News (Page 2)

By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library

Library vibes can change faster than Maine’s weather. One minute a frenzied gaggle of kids planning projects, laughing and playing—their moms eagerly chatting nearby. Ten minutes later, a patron walks in, looks around at the empty space and takes in the silence, “Wow it’s so quiet today.”  We shake our heads and laugh, “Not really!” After one supremely hectic summer, we are ready for a change of pace. But there’s still plenty to do this October at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft—as old favorites commingle with intriguing new ones.

Youth services librarian Michelle Fagan’s much-anticipated “Hygge Nook” premieres Wednesday, October 2. Hygge (pronounced hue-guh) is a Danish word that refers to a cozy quality that makes a person feel content and comfortable. Each Wednesday from 3:30-5 p.m. through March, TFL will have a cozy, quiet space for you to read, knit, write, or quietly gather. While all ages are welcome, please understand that this is a quiet space designed for whispers and quiet activities. 

TFL’s books sales may run the gamut vibe-wise but they sure do generate a lot of excitement, while raising money for children’s programming. Get ready for some super deals as our Ten Cent Basement Book Sale returns October 10-12 (Thurs. 10-6, Fri. 9-5, & Sat. 9-12:30). 

On Thursday, October 10 at 6 p.m. TFL’s Reading Group meets to discuss Mexican Gothic, a book that gives big gothic horror vibes. The Chicago Review of Books says that author Silvia Moreno-Garcia puts equal weight on both words of the title “. . . [it is] both unmistakably Gothic—full of suspicion, paranoia, literal and figurative darkness—and proudly Mexican, rooted in a specific culture and time in a way that expands and enhances the story.” (Copies available at the library.)

The Family Book Club starts up again on Tuesday, October 5 at 5:30 p.m. and runs monthly through May. During the initial meeting, you’ll get the first book (The Rescuers) and talk about the book club season ahead. Each month families will get a book and read it together. Then on book club day, Michelle and the families get together and talk about the book over pizza. A great way to foster a love of reading and enjoy family time! (Registration required. Please contact the library.)

Homeschooled families looking for fun activities and a place to connect can take advantage of TFL’s new Home School Drop-in time starting on Wednesday, October 16 from 1-2:30 p.m. This monthly program runs through May and allows homeschooled kids a chance to play games, craft, color, and more.

Ok, now the gloves come off, it’s time to get serious, especially as we head towards the Witching Hour. Our director, aspiring paranormal expert Jon Knepp, is hard at work creating a Ghost Hunting Kit that patrons can check out! It will include: an infrared camera that attaches to your phone to detect cold spots and other phenomena that we can’t normally see, an electromotive force (EMF) detector to detect electrical abnormalities in the environment, dowsing rods to detect energy variances, a voice recorder for capturing electronic voice phenomena (EVPs) from the realm beyond, and a beginners’ guide to ghost hunting. The kit will appear out of nowhere soon!

Of course all those instrument readings would be off the charts on Halloween when we greet ghosts, goblins, zombies, aliens disguised as humans, and everyone else as we swing open TFL’s original front doors and hand out free books to trick or treaters (kids ages birth to teen) from 4:30-6:30 p.m. (Costumes not required.)

As fall emerges, come savor the seasonal shift at TFL where you’ll pick up good vibrations, find your happy place and your quiet space, buy some early stocking stuffers, and become a paranormal investigator. (Who ya goin’ call?!)

Please note: Due to scheduling issues, the library will be closed Tuesday, October 22 and will close at 4 p.m. on Thursday, October 31. (We will open the original front doors at 4:30 to trick or treaters.) We apologize for any inconvenience. 

TFL hours: Tues & Thurs 9-7, Weds & Fri 9-5, & Sat 9-1. Visit our website: thompsonfreelibrary.org, our Facebook page, Instagram @tf_library, or contact us at thompsonfreelibrary@gmail.com or 207/564-3350. All programs are free & open to the public.

By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library

Life is a balancing act. Sometimes we zoom in too much on the details and forget the bigger picture. Or maybe the reverse, where the details are a blur. As seasons change so can our physical and mental equilibrium. For anyone feeling a little off balance as the kids go back to school, summer winds down, and works revs up, the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft offers the programs, services, and environment to regain a bit of stability and harmony.

