Opportunities abound with Thompson Free Library
By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library
We are so lucky to have such incredible forests, lakes and mountains in our backyard. One of my favorite drives is around Moosehead Lake, especially in autumn, stopping in Rockwood to get a closer look at monolithic Mount Kineo, rising from the choppy waters. The Thompson Free Library, with its Dover-Foxcroft location, is a gateway to so many different ecosystems and opportunities. Our August lineup highlights that diversity.
The Moosehead Regional Land Trust will hold their annual meeting outside in the TFL Pavilion on Saturday, Aug. 1 from 9 a.m. to noon. The Land Trust works to conserve and protect the headwaters of the Kennebec and Penobscot watersheds and to sustain public access to land in the Moosehead region. If you’ve ever wondered how to conserve your own beloved piece of Maine land, you’ll want to hear guest speaker Jerry Bley’s thoughts on the topic. Jerry is a prominent land use and environmental conservation consultant and founder of Creative Conservation, LLC. For decades he’s helped conserve Maine’s working forests, coastal regions and community spaces. This event is free and open to the public.
You’ll have a whale of a tale to tell after attending “Within the Whale” on Thursday, Aug. 6 at 10:30 a.m. at Central Hall Commons. Get a whale tour, along with educational activities, while standing inside a life-size inflatable humpback. Geared toward elementary ages but all are welcome.
Some Reel People call themselves a “joyous and ever-evolving traditional country dance band from the Dexter area.” They’re also Real Popular thanks to the combined sounds of fiddles, guitars, mandolin, recorder, banjo, bass and accordions that will make you want to dance! They’ll be in concert at TFL on Aug. 6 at 6 p.m.
When the walls — well, dominoes — come tumbling down — no worries, it’s just part of the fun. Build and topple towers and more with local domino expert Jewel Anderson on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 1 p.m. Bring patience, a steady hand, and a sense of humor. Piscataquis 4-H will provide light refreshments. All ages welcome.
Ok, bane of our existence is over the top, but it’s definitely a sticky wicket, thorn in our side, a pain-in-the-you-know-what type of thing: how to eat better on a tight budget. Pick up lots of good info at “Living Well, Eating Well 101: Budget-friendly Tips for Long-term Health” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 1:30 p.m. Kate Yerxa, MS, RD with UMaine Cooperative Extension, shares kitchen swaps, shopping strategies, and low-cost, flavorful meal ideas geared to protect your heart, manage blood sugar, and help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.
At 6 p.m. on Aug. 13, TFL’s Reading Group discusses “Cloud Cuckoo Land” by Anthony Doerr. From the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of “All the Light We Cannot See”, comes this bestseller that is a “wildly inventive, a humane and uplifting book for adults that’s infused with the magic of childhood reading experiences” (The New York Times Book Review).
Every year it wins raves and creates special memories, mark your calendars for the “End of Summer Reading Party” on Friday, Aug. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. We’ll pick the summer reading raffle winners, have games, play laser tag and enjoy the bounce house! Penquis Prevention Council will be back again to cook up a free barbecue. Remember to turn reading logs in by 4 p.m. — raffle drawing at 5:30. All are welcome, even those who did not participate in summer reading.
Maine author and fly-fishing guide Ryan Brod stops by the library on Thursday, Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. to discuss his book “Tributaries”. In this collection of outdoor essays, “Brod’s passion and respect for the creatures, their habitat and dignity, infuse each page with his lyrical prose. Luxuriant with detail, these essays usher the reader toward the intersection of flora, fauna, family, and friendship. Ultimately, “Tributaries” leaves us with a deeper awareness of our own personal ecosystems” (Author Catharine Murray).
We’re showcasing the captivating artwork of a young local artist named Sakura who is going into eighth grade this year. She’s self-taught, paints mostly pop-surrealism and her favorite artist is Salvador Dali.
Our Read and Feed program is still in full swing as TFL’s Michelle Fagan drives around the area each Wednesday giving away free books and fresh produce at designated locations. For more details, contact the library.
Be sure to catch the last few sessions of Reading with Erma. April and Erma will be at the library helping kids brush up on their reading skills Tuesdays at 2 p.m. on Aug. 4, 11 and 18.
Libraries act as ecosystems and gateways, mirroring the communities and the landscapes around us and hopefully providing resources for all to thrive, flourish, and live better. We’re constantly reminded of our interconnectedness, whether on top of Mount Kineo or checking out books at the circulation desk. Summer may be winding down, but we’re not slowing down — take advantage of August and everything after at TFL.
TFL hours: Tues & Thurs 9-7, Weds & Fri 9-5 and Sat 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. Free Wi-Fi available 24/7 in the parking lot.