Expect a great September with Thompson Free Library
By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library
Great expectations may be the title of a Dickens’ classic, but when it comes to psychology, having high expectations can lead to disappointment. Tempering them — or being so in the moment that you don’t have any — often translates into being pleasantly surprised, which is a very pleasant state of mind. So, here it is: a cautiously optimistic forecast for September at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft.
Read and Feed’s Michelle Fagan never knows what to expect when she hits the road with her bundle of books and produce (all are free!) stopping at various area locations. Catch her on Sept. 2 and Sept. 9 (both Wednesdays) — her last two outings of the year.
Next, we’ll get the chance to dive into a wonderfully relevant history lesson. The Maine Historical Society, the Maine State Library, Foxcroft Academy and TFL are excited to host the original copy of the Declaration of Independence on Sept. 3-5 at the Jim Robinson Field House. There will be educational activities for local schools, as well as numerous public viewing opportunities. This will be the only chance to see it in Piscataquis County. Viewing is free but tickets are required: https://mainehistory.rezgo.com/details/424996/declaration-of-independence-tour-foxcroft-academy.
Growing up in Dexter, Monson was a place we drove through to get to Borestone Mountain and where they made Moosehead Furniture and Appalachian Trail hikers stayed. Things have changed dramatically (like a James Beard-award-winning restaurant!) in the last decade or so. Now it’s a surprisingly popular Maine destination. Trying to keep up with all that’s going on there is challenging. Thankfully, Rae O’leary from the Monson Collaborative will give us an up-to-date overview at “Exploring Monson 101: Small Town, Big Personality” on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 1:30 p.m.
At 6 p.m. on Sept. 10, TFL’s Reading Group discusses “1,000 White Women: The Journals of May Dodd” by Jim Fergus. It’s the story of a colorful assembly of pioneer women who, under the auspices of the U.S. government, travel to the western prairies in 1875 to intermarry among the Cheyenne Indians. “Forrest Gump” author Winston Groom describes it as, “A superb tale of sorrow, suspense, exultation, and triumph.” Copies available at the library.
Keeping expectations in check when trying a new food is key. Don’t you hate when someone raves about something, then you taste it and it’s like “meh.” Ages 12 through high school: we want your reviews. Our own teen-adjacent queen, Michelle, came up with the “Teen Taste Test” on Tuesday, Sept. 22 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. She shares the deets, “We have a box of South Korean snacks from Universal Yums. We will be trying everything and rating our favorites.”
Thursday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. author Dana Green talks about his book “Maine A Short Story Collection: Mysteries of Rural & Seacoast Life: including his award-winning story “This World Will Remember Me”. His collection of 14 heartfelt stories, set in 1950-2000, are uplifting, nostalgic and psychological thrillers full of suspense that feel like modern day fables.
Having any expectations at all, ever, when it comes to cats is kind of crazy. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t exquisite and lovable creatures, be sure to join us for another episode of “Caturday” on Saturday, Sept. 26. Be prepared to be smitten and possibly ignored.
Fall means TFL’s Youth Services Librarian Michelle dons her homeschool hat and knows some of you might have questions. If you are a new or seasoned homeschool family and are looking for a way to add the library into the mix, reach out to Michelle and she will happily help you find something that might work for you and your family.
If you’re in the mood for a road trip — or several — and are a library superfan or even library curious this contest sounds really cool, as do the prizes. TFL’s Director Jon Knepp gives us the scoop, “September is Library Card Signup Month and the Maine Library Association in partnership with the Maine State Library is starting its Library Passport Contest to celebrate! Brochures will be available online at mainelibraries.org/passport or at the library and library superfans can try to collect stamps and signatures from a library in each of Maine’s 16 counties. Those that complete the contest will be recognized by MLA and MSL and be entered into a drawing for prizes. We have prizes from LL Bean, Briar Patch Book Store, Shaw’s, Hannaford and the Maine Whoopie Pie Festival and hope to add more sponsors, as well as collect library merch from around the state to hand out.”
People from all over the country stop in at TFL and most are pleasantly surprised to find a library like ours — and all that we offer — in a small town in rural Maine. We’ve exceeded expectations just by being who we are and doing what we do. September is the perfect time to flash your library card proudly — or finally sign up for one — and hit the trail, exploring up and down and across our great state.
Please note: the library will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 8 for the Labor Day holiday. We apologize for any inconvenience.
TFL hours: Tues & Thurs 9-7, Weds & Fri 9-5, 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 & open to the public. Free Wi-Fi available 24/7 in the parking lot.