The Maine Humanities Council presents “Maine Speaks: A Day in the Life of Maine Women” on Thursday, September 5 at 6 p.m. University of New England archivist and author Jefferson Navicky shares diary entries from the Maine Women Writers Collection spanning the 19th and 20th century. These women wrote about the ordinary and extraordinary—the weather, chores, and historic moments. By sampling and discussing a selection of these diaries across time, we can connect with the common struggles and small triumphs of day-to-day life.

Tip the scales back to the fun side with the return of “Family Fun Night” on Tuesday, September 10 at 5:30 p.m. We’re partnering with Penquis Prevention Council for this monthly program that includes supper. The theme and food will change each month. First up: outdoor yard games and pizza!

By now everyone is using  the f word (no, not that one!). Fall, of course. Make the most of autumn by attending “Making the Most of your Fall Garden with UMaine Cooperative Extension” on Wednesday, September 11 at 10 a.m. Learn about planting cover crops, using season extension strategies, soil testing, planting perennials, and more. (To register, contact the library or click this link: Register for Making the Most of Your Fall Garden)

Finding the right balance in any relationship can be tricky. Can you imagine sailing with a loved one over 17,000 miles through the most feared and fabled waters from the Caribbean through the Panama Canal past the Galapagos Islands and Easter Island to Cape Horn? Yes, jumping ship leaps to mind, but this adventure is what father and son, David and Daniel Hays, chronicled in their book, My Old Man and the Sea. TFL’s Reading Group will discuss the book on Thursday, September 12 at 6 p.m.

The monthly “Sensory Play Group” debuts Tuesday, September 17 at 5:30 p.m.—another great collaboration with Penquis Prevention Council. This group will be a quiet, fun, and engaging space for kids with special needs and caregivers to connect and play. Families are encouraged to bring a bag lunch-style snack or supper. All ages and abilities welcome.

Ethan Tapper can see the forest for the trees and the trees for the forest. This Vermont-based forester and writer talks about his book How to Love a Forest: The Bittersweet Work of Tending a Changing World on Thursday, September 19 at 6 p.m. This presentation is a collaboration between TFL and Piscataquis County Soil & Water Conservation District. In his book, Ethan walks us through the fragile and resilient community that is a forest, asks what it means to live in a time in which ecosystems are in retreat and extinctions rattle the bones of the earth, and helps us reimagine what forests are and what it means to care for them.

Join Maine author Ed Linz to discuss the complexities and consequences of the Vietnam War on Tuesday, September 24 at 6 p.m. Ed wrote A Filthy Way to Die about the origins of the war and memories of it from his Naval Academy classmates who fought on the ground, in the air, at sea, and on the rivers and canals.

That cheesy yet memorable “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up” commercial strikes a different tone as we age. It’s never too early or too late to improve your balance. Physical therapist Susan Garrettson, owner of Options in Physical Therapy, shares her expertise at “Better Balance 101” on Thursday, September 26 at 1:30 p.m.  Susan says that there are several key aspects to physical balance and that they all can be improved,  but it’s important to know what factors are affecting your own situation. She’ll give us tips, techniques and helpful resources.

Not to sound like a motivational poster, but balance of any kind is more of a journey than a destination. Perfect equilibrium is a fleeting unicorn. Besides, what fun is holding the see saw perfectly still for very long, the joy is in the ups and downs. September at the Thompson Free Library is a winning combination of programs and resources that will keep you on an even keel in the choppiest of seas.

TFL hours: Tues & Thurs 9-7, Weds & Fri 9-5, & Sat 9-1. Visit our website: thompsonfreelibrary.org, our Facebook page, Instagram @tf_library, or contact us at thompsonfreelibrary@gmail.com or 207/564-3350. All programs are free & open to the public.

By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library

Hey everyone, August has joined the chat! Has summer zoomed by at warp factor 10 or what? Ok, not on those humid days when it meanders like an Altman film. But now that we’ve made it to month number eight, the pressure is on to make it last and have as much fun as possible. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place for August and everything after. The Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft is a steady stream of incredible programs for all ages.

