In: Children, Community, News

The Thompson Free Library now has a library membership to the Maine Discovery Museum in Bangor! The Maine Discovery Museum is the largest children’s museum north of Boston. Their hands-on, interactive exhibits invite children to explore the worlds of science, nature, geography, children’s literature, music, art, and anatomy.

The library membership allows us to offer free admission each day for a group of up to four people. You can reserve a pass in advance, or call or stop by the library to see if it is available!

In: Community, News, Outdoors

Are you interested in exploring Maine this summer? For a second year, Thompson Free Library patrons can borrow a vehicle pass for day-use to Maine State Parks and Historic Sites. This pass is made possible by a generous gift of the Friends of Maine State Parks. Passes can be checked out for two days, and allow a vehicle holding up to 17 people entrance to many state parks and historic sites, including Peaks-Kenny.

Please note that passes are not accepted at Acadia National Park, Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Baxter State Park, Maine Wildlife Park, Peacock Beach, Penobscot Narrows Observatory, Penobscot River Corridor, Scarborough Beach, Songo Lock or Swan Island. View a list of participating parks here, or contact the library to find out more!

In: Community, Events

Restructuring Relationships After the Death of a Loved One

People often discover that there are multiple unexpected losses following the death of a loved one. Acquaintances and friends may not know how to interact with the bereaved and begin to withdraw from their relationship. Family relationships often change. The bereaved will attempt to maintain prior relationships, but for whatever reason people may not reciprocate. These losses or significant changes in friendships, family, and connections can make one’s grief and grief journey all the more difficult to navigate.

Dr. Deborah Drew, Professor and Director of Counseling and Human Relations at Husson University and Clinical Consultant for Pine Tree Hospice will be addressing this topic in a special seminar scheduled for Thursday, May 23, from 1-2:30 pm at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft.  This free event is open to everyone in the community.

For further information or to register, please call Pine Tree Hospice at (207) 564-4346.

In: Book Group, Caregiving, Community, Events

The Caregivers Book Group, sponsored by Maine Humanities Council and Pine Tree Hospice, is a great way to learn about caregiving experiences from a variety of perspectives.  Thought provoking readings will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation of loss and the American experience.

Our next Book Group meeting is Monday, June 3rd, from 4:00 – 5:30, at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft.  We will be discussing poems in the last section of Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith’s American Anthology, and the novel Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress, by Dai Sijie.  All materials are available at the Thompson Free Library.  Our experienced facilitator is Greg Winston, professor of English at Husson University, who asks questions, provides insights, and enjoys learning from the group as much as we enjoy learning from him.

This Book Group is the perfect place to meet new people, connect with friends and enjoy a new reading experience. Please feel free to join us even if you have not had the opportunity to read the material.  For more information, please call Pine Tree Hospice at 564-4346.

In: Community, Maine History

You’re invited to join our community oral history project! This month’s theme is Moms & Proms. Looking for something special to do for Mother’s Day? Come to the library with your mom to interview her and help preserve her memories. Or, bring a friend and share your prom stories! We will provide recording equipment and suggested questions to help guide your interview. We will also provide scanning equipment for photos. With permission, your recording and images will be become part of the Voices from HOME oral history archive.

Voices from HOME is a community-based oral history project coordinated by the Thompson Free Library and funded by a grant from the Maine Community Foundation. Our project partners include The Commons at Central Hall, the Dover-Foxcroft Historical Society, University of Maine Cooperative Extension Piscataquis County, and other participating organizations and community members. Each month, Voices from HOME will host a recording event on a different theme at locations around the Heart of Maine region.

For more information, please contact Greta or Michelle at the library.