PUTNEY — This May, Putney's “Vermont Reads” program invites the community to celebrate Labor History Month by focusing on the themes of this year's community read: Bread and Roses, Too by Katherine Paterson.
Paterson's book tells the story of the 1912 “Bread and Roses” strike in the Lawrence, Mass., textile mills through the eyes of an Italian-American girl and a runaway boy.
The novel follows Rosa, Jake, and other children as they are sent temporarily out of harm's way to foster families in Barre, Vermont - as children actually were during the 1912 strike.
Vermont Reads brings communities together around stories, ideas, and activities that are important to the life of towns of all sizes, according to a news release.
In this spirit, Putney Public Library is circulating copies of Bread and Roses, Too to encourage as many people in the Putney community to read on the same topic.
Putney Public Library has partnered with Putney Central School, The Putney School, and The Grammar School for this year's Vermont Reads project. Stop by the library to pick up your copy.
The Putney School and Putney Public Library are both hosting events in observance of Vermont Reads and Labor History Month this May:
• Thursday May 3, 7 p.m., “Solidarity Forever: Songs of Unions and Labor” with educator, writer, musician, and media producer Mark Greenberg at Putney Public Library, 55 Main St.
For centuries, working people have used songs to express protest and hope and as an organizing tool. In the U.S., the International Workers of the World (I.W.W., or Wobblies), which led the 1912 Bread and Roses strike, was especially known for its rousing and satirical songs, including the anthemic “Solidarity Forever.”
Using live and recorded music, Mark Greenberg surveys American labor songs from the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution, through the Wobblies, and into the coal wars of the 1930s.
• Monday, May 7, at 10 a.m., Labor and Union Songs Community Sing at The Putney School Currier Center - Calder Hall, 418 Houghton Brook Rd.
Community members and local schools are invited to participate in The Putney School's long tradition of singing labor and union songs together, led by Putney School Music Director Cailin Manson.
• Tuesday, May 22, at 7 p.m., All-ages discussion of Bread and Roses, Too by Katherine Paterson at The Putney Public Library, 55 Main St., Putney.
Facilitated by Kristen Dawley. Copies of the book are available at the Putney Public Library.
These events are all free and open to the public.