In: Arts & Crafts, Children, Community, Events, Movies, News

Enjoy the holidays at TFL!

At 6 pm on Friday, Dec. 6, Hometown Holidays kicks off with a special free showing of a brand-new Disney Christmas movie in the library’s downstairs meeting room. This charming take on a timeless tale features the wonderful Anna Kendrick (from Portland) as Santa’s daughter as well as Emmy winner Bill Hader and Oscar winner Shirley MacLaine. A fun time for the whole family with hot cocoa and cookies too.

The festive vibe continues on Saturday, Dec. 7 as TFL’s lead elf, Ms. Michelle, hosts ornament making from 9 am to noon. This Hometown Holidays program spotlights simple crafts aimed towards kids.

That same day from 9 am to 1 pm be sure to visit the Dover Cove Farmers Market downstairs. Support local farmers, get gift ideas, and stock up for all your holiday get-togethers. And don’t miss this year’s cookie walk. Super yum.

Ms. Michelle spreads even more holiday cheer with Christmas cookie decorating from 4-5 pm on Thursday, Dec. 19. You get to take home your own merry and bright (and tasty) treats.

The library elves want you to know that the Hallmark Channel isn’t your only refuge this holiday season. Our awesome holiday stash is on full display: an impressive lineup of new and classic DVDs and winter-themed books for all ages to keep you holly jolly and content. If you’ve lost your yuletide mojo, need some no-cost fun, or want to explore something a bit deeper, December at TFL will meet your expectations.

Holiday hours:

  • 9 am – 1 pm on Wednesday, Dec 24 & Tuesday, Dec 31
  • CLOSED on Wednesday, Dec 25 & Wednesday, Jan 1.

In: Authors, Events, News, Philosophy

Interested in philosophy, Hindu spirituality, or how to plan for a successful life and smooth transition to end of life? Join us on Tuesday, December 10 at 5:30 pm as Dr. Krishna Bhatta speaks on the topic of “Achieving Higher Purpose” and his new book Journey from Life to Life. Dr. Bhatta is an author, surgeon and an inventor, currently practicing as chief of urology at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, Maine.

About the Book:

Journey from Life to Life demystifies the underlying principles of life and death, one of the world’s most thought about existential questions. Dr. Krishna Bhatta meets Western readers where they are, providing an accessible, easy entry into even the most sophisticated aspects of eastern teachings.

In this book, Dr. Bhatta offers:

  • Insights into the nature of the human soul and its journey
  • Practical advice on what to do with our spiritual understanding
  • An understanding of the importance of planning for a successful life, smooth transition to end of life and the journey beyond
  • Answers to the question, “Can I plan for the next life too?”

Journey from Life to Life is an open hand extended in invitation. Join the expedition and let Dr. Krishna Bhatta be your guide. Seek the unseen world and find joys in this life and beyond.

About the Author:

Dr. Bhatta began his life in a small Indian village, attended Patna Medical College in India, continued his education in the UK, and completed his research & medical training at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Dr. Bhatta is equal parts practical and spiritual; he speaks and writes on meditation and spiritual topics, and frequently travels across the globe to meditate at holy sites and speak with luminaries from various spiritual traditions. He lives in Maine with his wife, Nayantara, who is an OB/GYN and their two children, also physicians.

 

In: Community, Events, Movies

Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District (PCSWCD) will be offering a showing of “Inhabit: A Permaculture Perspective,” a feature length documentary introducing permaculture. Permaculture is a gardening design method that offers an ecological lens for solving issues related to agriculture, economics, governance, and more, and utilizes the patterns and resilient features observed in natural ecosystems. It uses these principles in a growing number of fields from regenerative agriculture, rewilding, community and organizational design and development.

The film presents a vast array of projects, concepts and people, and it translates the diversity of permaculture into something that can be understood by an equally diverse audience. For those familiar with permaculture, it will be a call to action and a glimpse into what’s possible – what kind of projects and solutions are already underway. For those unfamiliar, it will be an introduction to a new way of being and a new way of relating to the Earth. For everyone, it will be a reminder that humans are capable of being planetary healing forces.

Come to the Thompson Free Library on November 22nd at 6 pm and enjoy this documentary offered by Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District. PCSWCD has been raising awareness of permaculture methods for the Law Farm, located on Lee Cemetery road in Dover-Foxcroft, and this movie showing will wrap up 2019’s Permaculture series of events. Please register for this event by emailing info@piscataquisswcd.org or calling (207) 564-2321 ext. 3 to reserve your spot.

In: Community, Events, Music, Poetry

A Celebration of Maine’s Natural World through Poetry and Music

Two poets and two musicians will come together to celebrate Maine’s natural world through poetry and music on Sunday, November 17, 2:30-3:30 pm at the Dexter Universalist Church and Tuesday, November 19, 5:30-6:30 pm at the Thompson Free Library. This special Poetry & Strings program will feature poets Kristen Lindquist and Paul Corrigan reading their work, with musicians Susan Ramsey on violin and guitar and Ruth Fogg on cello.

There is something wonderful about the recitation of poetry and the performance of music that allows each art to stand on its own. But the cross-fertilization that arises when the two are combined is something even more special and uplifting, as these four performers have discovered with their unique program. Inspired musicians can make poetic images soar, transporting the audience by evoking thoughts and feelings beyond the words themselves and adding layers of thought and meaning.

Kristen Lindquist is a poet and naturalist from Camden. Her poetry and other writings have appeared in Down East and the Bangor Daily News, as well as many literary journals and anthologies. She writes a monthly Maine natural history column for PenBayPilot.com and has published three poetry collections; her book TRANSPORTATION was a finalist for the 2012 Maine Literary Award.

Paul Corrigan, from Millinocket, is a poet and essayist who has worked as a Baxter Park Ranger, a high school English teacher, and a whitewater rafting guide. His poems, essays, and stories are inspired by his lifelong love of the Maine woods. His poems have appeared in such publications as the Maine Times, Yankee, and the anthology MAINE SPEAKS, which is used statewide in the public schools.

Susan Ramsey shares her love of music around New England with folksinger/songwriter David Mallett and as the violinist for the touring chamber ensemble Highlands Classical. She also composes and arranges sacred and secular music for the North Country Strings. With a degree in music from Smith College, Susan directs the Foxcroft Academy String Program, operates a private music studio, and serves as Music Director for the Methodist Church in Dover-Foxcroft. The beauty of Maine inspires her to teach, perform, and compose music.

Ruth Fogg is also a member of the Highlands Classical ensemble and performs regularly with Susan as the North Country Strings Duo and the Arts Exchange Cello Ensemble. She currently teaches cello in addition to tuning pianos. She started playing the cello at the age of nine and has played in many groups since then.

In: Events

Back by popular demand (and because we have a superabundant supply!) the Friends of the Thompson Free Library will hold their popular Ten Cent Book Sale: Nov 7-9 (Thursday 3-7 pm; Friday 9 am-5 pm; Saturday 9 am-1 pm). Dig out the change at the bottom of your purse, deflate that bulging wallet and come find fun, inexpensive gifts or the perfect gem to add to your collection.

Proceeds from this sale are for children’s programming. Included in the sale are weeded and donated paperbacks and hardcovers, fiction and non-fiction, children’s books, audio tapes and DVDs, and puzzles. Call 207-564-3350 for more information.