A nourishing November at Thompson Free Library
By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library
As November drops, you may ask yourself, “Well, how did I get here?” Incredulous that once again we’re rushing around prepping for winter — with the holidays anxiously waiting in the wings. This month at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft we focus on ways to feed your mind, body and soul.
Many of us don’t give eating breakfast a second thought, it’s just a routine way to start the day and fuel ourselves. For lots of individuals and families, though, food insecurity is a big problem, but there’s an easy way to help: TFL’s Cereal Drive. Drop off new, unopened boxes of cereal at the library through Nov. 25. All cereal we collect will go to Piscataquis Regional Food Center to be distributed locally and in surrounding communities.
Kids with special needs and their caregivers can find nurturing support and connection with the Sensory Play Group on Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 5:30 p.m. downstairs at the library (geared towards kids with disabilities or who are neurodiverse, but all are welcome).
TFL’s Michelle Fagan is coordinating a Read & Feed vegetable distribution on Friday, Nov. 7 starting at 9 a.m. “People can stop in the library and pick up some veggies. We ask that people only take what they will use. People can pick up for others within reason,” says Michelle.
Bond over books with TFL’s Reading Group on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. when they discuss “This Tender Land” by William Kent Krueger. In her Amazon review Sheila the Reader describes the book as “a breathtaking epic that follows four orphaned children — Odie, Albert, Mose and Emmy — on an unforgettable journey during the Great Depression. Fleeing the cruelty of the Lincoln Indian Training School, the children embark on a life-changing adventure down the Gilead River, encountering both the harshness and beauty of humanity. Their odyssey is filled with challenges, heartbreak and moments of grace as they search for a place to call home.” Copies available at the library.
Forget black Friday and cyber Monday, spend your hard-earned money — or just browse and soak up the colorful vibes, at TFL’s Authors and Artisans Night Market from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15. This exciting event is another creative brainchild from Michelle (2024’s Maine librarian of the year) who sets the scene for us, “We’ll have Maine authors of adult and children’s books selling books and chatting in the library and outside under the warm glow of lights we will have vendors with lots of different products such as soap, cookies, art, and other fun gift ideas. We will also be having the FA Key Club offering coffee and hot cocoa and Penquis Youth Hockey Association selling soups, chili and more to warm people up.”
Community Health and Counseling Services’ Michelle Osterman will be at TFL on Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and every third Wednesday after that. She’ll have a table near the computers and be ready to provide a wealth of information, crisis support and useful resources. She’s also just fun to talk to and comes bearing cool swag.
Enjoy family time together and let someone else do the cooking at Family Fun Night on Friday, Nov. 21 at 5:30 p.m. Play a trivia game and enjoy pulled pork sandwiches!
You know why I love scrolling TFL’s Instagram feed? Because nestled in between Aislinn Sarnacki’s and Ed Muennich’s beautiful nature photos, Mountain Blaze Arts’ vibrant hats and wild stories and Turning Page Farm’s adorable goats and cool cabins, there be cats and more cats! If you also find feline energy comforting, be sure to join us on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Caturday starring Director Jon Knepp’s rascally friends, Freya and Andy, Jr.
This November we’re throwing our support behind area authors, artisans, businesses and organizations and invite you to do the same. When we help others, we nourish ourselves and build positive momentum and change. Libraries help sustain communities in so many ways. We hope you take advantage of our programs, resources, and services in addition to checking out the latest books!
Plan ahead: the library will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) and Nov. 27-29 (Thursday to Saturday for the Thanksgiving holiday).
TFL hours: Tues. & Thurs. 9-7, Weds. & Fri. 9-5 & Sat. 9-1. Visit our website ww.wthompsonfreelibrary.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. Free Wi-Fi available 24/7 in the parking lot.