Book lovers and bargain hunters rejoice! We’re kicking off the month with a Ten Cent Basement Book Sale, Aug.1-3 (Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.).

Our “snowy” friend Hedwig has delivered the following message to all wizards and muggles: Don’t miss Chewonki’s “Owls in Maine” on Thursday, Aug. 1 at 10:30 a.m. Learn the habits and adaptations of Maine’s native owls and meet two of them — live and in person.

PanStorm, a community steel band based in Hermon, will play a free concert on Saturday, Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. Their mission is to spread unbridled joy through steel pan music.

Kids will have a blast getting soaked as they play outdoor games on Thursday, Aug. 8 at 10:30 a.m. (Ms. Michelle says dress to get wet!).

Get the facts on the latest health food trend at “Microgreens 101” at 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 8. Brian and Heidi Lourie, owners of HF Microgreens in Harmony, will give us a closer look at this nutritious and flavorful super food.

TFL’s Reading Group meets at 6 p.m. on Aug, 8 to discuss “Plainsong” by Kent Haruf. The Detroit Free Press called this widely acclaimed book, “Compelling … A lyrical meditation on community and family, and how the former increasingly becomes the latter as traditional ties don’t prove binding.” Copies available at the library.

Time to jump on the bandwagon again as the Sebasticook Valley Community Band plays a free concert on Sunday, Aug. 11 at 4:30 p.m. in the TFL pavilion. The band is made up of musicians from different walks of life but they all share a love of good music, fellowship, and fun!

Conjuring Carroll is hosting a combination magic show (30 minutes) and magic workshop (one hour, for kids ages 7 & up) on Thursday, Aug. 15 at 10:30 a.m. He’ll share tricks of the magical trade, show how to make balloon animals, and give tips on showmanship.

Let’s get this party started! “The End of Summer Party” from 6-7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16 features a bounce house, summer reading raffle drawings, games, snacks, pies in Ms. Michelle’s face, and of course, ice cream! Darling’s Ice Cream Truck will be there giving out free ice cream and asking for voluntary donations to an invaluable area resource, Piscataquis Regional Food Center.

Northeast Historic Film presents “Working the Land” on Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. David Weiss, the nonprofit archives’ founder, will host the event which he calls, “A marvelous look at woods and farming operations.” The presentation includes images of life at a logging camp including tools and methods used to cut and haul logs that were steered down the Kennebec River to various mills. You’ll also see a log boom on Wyman Lake, a jam at Moxie Falls, and sluicing at Wyman Dam.

Always a fan favorite, “Mr. Drew and his Animals Too” returns on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 10:30 a.m. for a fun and engaging educational program featuring rescued and rehabilitated exotic reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates from around the world.

Youth Services Librarian Michelle Fagan hosts the Teen Book Club on Friday, Aug. 23 at 3 p.m. (a great way to meet your FA requirement!).

Looking for something that’s both smokin’ hot and totally cool? Foxcroft Academy’s Alumni Jazz Band is the perfect mix of Big Band classics, Swing and Latin dance tunes, and more of your listening and dancing favorites. They’ll be in concert Thursday, Aug. 29 at 6 p.m. at the TFL pavilion. Please bring your own chairs! Rain date is Aug. 30 at 6 p.m.

Summer has flown by like R.E.M.’s rapid-fire classic. It’s the end of summer as we know it — and after making the most of August with TFL — you will definitely feel fine!

TFL hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit our website thompsonfreelibrary.org, our Facebook page, Instagram @tf_library, or contact us at thompsonfreelibrary@gmail.com or 207-564-3350. All programs are free and open to the public.

Our July newsletter is out now. Click the link below to see it!

July 2024 [pdf]

Librarian of the Year (#LOTY) | Getting the Read and Feed Program Moving | A Long-Overdue Visit from Paul | Bringing a River Back | A Lasting Legacy | Preserving Our County’s History | Fanning Paint Dry | Self Preservation | Charted Waters | Meant to Be | Short and Sweet | Day Trippin’ | Screenshots |

To sign up for our mailing list and receive updates, newsletters, and more, click here: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/401590/85992968195933587/share

By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library

A library is like an all-access pass to great programs, services, and resources. Accessibility is key to everyone. This summer, we’re bringing the whole mountain range to Mohammed. And what an eclectic lineup it is. July at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft is for chasing Bigfoot, making fairy houses, reading oracle cards, and watching show-stopping puppeteers! 

