Climb aboard as PBS Books and the Library of Congress visit Vermont on our next stop in American Stories: A Reading Road Trip. Join us on August 20th at 8 p.m. ET for the episode premiere on the PBS Books YouTube channel, or watch on the PBS Books Facebook page, the PBS app, or pbs.org. Visit pbsbooks.org/readingroadtrip to learn more.
Vermont’s mountains, forests, and distinct four seasons have inspired generations of writers, but perhaps no literary form is more closely associated with the Green Mountain State than poetry. Robert Frost (Fire and Ice), one of the most celebrated poets of the twentieth century, found inspiration in his Vermont homes and the rural landscapes that shaped much of his work. Ruth Stone (In the Next Galaxy) built a distinguished career after settling in Goshen and was named Vermont Poet Laureate in 2007. The state’s rich poetic tradition continued through Louise Glück (The Wild Iris) and Ellen Bryant Voigt (Headwaters), who lived as neighbors in the Montpelier area, while Lucy Terry Prince (Bar Fights), whose work was published posthumously, holds the distinction of being the first published Black poet in America. Beyond poetry, Vermont has been home to influential voices such as journalist Dorothy Thompson, novelist Sinclair Lewis (It Can’t Happen Here), and back-to-the-land pioneers Scott and Helen Nearing (Living the Good Life), whose writings explored politics, society, and a different vision of American life.
That literary tradition continues today through writers who are helping new generations find their voices. Current Vermont Poet Laureate Bianca Stone (What Is Otherwise Infinite) carries forward her family’s literary legacy while supporting fellow writers through her work at the Ruth Stone House. Former Cartoonist Laureate Tillie Walden (Spinning) reaches readers through graphic storytelling that blends personal experience with imagination, while Kekla Magoon’s books for young readers, such as The Secret Library, explore identity, history, and belonging. Acclaimed novelist Julia Alvarez, author of How the GarcÃa Girls Lost Their Accents, draws on both her Vermont home and her Dominican heritage, creating stories that connect cultures, communities, and generations.
Vermont’s literary spirit can be found not only in its books but also in the places that celebrate them. From the summit of Mount Mansfield to the streets of Burlington and Montpelier, independent bookstores, cultural institutions, and creative gathering spaces welcome readers of all ages. Discover beloved local shops such as Bear Pond Books, whose Montpelier location is home to a resident tortoise, or visit the renowned Bread and Puppet Theater Museum, where art, performance, and storytelling have captivated audiences for generations. Together, these destinations offer a glimpse into the vibrant literary culture that continues to thrive across the Green Mountain State.
About American Stories: A Reading Road Trip
Pack your curiosity —PBS Books is hitting the road! In partnership with the Library of Congress Centers for the Book, American Stories: A Reading Road Trip shines a spotlight on individual U.S. states and select territories to uncover their one-of-a-kind literary treasures.
From iconic authors and unforgettable books to hidden-gem bookstores, amazing libraries, and the real-life locations that inspired great works, this cross-country adventure celebrates the stories that have shaped our shared identity. Along the way, we’ll meet bestselling authors, passionate booksellers, and local storytellers —plus share highlights from local programs and events hosted by each state’s Center for the Book —revealing how their corner of America has left its mark on the nation’s imagination. Aligned with America’s 250th birthday, each episode invites viewers to explore the heart, history, and creative spirit of the United States —all through the lens of books and storytelling.
New episodes will stream on select Thursdays at 8pm EST on the PBS Books Facebook page, on the PBS Books YouTube channel, pbsbooks.org, and the PBS app.
About the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States –and extensive materials from around the world –both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov; and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.
About PBS Books
PBS Books is a multi-platform initiative celebrating the love of reading. PBS Books is dedicated to connecting books with audiences by engaging them in unique experiences to spark their curiosity and encourage a life-long love of reading and learning. Through social and digital engagement and live coverage of important literary events across the country, PBS Books celebrates books and writers and works to foster a passion for reading among public media viewers and listeners.Visit pbsbooks.org, subscribe to the PBS Books YouTube channel, and follow PBS Books on social media to learn more.
