What’s On Your Nightstand? | Book Discussion Group
2026-07-14 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-08-11 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-09-08 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-10-13 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-11-10 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-12-08 10:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Norman Williams Public Library, 10 The Green, Woodstock, VT, 05091, United States
This is NOT your usual Book Club! There is no assigned reading…. We chat about books you’re currently reading, books you’ve loved, and the books you’ve always wanted to read.
Along with great recommendations, our discussions have ranged from the design and appeal of book jackets, the ebook revolution, listening to audiobooks, which books we reread and why, and the craft of writing.
Librarian Kathy Beaird has led this monthly gathering for over a decade. Everyone comes away energized and eager for more. Drop-ins welcome!
For annotated lists of participants’ past book recommendations, please visit the Book Discussion Group page.
Email Programs@NormanWilliams.org with questions or the link to join via Zoom if you can’t make it in person.

Read, Cook, Eat! | Cookbook Club
2026-07-21 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-08-18 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-09-15 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-10-20 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-11-17 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-12-15 18:00 - 19:30
Do you like to read about cooking, experiment with recipes, share stories about food with others, and eat good food? If so, we invite you to join Read, Cook, Eat!, a cookbook discussion group. We meet at the library monthly on the 3rd Tuesday at 6 pm to share our creations.*
Newcomers are always welcome; you don’t need kitchen credentials to join! Please email Programs@NormanWilliams.org to register – not required but it helps us figure out how to set up the tables and chairs. And we’ll keep you updated on the books selected, or visit the Book Discussion Group page for current and past book or topic selections.
Important Details

Cookbooks & Recipes – We will hold a copy of the cookbook at the circulation desk for you to browse and pick out recipes you might wish to try. We’ll copy them at no charge (or you can take a photo with your phone). A second copy of the cookbook will be available to borrow for 3 days during the month leading up to the meeting.
Quantity & Balance – This is a true potluck affair! There may be 3 desserts and 4 vegetable dishes or an appetizer and 5 different main dishes… Since recipe yields vary widely, there is no set amount of food to bring. The goal is to discover new combinations of ingredients and flavors.
Equipment & Utensils – While the library has a microwave and stove for reheating, the kitchen is very small so preparation and cooking should be done before the meeting. For sustainability reasons, we encourage everyone to bring their own place settings and utensils, including serving spoons. We have a supply of disposable plates and utensils on hand.
Ingredients & Allergens – The food will be cooked in home kitchens; food may contain or come into contact with common allergens. The library cannot guarantee the ingredients or preparation of any dish served at this program. We encourage everyone to bring the recipe they used noting any ingredient substitution, especially if it is a common allergen.

* Any changes to the schedule will be noted on the website calendar.

Read Betwen the Lines | Book Discussion Group
2026-07-22 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-08-26 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-09-23 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-10-28 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-11-25 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-12-23 16:00 - 17:30
We invite you to Read Between the Lines, a discussion group with a focus on fiction.

We are fortunate to have Donna Steed facilitate this gathering of eclectic readers. Donna is a retired Special Educator teacher/administrator who loves all books and has been involved with many different book clubs from Texas to London! She is very involved in the community and a long-time volunteer at NWPL.
Read Between the Lines meets monthly – in person and/or via Zoom – usually on the 4th Wednesday at 4 pm. Any changes to the schedule will be noted on this website calendar.
For current, future, and past book selections, please visit the Book Discussion Group page.
Please email Programs@NormanWilliams.org with questions or the link to join remotely.

Literary Pairs | Book Discussion Group
2026-08-05 13:00 - 14:30, 2026-11-04 13:00 - 14:30
Intrigued by how books relate to each other? A single topic can be explored from different viewpoints; a literary trope – such as retelling a classic story – can result in different endings; a shared plot might highlight divergent experiences.
Because there are two books to read for each meeting, this group usually meets quarterly on the 1st Wednesday of February, May, August, and November, at 1 pm.* Dessert will be provided!
Librarians Kathy Beaird and Lori Mitchell have teamed up to host this discussion of book pairings. Kathy has been in the book business all her adult life and loved every minute of it. Lori has been connecting readers and books for many years, including a decade here at NWPL.
Everyone is welcome! If the chosen topic or the titles pique your curiosity, please join us. Email Programs@NormanWilliams.org if you wish to join remotely. You can view the current theme and title selection on our Book Discussion Group page.
* Any changes to the schedule will be noted on the website calendar.
