Making the most of March with Thompson Free Library

By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library

March arrives with a built-in tension. The upbeat concept we hold in our minds versus an uncertain reality. Our hope is tinged with a steely resolve to muddle through. “Winter is holding back and spring is pulling forward. Something holds and something pulls inside of us too,” wrote garden author Jean Hersey. Whether you’re ready to research a spring project or desperately need some escapist fare, the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft is here to help you make it through — and even enjoy — this unpredictable month.

Nothing heralds the coming of spring like our seed library! We offer donated seeds from our community and various other donors. If you have extra seeds from previous years that you don’t need, please bring them in to share with your neighbors. If you’re interested in trying a new type of plant or flower in your garden this year, stop in and check out what we have to offer. Over the years we’ve had donations from Burpee, Fedco, Ripley Farms, Helios Horsepower Farms, Bob’s Hardware, and many, many patrons. 

Spring forward means it’s lighter longer so why not shake up your daily routine by joining us for Family Fun Night on Tuesday, March 11 at 5:30 p.m. We’ll be playing card games and bellying up to the potato bar, featuring baked potatoes with a variety of toppings to choose from—it’s sure to be a good time.

If your to-do list is driving you nuts, take a breather and shift your focus at TFL’s Reading Group on Thursday, March 13 at 6 p.m. when they’ll discuss bestselling and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jane Smiley’s book “Perestroika in Paris”. The New York Times described it as “ . . . a captivating, brilliantly imaginative story of three extraordinary animals — and a young boy — whose lives intersect in Paris in this feel-good escape.” Copies available at the library.

Andy Jr. and Freya take their feline follies on the road again Saturday, March 15 during our 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. shift. Director Jon Knepp brings his two cute and curious cats to the library once a month for Caturday. Be sure to swing by and say hello as the dynamic duo put some extra sizzle into the Ides of March. If you are allergic, or not a fan, just let us know and accommodations will be made.

As winter (hopefully) starts to loosen its grip, now’s the perfect time to do a PSA for TFL’s storytime held at 10 a.m. on Fridays. The basic plot: Ms. Michelle (youth services librarian Michelle Fagan) reads a couple of books and kids get to play. “It’s a great time for kids to socialize and hear fun books and for parents to socialize with other parents. A good community event for families,” says Michelle. Open to all kids, geared towards ages 3 -9.

TFL’s Shannen Rhoda has a March display that will help you stay entertained while debating the eternal question: which is better, the book or the movie (or the series)? Like we don’t already know what the answer (almost) always is! 

I can’t wait for pockets of colorful blooms to appear. For now, I’m grateful for that glimpse of red — a skittish male cardinal that makes the grayish white landscape pop. Charles Dickens’ words really do resonate, “It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” But don’t descend into March madness (unless you love basketball!), make the Thompson Free Library your “I’m over this” destination. As those late twentieth-century nepo-harmonizers once sang, “Don’t you know, things can change, things’ll go your way — if you hold on for one more day!” 

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 & open to the public.