In: Children, Community

R.E.A.D.ing with Erma starts Wednesday, June 12!

R.E.A.D.ing (Reading Education Assistance Dog) therapy dog Erma and her human handler April Taylor will be at the Thompson Free Library every Wednesday this summer at 2 pm.

Kids can sign up to read to Erma, who listens happily in a no-pressure atmosphere. Practice reading and enjoy some puppy snuggles at the same time!

Sign-up sheets are available at the front desk at the Thompson Free Library. Contact Ms. Michelle at 564-3350 for more info.

In: Children, Community, News

The Thompson Free Library now has a library membership to the Maine Discovery Museum in Bangor! The Maine Discovery Museum is the largest children’s museum north of Boston. Their hands-on, interactive exhibits invite children to explore the worlds of science, nature, geography, children’s literature, music, art, and anatomy.

The library membership allows us to offer free admission each day for a group of up to four people. You can reserve a pass in advance, or call or stop by the library to see if it is available!

In: Community, News, Outdoors

Are you interested in exploring Maine this summer? For a second year, Thompson Free Library patrons can borrow a vehicle pass for day-use to Maine State Parks and Historic Sites. This pass is made possible by a generous gift of the Friends of Maine State Parks. Passes can be checked out for two days, and allow a vehicle holding up to 17 people entrance to many state parks and historic sites, including Peaks-Kenny.

Please note that passes are not accepted at Acadia National Park, Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Baxter State Park, Maine Wildlife Park, Peacock Beach, Penobscot Narrows Observatory, Penobscot River Corridor, Scarborough Beach, Songo Lock or Swan Island. View a list of participating parks here, or contact the library to find out more!

In: Community, Events

Restructuring Relationships After the Death of a Loved One

People often discover that there are multiple unexpected losses following the death of a loved one. Acquaintances and friends may not know how to interact with the bereaved and begin to withdraw from their relationship. Family relationships often change. The bereaved will attempt to maintain prior relationships, but for whatever reason people may not reciprocate. These losses or significant changes in friendships, family, and connections can make one’s grief and grief journey all the more difficult to navigate.

Dr. Deborah Drew, Professor and Director of Counseling and Human Relations at Husson University and Clinical Consultant for Pine Tree Hospice will be addressing this topic in a special seminar scheduled for Thursday, May 23, from 1-2:30 pm at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft.  This free event is open to everyone in the community.

For further information or to register, please call Pine Tree Hospice at (207) 564-4346.

In: Book Group, Caregiving, Community, Events

The Caregivers Book Group, sponsored by Maine Humanities Council and Pine Tree Hospice, is a great way to learn about caregiving experiences from a variety of perspectives.  Thought provoking readings will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation of loss and the American experience.

Our next Book Group meeting is Monday, June 3rd, from 4:00 – 5:30, at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft.  We will be discussing poems in the last section of Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith’s American Anthology, and the novel Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress, by Dai Sijie.  All materials are available at the Thompson Free Library.  Our experienced facilitator is Greg Winston, professor of English at Husson University, who asks questions, provides insights, and enjoys learning from the group as much as we enjoy learning from him.

This Book Group is the perfect place to meet new people, connect with friends and enjoy a new reading experience. Please feel free to join us even if you have not had the opportunity to read the material.  For more information, please call Pine Tree Hospice at 564-4346.