Inquiring minds will love April at Thompson Free Library
By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library
My observation is that April is a tipping point — when a paradigm shift occurs and the light at the end of that cold, dark tunnel brightens.
My hypothesis is that April at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft will help you discover your own origin story, create beautiful gardens with plants indigenous to Maine, gain insights into the Ukrainian and Russian people, see if petting cats can trigger your feel-good brain chemicals and why celebrating young scientists is a win-win for everyone.
To test this hypothesis, we’ve put together an incredible lineup of programs that will provide valuable information and enjoyment, as those sporadic showers turn into fetching flowers.
With spring taking hold, now is the time to switch to garden mode. Join Kate Garland, UMaine Cooperative Extension horticulturist, for “Native Plants for Ornamental Gardens.” on Thursday, April 10 from 10-11:30 a.m. Discover why native plants matter and how to integrate them into your spaces. Explore valuable resources for selecting the right plants and enjoy a virtual walk through a collection of native species. Pre-registration is preferred.
TFL’s Reading Group discusses Matt Haig’s bestseller “The Midnight Library” on April 10 at 6 p.m. The central theme: between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived. To see how things would be if you had made other choices. The New York Times describes the novel as “An absorbing but comfortable read…a vision of limitless possibility, of new roads taken, of new lives lived, of a whole different world available to us somehow, somewhere, [that] might be exactly what’s wanted in these troubled and troubling times.” Copies available at TFL.
Caturday returns on Saturday, April 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. I had the pleasure of hanging out with Director Jon Knepps’ two cats, Freya and Andy, Jr., during Caturday in March. They never stop moving, except to enjoy the pets and attention lavished upon them. They love investigating every corner of the library — hiding, climbing, snoozing, running, jumping — delighting feline fans of all ages. For those who are allergic or not cat fans, accommodations will be made.
If you’ve ever watched “Finding Your Roots” on PBS, you’ve probably wondered who your ancestors were, how to go about finding them, and what do some of the terms such as “once removed”, pedigree charts, or vital records mean? Join Nancy Battick on Thursday, April 17 at 1:30 p.m. for “Exploring Your Roots 101” when she’ll give you clues to start searching your own family roots. Nancy is a past president of the Maine Genealogical Society, author of the Family Discoverer column in the Piscataquis Observer, and an experienced genealogist. She’ll offer tips and distribute a handy primer to help you begin your genealogical journey. Geared towards beginners, all are welcome.
Robert Klose is an Orono-based writer who teaches at the University of Maine. He will headline “A Tale of Two Adoptions” on Thursday, April 24 at 6 p.m. in which he’ll focus on his two memoirs, stemming from his adopting boys from Russia and Ukraine as a single man. “I have put together a book talk centering on these adoptions. I think it makes for a timely presentation, given the drama playing out in the Russo-Ukrainian war. Despite the carnage, I like to tell my audiences that I have sons from Russia and Ukraine, and they get along, so there is hope,” says Robert.
Our young scientists have been hard at work on their projects for over a month, following the scientific method (more rigorously than I have!) in preparation for the highly anticipated “TFL Science Fair” on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Let’s show them what real community support looks like — come check out all the cool experiments, chat with the researchers, and celebrate science!
Well, we’ve analyzed the data and drawn our conclusions: libraries are essential community hubs that offer a wide range of resources and services to everyone, while providing free programs to enrich lives, encourage connection, and promote learning. Get the word out—especially to your representatives—and come experience it for yourself!
Please note: TFL will close at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 3. We apologize for any inconvenience.
TFL hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9-7, Wednesday and Fri 9-5 and Saturday 9-1. 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.