August at Thompson Free Library

DOVER-FOXCROFT — “I’m going to open doors for you, doors you never dreamed existed.”

Rosalind Russell utters those memorable words as she ascends her impossibly lavish and dramatic staircase in the final scene of the wonderful film “Auntie Mame.”

This August promises to open new doors — for all ages — at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft.

As that summer schools-out vibe draws to a close, we have a great lineup to keep the kids connected, engaged and entertained.

Thursday, Aug. 1: Ms. Michelle will do bookmaking at the school lunch at SeDoMoCha from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 2 p.m.: Bring your favorite teddy bear for a picnic with yummy snacks. Ms. Michelle welcomes all teddy bears to spend the night at the library — a teddy bear sleepover!

Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 10:30 a.m.: Michael’s Cosmic Juggling and Variety Show will be the last kids’ summer program. Don’t miss the chance to experience the talented Michael Menes, a master juggler and variety performer who has toured all over the world, including with Cirque du Soleil.

Thursday, Aug. 8 from 5:30-7 p.m.: Join Ms. Michelle on the library lawn for a SedoMoCha Middle School get together. Play lawn games, paint and sip and enjoy tasty treats.

Wednesday, Aug. 14 at 3 p.m.: Come to the Teen Book Club and talk about a book you’ve read or get ideas about what to read next (attending counts towards the Foxcroft Academy reading requirement!).

Friday, Aug. 16 at 10 a.m.: Ms. Michelle will read books and talk about pollinators at the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District’s Law Farm.

Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 2 p.m.: Celebrate the end of summer reading and READing with Erma with a fun party featuring our favorite reading dog, cake and awesome activities.

Friday, August 23 at 10 a.m.: Kids can find out what it’s like to be an EMT, a meteorologist, a sheriff, a game warden and more at the Piscataquis County Emergency Management Agency’s Career Day. They’ll have fun touring the emergency operations trailer, meeting their community helpers and exploring future occupations.

Switching gears to the grown-ups, get ready for Story Slam on Thursday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. at The Commons at Central Hall. The theme “Upta Camp” is ripe for sharing a variety of vivid, noteworthy memories (like on NPR’s Moth Radio Hour). Admission is by donation; donations will benefit the Piscataquis Regional Food Center. The Spaulding Room will host a cash bar.

The Philosophy Club meets on Friday, Aug. 2 at 3:30 p.m. to discuss Simone Weil, the French philosopher, mystic and political activist. Be ready to engage your curious, questioning, thoughtful mind. No specific reading lists or prior attendance is needed.

Aging Well with Technology classes will be offered every Wednesday in August from 10-11:30 a.m.

Aug. 7: Connecting through Basic Technology (learn about tablets, laptops, desktops, Kindles, and smartphones).

Aug. 14: Protecting your Digital Presence (internet safety, fraud, scams).

Aug. 21: Using Technology for Better Health (Fitbits, videoconferencing, protecting your health data, HIPPA).

Aug. 28: Getting What you Need Online (from social media).

Herbalist Linda Tisdale guides us through Herbs & Homeopathics 101 on Thursday, Aug. 8 at 1:30 p.m. Linda shows us how to create our own medicine chest filled with medicinal herbs and homeopathic remedies that are safe and effective. Bring your questions.

Also on Aug. 8 at 6 p.m. bring your blankets, beach towels, or lawn chairs to listen to the spirited music of Dexter’s HJ Crosby Community Band.

The stakes don’t get much higher. The future of the planet. Get the essential information needed to understand global warming and climate change: what’s really happening, why, and what we can do. Attend the Climate Education Project on Tuesday, Aug. 13 from 5:30-7 p.m.

Oral historian Molly Graham will conduct an introductory workshop sponsored by the Voices from HOME Oral History Project at the Monson Public Library on Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 4:30 p.m.

Attention birders: Glen Mittelhause, director of the Maine Natural History Observatory in Gouldsboro, will host a Maine Bird Atlas training event on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 5:30 p.m.

One of my favorite elements of writer Aislinn Sarnacki’s Bangor Daily News columns and features is reading about her trail adventures with her dog, Oreo. Aislinn will stop by on Thursday, Aug. 29 at 6 p.m. to talk about her new book “Dog Friendly Hikes in Maine.” Get the inside scoop from the author about where you and your best friend can get some fresh air, exercise, and great views.

Photographer Edward Muennich is our artist of the month. I discovered Ed’s impressive work on Instagram. His remarkable photos of Borestone Mountain and the Onawa area, many taken from the lake itself, riveted m –as did his captivating coastal shots. Ed, who grew up in Ohio, moved to Bar Harbor 24 years ago to attend the College of the Atlantic and fell in love with Acadia National Park, and later, the wilds of Piscataquis County.

This August, let our programs — and of course, our books — open a door (or at least a window) to experiences, worlds and knowledge you never dreamed existed.

For more information, call 564-3350, email thompsonfreelibrary@gmail.com or find us on Facebook.