Lydia’s Friends
“A public library is the most democratic thing in the world.” –Doris Lessing
Lydia’s Friends is Dummerston’s own friends-of-the-library group.
We are committed to promoting the success of the Lydia Taft Pratt Library. Lydia’s Friends engages in fundraising activities and advocates for the necessity of our town library.
To keep our library vibrant, Lydia’s Friends hosts an annual Geranium Festival & Book Sale, raises funds for our Museum Passes program, and lends our voice at Town Meeting.
We are always looking for new members. No contribution is too small.
Contact Catherine O’Callaghan: catherineocallaghan32@gmail.com or 802-380-7935
Lydia’s Friends meets on the second Thursday of the month at 5pm at the library. All are welcome!
Judas, Midrash and that Kiss: From Desolation to Hope
Saturday, October 4, 2025, 4:00pm
Irish author, Peter Keenan, will offer some reflections on: Judas, Midrash and that Kiss: From Desolation to Hope.
Peter Keenan is a former secretary to the Committee for Catholic-Jewish Relations of the bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. His recent trilogy, published by Columba Books, culminates with The Resurrection of Jesus the Jew: Midrash and the First Easter. With deft reliance on Jewish and Christian scholars, Keenan astutely examines the use of Midrash in the formation of the gospel narratives. With a discerning eye for the history of anti-semitism, Keenan’s work demonstrates how it is possible for Christians to retain the central tenets of their faith while also transforming their understanding of them. Peter Keenan describes himself as a post-Holocaust Christian and is visiting us from Kinsale, Cork.
Sponsored by Lydia’s Friends.
Refreshments will be served.
I-91 “Take-A-Break” Fundraiser - Sunday, October 5th, 2025, 7:00am—3:00pm
Please join Lydia’s Friends on Sunday, October 5th for our “Take-A-Break” fundraiser, a super fun volunteer activity to benefit the Lydia Taft Pratt Library in Dummerston!
We’ll be serving refreshments at the I-91 rest area pavilion (before exit 1) from 7:00am - 3:00pm, and we’d love for you to come help us welcome folks to Vermont, and promote Dummerston’s Library!
In case you didn’t know, there is a playground adjacent to where will will be, so this is a family-friendly volunteer opportunity! We are hoping to fill the following volunteer shifts: 7-10, 10-1, and 1-3. But if different hours or fewer hours or more hours work for you, we’d still love to have you!!!
If you are unable to join us on Sunday, October 5th, we are seeking refreshment donations, like baked goods, hot meals (chili, mac n cheese, etc) or sandwiches. Snack donations can be dropped off at the library prior to October 5th.
So, please show your love for Lydia Taft Pratt Library and Lydia’s Friends by participating in the fundraiser event! We promise it will be super fun!!!