Banned Book Tour with Lt. Governor David Zuckerman
This summer and fall, Lt. Governor David Zuckerman will be travelling the state hosting a series of book readings from banned books at local bookstores and libraries. These events will feature special guests who will join the Lt. Governor to discuss with the audience the importance of free speech, inclusion, democracy, and open dialogue.
Around the country, we have seen the proliferation of book challenges and bans by school districts and local governments. These bans often target books that feature LGBTQ+ characters; talk about gender and sexuality; highlight racial disparities; or talk about difficult issues such as substance abuse and cases of police violence. Students, teachers, and curious minds should be able to access materials that spark critical thinking, cover difficult topics, and appeal to diverse interests without fear of government interference.
RSVPs are encouraged but not required. Check out our schedule below!
Media interested in attending should reach out to lisa.gerlach@vermont.gov
We will be updating this list as we plan more events. Make sure to check back here for updates!
Past Events
Burlington
Date: Wednesday, June 28th
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Phoenix Books Burlington, 191 Bank St, Burlington, VT 05401
Brattleboro
Date: Wednesday, July 5th
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: Everyone’s Books, 25 Elliot St, Brattleboro, VT 05301
Manchester
Date: Wednesday, July 19th
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: Northshire Bookstore, 4869 Main St, Manchester Center, VT 05255
Norwich
Date: Sunday, July 23rd
Time: 3:00 pm
Location: Norwich Bookstore, 291 Main St, Norwich, VT 05055
Bellows Falls
Date: Wednesday, August 2nd
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: Village Square Booksellers, 32 Square, Bellows Falls, VT 05101
Rutland
Date: Wednesday, August 23rd
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Phoenix Books – Rutland, 2 Center St, Rutland, VT 05701
Essex
Date: Wednesday, September 6th
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Phoenix Books Essex, 2 Carmichael St Suite 2, Essex, VT 05452
Waterbury- Rescheduled from July 12th
Date: Sunday, August 13th
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: Bridgeside Books, 29 Stowe St #1, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676
Woodstock
Date: Wednesday, September 13th
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: Norman Willams Public Library, 10 The Green, Woodstock, VT 05091
Co-hosted by The Yankee Bookshop
Middlebury
Date: Wednesday, September 20th
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: Ilsley Public Library, 75 Main St, Middlebury, VT 05753
Barre
Date: Wednesday, October 4th
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Aldrich Public Library, 6 Washington St, Barre VT 05641
Newport
Date: Wednesday, October 11th
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: Goodrich Memorial Library, 202 Main St, Newport, VT 05855
St. Albans
Date: Wednesday, November 1
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: The Eloquent Page, 70 N Main St, Saint Albans, VT 05478
Milton
Date: Tuesday, December 19th
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: Milton High School Library, 17 Rebecca Lander Dr, Milton
Bennington
Date: Monday, January 29
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: Fiddlehead at Four Corners, 338 Main St, Bennington