A ‘Puzzling’ February at Thompson Free Library
By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library
How did you end up staring down the puzzle at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft? Were you getting your car serviced and walked over to kill time, were you leaving and caught a glimpse, spun around and sat down? Maybe after a few pieces fit, you were hooked. Or, quite simply, you’re a dissectologist — someone who loves jigsaw puzzles. Whether you tackle it as a tag team or a lone wolf, our puzzles help test your problem-solving skills and are a great escape.
The downside is when it’s finished, it’s all over, and on to the next one — that’s why this February we hope puzzle lovers will join us for a Puzzle Exchange! The small display table as you enter the library will have an exciting array of puzzles that visitors have already solved. So please bring in any puzzles you want to get rid of and grab a “new to you” puzzle from the table. Swapping is a fun way to replenish everyone’s supply, but you don’t have to donate a puzzle to take one.
The dead of winter seems like the ideal time for self-care so this month we’re highlighting our Hygge Nook (Wednesdays 3:30-5 p.m. through March 26). It’s puzzling why more folks haven’t taken advantage of this wonderfully cozy, quiet space to read, write, or knit. Afterall, hygge is the quality of feeling content and comfortable and who doesn’t want that? This program is open to all ages but keep in mind it’s designed as a space for whispers and quiet activities.)
Author and 1972 Foxcroft Academy graduate David Albee headlines a book launch and signing at Center Theatre on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. “The Last One Out Of Town Turn Out The Lights” tells the inspiring untold story of how a soul-crushing school district consolidation changes the fate and fortunes of two rural Maine high schools.
David’s career as an award-winning sportswriter and columnist spans 35 years at five newspapers in four states, from Maine to California. Admission is $5 with proceeds going to TFL.
Do you like a good mystery? Then you’ll want to stop by the library and pick up Laura Lippman’s bestseller “Lady in the Lake,” the Reading Group’s current selection. They meet Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. to discuss the novel which is set in 1966 Baltimore and follows a housewife turned aspiring reporter who pursues the murder of a forgotten young woman. The Baltimore Sun says, “Lippman has an almost uncanny ability to get into the heads of her characters — the good guys and the not-so good guys — and bring them vividly alive.”
Caturday returns Saturday, Feb. 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the wonderfully charming and enigmatic Freya and Andy Jr. These two cats really make themselves at home — on shelves, tables, and the circulation desk. They enjoy socializing and just being admired. Their human companion TFL’s Director Jon Knepp says they look forward to this monthly change of pace. If you are allergic or not a fan, please let us know and accommodations will be made.
Puzzle fans — and anyone age 10 & up — will enjoy Morse Code Bracelet Making with Ms. Michelle (youth services librarian Michelle Fagan) on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 3:30 p.m. Have fun creating and decoding!
Laser tag is a fantastic outlet for kids’ pent-up energy as winter slogs on! Ms. Michelle is coordinating Laser Tag Night on Friday, Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. This event is for grade 5 and up. All equipment will be supplied, and registration is required. To register, please contact the library.
Like puzzles, science is a system to test your ingenuity and knowledge, as well as hypotheses. Thankfully, Ms. Michelle is doing a Spring Science Fair again! This event is open to all school aged kids K-12 in our community and surrounding communities. Public school, private school, and home school kids are all welcome to enter. Space is limited so registration is required. Call Michelle at 207-564-3350 or email her at mfagan534@gmail.com to sign up. Fair day is Saturday, April 26 — all community members are encouraged to come support these young scientists!
Libraries are the perfect place to solve a puzzle — the 500-piece kind or the more baffling and perplexing kind that needs reading, research, and perhaps an interlibrary loan or two. Be sure to stop by TFL this February to work on our jigsaw-in-progress and take advantage of our Puzzle Exchange!
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 TFL programs are free and open to the public.