Leave the planning to us at Thompson Free Library
By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library
I was trying to nail down the details of a post-work visit at a friend’s camp on the lake. My rambling texts, filled with scenarios about a possible late lunch, ended with, “Let’s decide tomorrow” but a new day did not make me any more decisive. Then this text arrived, “I could make us sandwiches and/or salad — I really don’t mind!” A weight was lifted. I replied, “That sounds great!” Weird how seemingly simply tasks can overwhelm, but my mood genuinely lightened.
That’s how it can feel — you want to do something fun, interesting or different, but it sounds like too much effort. Wouldn’t it be nice to take a break from planning, coordinating and all the mental gymnastics? August at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft offers an amazing array of great programs for adults, kids and families. As summer winds down, let us do the organizing for you, we’ll be your activities director and your concierge — all you have to do is show up!
Frolicking felines, Freya and Andy, Jr., will headline two Caturday’s in August (Saturday, Aug. 2 and Aug. 30.) Don’t miss the chance to hang out with Director Jon Knepp’s adorable and inquisitive cats from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on both days.
Put on your dancin’ shoes and experience the incredible rhythmic energy of PanStorm in concert Saturday, Aug. 2 at 6 p.m. This family event is put on by the Maine Highlands Council for the Arts. Donations welcome.
Bring some cash and score the hottest deals around at “TFL’s Ten Cent Basement Book Sale” Aug. 7-9. (Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p..m, Saturday 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.).
Leave the logistics to Ms. Michelle (Youth Services Librarian Michelle Fagan) for “Slip and Slide” on Thursday, Aug. 7 at 10:30 a.m. Kids should come ready to play and dress to get wet!
We board the nostalgia train on Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. as Maine author Dave Albee stops by to talk about his well-received book “The Last One Out of Town Turn Out the Lights” that marks the 50th anniversary season of Foxcroft Academy’s only state basketball championship. It weaves unpopular decisions to cut popular players from the team, fights with hated rivals and a phantom foul that should never have been called and that lead to the kind of championship season that all small towns, coaches, players and fans treasure for a lifetime. Gibran Graham from The Briar Patch will be there to sell books.
Discerning minds want to know what the difference between a seabird and a shorebird is. Retired Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Shorebird Biologist Lindsay Tudor explains that and more at “Maine Seabirds and Shorebirds 101” on Thursday, Aug. 14 at 1:30 p.m. Lindsay discusses how Maine’s coastal areas provide critical habitat for nesting, wintering and feeding and resting during migration as well as what threatens these habitats and how we can protect these awesome species from further population declines.
We had the windows open as the Foxcroft Academy Alumni Band warmed up last year. There’s nothing quite like reshelving books to the “Mission Impossible” theme. They’re back with another eclectic soundtrack of big band classics, swing and Latin dance tunes, and pop favorites! Don’t miss them live in concert on Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. Bring a lawn chair if you can.
Reminder that end of summer reading papers are due no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15 because from 5-7:30 p.m. Ms. Michelle has designed a fantastic familypalooza “End of Summer Reading Party” featuring a bounce house, games, snacks and Darling’s Ice Cream for a Cause — enjoy yummy ice cream with donations going to the Piscataquis Regional Food Center. Summer reading prize winners will also be drawn!
Teens have a convenient way to meet their Foxcroft Academy reading requirements. Stop by and talk books you’ve read with Ms. Michelle on Tuesday and Friday afternoons. Please call ahead to make sure she will be available.
Keep in mind: Reading with Erma’s last day will be Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 2 p.m.
Author Tim Cotton, always an engaging speaker, returns to TFL on Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. Tim, of Bangor PD Facebook fame, will discuss his new book “Donut Holes for the Soul”. It’s described as a collection of essays that celebrate simple pleasures, timeless friendships and the enduring bonds of family and community. His stories evoke laughter, warmth and a sense of home.
TFL’s summer music series goes out on a high note with North Country Strings Classical Concert on Saturday, Aug. 23 at 6 p.m. Talented young musicians of the North Country Strings Music Studio are the stars of the show. It’s the perfect summertime playlist: ragtime, jazz, fiddle tunes, movie tunes, world Music and up-tempo classical pieces.
Amanda Reimer from the Maine Appalachian Trail Club takes us into the “Alpine Worlds of Maine” on Thursday, Aug. 28 at 6 p.m. These “living museums” above the treeline are home to unique plant communities and resilient animals. Learn about the extraordinary nature of these remarkable ecosystems and what we can do to protect them.
Michelle drives TFL’s Read and Feed Mobile around the area on Wednesdays, sharing free books and free produce. The program ends for the year on Sept. 3. Contact the library or check our social media for details.
Whether it’s due to stress, overscheduling, caregiver burnout, health issues, lack of sleep or lack of motivation — we’re not judging — sometimes it just feels great to have something taken off your plate, not have to think too much or coordinate till the cows come home. You’d like to just get there, relax and have fun. So, grab your August calendar and see you at the library!
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 websitethompsonfreelibrary.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.