March at Thompson Free Library
DOVER-FOXCROFT — Empathy, wrote psychologist Alfred Adler, is “seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another and feeling with the heart of another.” It could also describe reading a good book. “Frankly in Love” by David Yoon and “Long Bright River” by Liz Moore, allowed me to enter distinctive, largely unfamiliar worlds and empathize with vibrant, complicated, richly drawn characters. Empathy creates its own positive momentum. This month, from compelling fiction to special programs to wonderful artwork, the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft taps into a wellspring of empathy.
Friday, March 6 at 3:30 p.m. TFL’s Philosophy Circle reconvenes to discuss famed mythologist and storyteller Joseph Campbell. The group will ponder the question, “Do we still need myths in the modern world?” Bring an open and curious mind; prior attendance is not necessary.
Children’s Librarian Michelle Fagan celebrates Maine’s Bicentennial with a special storytime on Thursday, March 12 at 11 a.m. She will read engaging Maine stories and offer up a tasty Maine snack.
Friday the 13 is your lucky day as Michelle presents another fun craft project for teens and adults. Let your creative vibes banish any bad omens from 2-4 p.m.
If anyone could use more empathy from others and an extra reserve of it, parents would be at the top of the list. Penquis C.A.N. Council is sponsoring Active Parenting First Five Years from 9-11 a.m. on three consecutive Fridays (March 13, 20, 27). This free series is designed to support the growth and development of young children. For more information or to register, please call: Jessica Lanphere (207-974-2488) or Maureen Cipullo (207-974-2479).
Pine Tree Hospice Caregivers and Bereavement Book Club meets on Thursday, March 19 from 3:30-5 p.m. to discuss Mitch Albom’s book “The Time Keeper,” an inspirational fable about the true meaning of time. This group is for anyone who is or was a caregiver, or has lost a love one recently, or in the past. The book is available at TFL.
The Artful Grief Workshop is a way for adults to explore an alternative to “talking through grief.” This free workshop sponsored by Pine Tree Hospice will be held Saturday, March 21 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Space is limited and participants must pre-register by March 18 by calling Pine Tree Hospice at 207-564-4346. No artistic skills required.
Tuesday, March 24 from 5:30-7 p.m. Dr. Kate Corlew, a researcher at the University of Maine at Augusta, returns to TFL for the Climate Change Exhibit and Community Event. See the results of last year’s study that examined how Mainers feel about climate change through their thoughts and photos.
Friday, March 27 at 6 p.m. TFL Free Movie Night presents the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and the dangerous missions she led to free hundreds of slaves through the Underground Railroad. This 2019 film stars Cynthia Erivo as the heroic abolitionist.
Don’t forget that TFL offers a Maine Discovery Museum pass free to all our patrons. The museum, located in downtown Bangor, provides unique educational opportunities for children and families. With three floors of hands-on, interactive exhibits you can explore the worlds of science, nature, geography, children’s literature, music, art, and anatomy. The pass entitles you to free admission for one visit per day, for up to four people. Contact the library for more information.
Being in a situation where the most basic items are challenging to get may be hard to imagine, but it is a devastating reality for many. In honor of Women’s History Month, TFL will be collecting donations of feminine hygiene products that will be given to the Piscataquis Regional Food Center and the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter.
Finally, our Artists of the Month are the talented and creative individuals from Living Innovations, those from the organization’s central and northern Maine locations. Living Innovations provides support to people of all ages and abilities to have a good life at home and in the community. Thanks to the coordination of Teresa Hess, the artwork will be displayed all month but make sure to stop by the first two weeks to vote for your favorites. Three pieces will be chosen to represent Living Innovations as part of the Lest We Forget exhibit in the Maine State Hall of Flags on April 15. This exhibit draws attention to those with disabilities from across the state through their artwork and the agencies that support them.
Psychiatrist and author Bruce D. Perry, says that “empathy underlies almost everything that makes society work–like trust, altruism, collaboration, love, charity.” It’s a win-win for everyone. So how can we generate more–towards others and ourselves? A stop at the library is a good place to start.
All the programs mentioned above are free and open to the public. For more information, call 207-564-3350, email thompsonfreelibrary@gmail.com, visit our website (thompsonfreelibrary.lib.me.us) or find us on Facebook.