020.
Advocates Group and Volunteers
If you are looking for an opportunity to help out your local library, consider joining the Advocates Group or volunteering. Volunteers can help with programs, book sorting, working at the circulation desk and other tasks. Members of the Advocates Group work to increase public awareness of the library and its services, as well as fundraising for the library. If you might be interested in these opportunities, please call the library at 375-6153 or stop by during regular library hours.
Norman Rockwell Exhibit further information
Check out the following links for more information about the exhibit from the library that was up at the Vermont History Musuem last year.
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Join Bennington County 1000 Books Before Kindergarten (1KBB4K) 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 are proud to offer an opportunity for patrons to visit many parks and museums for free or reduced/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 (website) - Admits up to 2 adults and children under 18 years of age, free of charge
Bennington Museum** in Bennington (website) - Admits 2
Children's Musuem** at Saratoga (website) - Admits 4 people
Clark Art Institute* in Williamstown, MA (website) - Admits 1 adult
Echo Leahy Center* in Burlington (website) - Reduced admission to $7/person for up to 4 people
Hildene** in Manchester (website) - Admits 1 adult and 2 children/grandchildren
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum* in Vergennes (website) - Free family admission from late May through mid-October
MASS MoCA** in North Adams, MA (website) - Admits up to 2 adults and 2 children (under 16 years of age)
Shelburne Farms* in Shelburne (website) - Admits up to 2 adults and children for admission to walking trails and Children's Farmyard (excludes property tours)
Vermont History Museum* in Montpelier (website)
Vermont Heritage Galleries* in Barre (website)
Vermont Institute of Natural Science** in Quechee (website) - Reduced admission to $5/ person for 4 people. Children 3 & under are free.
Vermont Historic Sites* (website has complete listing of sites) - Family pass (up to 8 people in one vehicle) for free entry into sites
Vermont State Parks* (website has complete listing of parks) - Free entry to park day use (up to 8 people in one vehicle)
Wonderfeet Kid's Museum** in Rutland (website) - Admits 2 adults and 3 children (under 18 years of age)
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 Paypal. We appreciate every donation, volunteer and patron. Together we make the library awesome!
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).
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.
