Welcome to Wonderland with Thompson Free Library
By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library
At times, we all find ourselves “going down the rabbit hole.” Today that expression brings to mind watching endless YouTube videos — one spiraling into a dozen — we can’t seem to look away and don’t have a clue where we’re going. It’s actually a reference to “Alice in Wonderland”, the classic children’s novel by Lewis Carroll where the white rabbit and the rabbit hole are symbols of curiosity, fantasy, and escape. So come hippity-hop down the rabbit hole with us this November at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft as we celebrate the wonder of Jan Brett, meet an array of wonderful characters — real and imagined — and engage in lots of fun activities.
TFL’s Family Book Club meets on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. to eat pizza and talk about “The Rescuers” by Margery Sharp. You’ll also get the next book, “Bliss” by Kathryn Littlewood.
Homeschool families are welcome to socialize, play games, and do a craft during “Homeschool Drop-in” on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 1-2:30 p.m. Added bonus: special guest Jewell will demonstrate and build domino mazes.
Youth Services Librarian Michelle Fagan (a.k.a. Ms. Michelle) hosts a graphic novel book club at the SeDoMoCha School on Thursday, Nov. 21 from 3:15-4:30 p.m. It will be held in the SeDoMoCha library and is for students grades 4-6. There will be a snack and an activity. Sign up is required.
You’ll find Director Jon Knepp’s own cute and mischievous Cheshire Cats, Freya and Andy Jr., wandering the library on Caturday — Saturday, Nov. 23 from 9-1 p.m. Come say hi and chill with these fabulous felines — cats can help lower your heart rate and blood pressure and reduce the stress hormone cortisol.
Families with neurodivergent children or children with special needs are invited to join the Sensory Play Group on Tuesday, Nov. 26 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. It’s a safe and comfortable place for children to play and socialize and for adults to connect. This program is co-hosted by Jennifer Cook from Penquis Cap.
To celebrate bestselling children’s author and illustrator Jan Brett’s visit, we will have a special story walk set up outside the library of her newest book, “Alice in a Winter Wonderland”. Families can come and read the story on Friday, Nov. 29 from 2-4 p.m. and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies under the pavilion. In Jan’s version, Alice spies a white rabbit checking his pocket watch before hippity-hopping down a crevasse in an Alaskan glacier, she knows she must follow him. Soon she finds favorite characters from the original story come to life as vibrant animals native to Alaska making this classic tale shine through a fresh lens. This is a self-led story walk.
The next day, Saturday, Nov. 30, Jan arrives in her show-stopping tour bus for her Alice in a Winter Wonderland event at Center Theatre. Beginning at 5 p.m. Jan will do a 20–30-minute drawing illustration and presentation and then sign books. During the book signing, Ms. Michelle will have crafts to entertain families waiting in line and Center Theatre will sell concessions. Fan favorite Hedgie will make an appearance too!
This is a ticketed event. Most tickets have been sold but you can check with Center Theatre to see if tickets are available. If you aren’t able to get tickets, watch for emails and social media posts for any opportunities for last minute ticket openings.
Libraries and books are the best kind of rabbit holes. Whether you tip toe in or jump — you’ll be surprised by what you learn and discover — they’re a great way to flex your curiosity, open your mind, and fire up your imagination. Stop by TFL this November and start your own adventure in wonderland!
Please note: The library will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday. You can still enjoy the outside story walk on Friday from 2-4 p.m.!
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.