February at Thompson Free Library
DOVER-FOXCROFT — Famed mythologist and storyteller Joseph Campbell once said, “Your sacred space is where you can find yourself over and over again.” This February make the Thompson Free Library (TFL) in Dover-Foxcroft your special place for learning, connection, information and fun.
Don’t you love to receive actual cards and letters? The familiarity of a friend’s handwriting as they share details of their lives. TFL is reviving the lost art of letter writing on the first Tuesday of each month. Join us on Thursday, Feb. 4 at 4 p.m. for our Valentine’s edition and send letters and notes to loved ones. We’ll have stationery, pens and stamps to share. All ages are welcome.
Friday, Feb. 7 at 3:30 p.m. TFL’s Philosophy Circle discusses prolific American author and professor of literature, Joseph Campbell, known for his book “The Hero with a Thousand Faces,” the incredible 1988 PBS series “The Power of Myth” (with Bill Moyers), and the catchphrase, “Follow your bliss.” The group will ponder the question, “Do we still need myths in our modern world?” Bring an open and curious mind; prior attendance is not necessary.
At 6 p.m. on Feb.7 stop by Spruce Mill Farm & Kitchen/Center Coffee House for a story slam presented by the Voices from Home Oral History Project. The theme is “Changes” (cue the David Bowie song.) To get you in the right headspace: Were there significant times in your life where your world was totally flipped upside down or inside out? Did you ever just pick up and move or recreate your identity? Do you have a story of deep internal change you need to share? Whether you participate or just to listen, it’s bound to be an interesting, maybe even revelatory experience, made more satisfying by Spruce Mill snacks (provided by TFL) and Center Coffee beverages (for purchase).
TFL’s Monthly Reading Group discusses Frans de Waal’s nonfiction work “Mama’s Last Hug” on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. The book’s subtitle sums it up: Animal Emotions and What they Tell Us about Ourselves. Open to the public; contact the library for a copy of the book.
Librarian Michelle Fagan is feeling crafty. Come catch her creative vibe on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. with a (Free) Craft for Teens. Michelle will show how to make cool and colorful safety pin bracelets. Supplies will be provided and you can take home your creation.
Pine Tree Hospice’s Caregivers and Bereavement Book Club meets on Thursday, Feb. 20 from 3:30-5 p.m. at the library. This month’s reading is “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd (stop by TFL to pick up a copy). This group is for anyone who is or was a caregiver, or has lost a loved one, recently or in the past.
Here’s a great activity for school vacation: spend the afternoon watching a fun family movie on Friday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more details.
TFL is partnering with Central Hall Commons for AARP’s Coffee Talk that will focus on this area’s homeless population on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. at the Commons (152 East Main Street in Dover-Foxcroft). There will be a panel to discuss this important issue, including Archie Curry, Bangor Area Homeless Shelter; Bob Young, Piscataquis County sheriff; Mindy Cain, Penquis; and Adrian Cronkhite, U.S. Census Bureau. Coffee and snacks will be provided.
Want to practice sustainable living and be more self-reliant? Then check out the Composting program hosted by farmers Nick Jackson and Sarah Mahan (from Jackson Regenerational Farm) on Friday, Feb. 28 at 3:30 p.m. Learn how and why to compost, including the importance of composting food scraps.
Feast on a cinematic love letter to chocolate (and to love itself) on Friday, Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. This charming film from 2000 stars Juliette Binoche as a captivating chocolatier who brings intrigue, along with her magical confections, to a small French village. TFL Movie night is Free and open to the public — popcorn too!
Be sure to stop by the Dover Cove Farmer’s Market every other Saturday (Feb. 1, 15 and 29) downstairs at TFL from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for wonderful locally grown, produced and created food and products. Added bonus each market: a mini, 10-cent book sale.
Head to Shaw’s this February and stock up on reusable grocery bags. For every bag that’s sold, Shaw’s will donate 1$ to the Thompson Free Library as part of their Give Back Where It Counts reusable bag program.
This month, may you find sacred places to begin your own hero’s journey, tiny steps or grand adventures. The library, with all its resources and outreach, can be an inviting spot where (we hope) you will find yourself again and again.
For more information, call 207-564-3350, email thompsonfreelibrary@gmail.com visit our website at thompsonfreelibrary.lib.me.us or find us on Facebook.