Mike Familant’s “Bigfoot Experience: Searching America Tour” stops by TFL on Tuesday, July 9 at 6 p.m. Mike, a New Jersey native, will share his experiences tracking down the truth behind America’s most iconic cryptid. He’s been researching this amazing creature for over 13 years, from the Florida swamps to the north woods of Maine, and has captured some impressive evidence along the way. 

Celebrated Maine author and illustrator Kevin Hawkes (of Library Lion & Chicken Cheeks fame) returns to the library on Thursday, July 11 at 10:30 a.m. to talk about his latest children’s book Luigi: The Spider Who Wanted to be a Kitten. (You’ll even get a chance to see him draw!)

Have you ever wondered what oracle cards are, what you can use them for, and how to read them? Then you’ll definitely want to join us on July 11 at 1:30 p.m. for “Oracle Cards 101” as psychic/medium Michelle Fisk gives us an introduction to oracle cards with some hands-on learning. Michelle is a certified special education teacher, a psychic medium, and a pranic healer who has a passion for helping others.

At 6 p.m. July 11 the Reading Group will discuss books they are currently reading, a departure from the usual format of everyone reading the same book. Feel free to stop by and share a work that you just can’t put down. 

The Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers are set to wow the crowd again on Thursday, July 18 at 10:30 a.m. at Central Hall Commons. The award-winning puppetry troupe (comprised of three siblings) from Bar Harbor, who write and create all their shows, will perform “The Legend of the Banana Kid.” (Little Chucky heads to the Wild West with a fistful of bananas to outwit outlaws!)

After all that excitement, you can head to the TFL Pavilion at 6 p.m. July 18 and chill out to the sweet sound of strings with Susan Ramsey and Ruth Fogg of the North Country Strings Duo. They’ll play a variety of musical selections and banter a bit. Come savor the melodies  of fiddles, guitars, and the cello—a potent force of strings! (Students from North Country Strings Music Studio will join in, along with other special guests.)

Michelle Fagan, youth services librarian, hosts the Teen Book Club on Tuesday, July 23 at 10 a.m. Read a book and come talk about it. (Can be used for FA requirements.)

Did you know there’s a fairy housing shortage? Ms. Michelle intends to fix that. Meet her Thursday, July 25 at 10:30 a.m. at the Dot Warren Nature trail (across from the parking lot at Sedomocha) to make “Fairy Houses.” 

The timeless tunes and rousing marches of the Harold J. Crosby Band will have you tapping your toes on July 25 at 6 p.m. at the TFL pavilion.

 A reminder that Michelle is on the road every Wednesday through September with the “Read and Feed” free books and produce program. She alternates routes each week with stops in Dover-Foxcroft, Charleston, Monson, Milo, and Sebec. (Contact the library for more details.) 

Don’t forget to bring the kids to “Reading with Erma” starting at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays—a great way to improve reading skills and confidence in a relaxed, supportive environment. (First come, first served.)

While the Interlibrary loan service is on a state-wide pause as we transition to a new  delivery vendor, you might want to check our Balsam Reciprocal Borrowing program. TFL patrons will be able to check out books at other local Balsam libraries in Dexter, Guilford, Greenville, and others with their TFL account. You must return materials to the library you borrowed them from. (FYI: Maine residents can also get a free library card at Bangor Public Library and access their collection.)

Making everything more accessible is a major goal at TFL. We give free access to author talks, live concerts, special events, and interesting and informative programs—allowing people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved. Easy access to summer fun should be a right, not a privilege. 

TFL hours: Tues & Thurs 9-7, Weds & Fri 9-5, & Sat 9-1. Visit our website: thompsonfreelibrary.org, our Facebook page, Instagram @tf_library, or contact us at thompsonfreelibrary@gmail.com or 207/564-3350. All programs are free & open to the public.