Fast-paced July at Thompson Free Library
By Kim Brawn
July at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft is the equivalent of an amazing movie montage! Hope you’ve had your eight hours of sleep and a caffeinated beverage because you’re going to need it. Lights, camera, action!
We zoom in on audience reactions at “Mad Science of Maine: Fire and Ice,” Thursday, July 3 at 10:30 a.m. This spectacular show thrills with impressive science experiments like foggy dry ice storms and safe and fun fire demonstrations!
What’s a montage without music? The Sebasticook Valley Community Band plays a free concert on Sunday, July 6 at 4:30 p.m. at TFL. Musicians from different walks of life come together to share their love of great tunes.
Even more “oohs, aahs, and woahs!” as the always popular Sparks’ Ark Animal Services is back with another live animal program on Thursday, July 10 at 10:30 a.m.
Oh no, all this running around has tweaked your back, no worries come to “Muscle Pain 101” on July 10 at 1:30 p.m. and learn ways you can help your muscles feel better faster. Physical Therapist Susan Garrettson will show us how some fairly simple positioning of your arm, leg, rib cage or neck can help promote effective relief from soreness and muscle pain.
The Summer Kid’s Series — geared toward elementary age but all are welcome — continues with the clinking sound of Legos cascading out of an enormous tote. Youth Services Librarian Michelle Fagan offers up the “Lego Building Challenge” on Thursday, July 17 at 10:30 a.m. She’ll supply the Legos and challenges — the kids bring their imagination and building skills.
Another musical interlude with Some Reel People in concert at 6 p.m. on July 17. This self-described “joyous and informal country dance band” puts on quite the show that will move your body and soul.
Cut to a close-up of a boy, deeply focused with a thin paint brush in hand during “Paint By Number with Ms. Michelle” on Thursday, July 24 at 10:30 a.m. Michelle channels her inner Bob Ross in this fun program and kids get to bring home their finished art work.
The Harold J. Crosby Community Band keeps the plot moving along on July 24 at 6 p.m. with rousing marches and songs that feature wind, brass, and percussion instruments.
Themes explored, emotions elicited, and imagery revealed when poets Julia Bouwsma and Audrey Gidman unite for a poetry reading and discussion on Tuesday, July 29 at 6 p.m. Julia is Maine’s Poet Laureate and the author of three poetry collections, including the newly released “Death Fluorescence”. Audrey is a Maine poet, editor and the author of “body psalms” which received the Elyse Wolf Prize, and the forthcoming “griefnotes”.
We transition back to animals, both specimens and live, as “Chewonki: Maine Mammals” wows the crowd on Thursday, July 31 at 10:30 a.m. Find out fun facts about your favorite creatures!
Those broad smiles leap off the cover of “Letters of Laughter and Loss: A Maine Love Story” conveying a strong sense of happily ever after. In the book, author Cheryl Stitham-White shares the poignant details of her day-to-day life after the sudden death of her husband of 46 years in letters she wrote to friends and family. Find out how she navigated the loss and accepted a future without the love of her life. Cheryl, who went to Foxcroft Academy and Colby College, divides her time between South Portland and a camp on Sebec Lake, will be in conversation with TFL’s Director Jon Knepp at 6 p.m. on July 31.
The scene shifts to Soil & Water’s incredible Law Farm in Dover-Foxcroft where Ms. Michelle has put up a story walk featuring “Daylight Starlight Wildlife” by Wendell Minor. Exploring nature while reading is the best way to spend family time!
Erma and April walk into a library . . . that’s right, the beloved therapy dog and her human companion April Taylor will be at TFL on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. Kids can improve their reading skills in a comfortable, nonjudgmental atmosphere.
Cue Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” as Michelle packs up the van and drives around the area sharing free books and free produce. Wednesdays this summer TFL’s Read and Feed Mobile will have two routes that alternate. The eastern route has stops in Brownville Junction, Milo, Sebec and Charleston while the Monson/Dover-Foxcroft route has four stops in those towns. Visit the library for details or find them on Facebook, Instagram or our website. Produce is from Piscataquis Regional Food Cupboard through Good Shepherd, Helios Horsepower Farm and Leaves and Blooms Greenhouse.
It feels like we should end this miles-long montage with a ton of fireworks after previewing all the programs and activities that TFL has lined up for July. I finally breathe a sigh of relief but then I remember what Jon said to me, “Wait ‘til you see August!” OMG, we’re gonna need a bigger boat and a longer article. For now, let’s roll the credits over some crazy outtakes and cool music!
Please note: the library will be closed on Friday, July 4 for Independence Day.
TFL hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit our website www.thompsonfreelibrary.org, our Facebook page, Instagram @tf_library or contact us at thompsonfreelibrary@gmail.com or 207-564-3350. All programs are free & open to the public.