Aldrich Public Library is in Barre, and has a web page, many events and presentations, as well as a decent collection.
http://www.aldrichpubliclibrary.org
The people of Vermont value their libraries and virtually the whole state system of libraries make their collections available for inter-library loans to any VT resident. Of course, the state's capital has a state library open to the public, in Montpelier, the next town over.
Also, I'd draw your attention to One Click Digital,with over 500 free online classes, from the Vermont Department of Libraries:
http://vermontstate.oneclickdigital.com/Home/Newly%20Added.aspx
Vermont is about the most progressive state in the union, and even Republicans in Vermont are rather progressive, libertarian, and supportive of human rights and diversity issues. Most of the Republicans are either farmers or business people. But there's certainly an openness and desire among them to keep the natural environment healthy.
I don't live in Vermont, once lived in NH and had many friends and co-workers who lived just across the Connecticut River in Vermont. They were all very liberal.
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