News

By Kim Brawn

You never know what someone is going through so be kind. We’ve all heard variations of that quote—urging us to lead with empathy. Challenges can be seen or unseen, known or unknown, big or small. Programs and services at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft can help you navigate these challenges (possibly eradicate some!)—or at least distract you from them.

January 2025 starts off with a wonderfully curated lineup from Michelle Fagan, our youth services librarian. Ms. Michelle understands the challenges people face and likes to address them head on in fun, inventive ways.

Let your problems melt away in the Hygge Nook every Wednesday from 3:30-5 p.m. Come relax in a cozy space and do quiet activities. All ages are welcome but please remember it’s a quiet space with whispers only.

Kickstart the new year by joining TFL’s monthly Reading Group. They meet Thursday, January 9 at 6 p.m. to discuss Moon in Full by Marpheen Chann, a second-generation Asian American writer, speaker, civil rights advocate, and gay man whose debut memoir examines various obstacles that he has faced. “Moon in Full is a beautifully written, deeply layered and open-hearted story about so many things: beauty, love, pain, loss, reunion, displacement and forgiveness,” writes author Jaed Coffin. (Copies available at TFL.)

It can be hard to find accessible, family friendly activities so mark your calendars and join us from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14 for our monthly Family Fun Night. There will be trivia and chili and activities for younger kids too.

When you homeschool your children it can be hard for them to connect with other kids  and for you to meet other adults on a similar path. That’s why Ms. Michelle came up with Homeschool Drop-in time. In January, feel free to stop by the library from 1-2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15 to gather with other homeschool families during this monthly program which features self-led projects for the kids.

Caturday has quickly turned into (almost) everyone’s favorite Saturday of the month at TFL. It’s when our director Jon Knepp brings his adorable cats, Freya and Andy Jr., to the library. Join us 9-1 on Saturday, January 18 to watch these fabulous felines play, lounge, groom, and sleep—maybe even get a chance to pet them. (For those who are allergic or not feline fans, please let us know and accommodations will be made.)

Reading together as a family is great fun and an invaluable learning experience. TFL’s monthly Family Book Club is the perfect way to foster a love of books and improve reading skills. Join Ms. Michelle 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21 to eat pizza and talk books. Chat about the current read Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh and get next month’s book Gone Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright. (Contact Michelle for copies.)

Sensory Play Group is a monthly program for children who are neurodivergent or have disabilities that offers support and connection to both kids and their caregivers. There will be play activities with many ability ranges in mind. Bring a bag lunch or snack from home to eat during the group time. January’s session will be held on the Tuesday the 28th from 5:30-6:30 p.m. (Open to the whole family, all ages.)

Libraries can’t solve every problem, but they can definitely help. It’s amazing how much better we feel when we conquer small tasks like printing a return label, a favorite recipe or making copies of a flyer—or bigger ones like faxing important documents or researching a newly diagnosed health issue. We don’t need to know the specifics of what everyone is dealing with—or spill the tea on ourselves—but it’s good to know that whatever the new year brings, we’re not alone, there are valuable resources nearby and kind people who will rise to the challenge.

Please note the library’s holiday schedule: Closing at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24. Closed on Christmas & New Year’s Day (Wednesday, December 25 & Wednesday, January 1.)

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.

By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library

At times, we all find ourselves “going down the rabbit hole.” Today that expression brings to mind watching endless YouTube videos—one spiraling into a dozen—we can’t seem to look away and don’t know have a clue where we’re going. It’s actually a reference to Alice in Wonderland, the classic children’s novel by Lewis Carroll where the white rabbit and the rabbit hole are symbols of curiosity, fantasy, and escape. So come hippity-hop down the rabbit hole with us this November at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft as we celebrate the wonder of Jan Brett, meet an array of wonderful characters—real and imagined—and engage in lots of fun activities.

TFL’s Family Book Club meets on Tuesday, November 19 at 5:30 p.m. to eat pizza and talk about The Rescuers by Margery Sharp. You’ll also get the next book, Bliss by Kathryn Littlewood.

Homeschool families are welcome to socialize, play games, and do a craft during “Homeschool Drop-in” on Wednesday, November 20 from 1-2:30 p.m. Added bonus: special guest Jewell will demonstrate and build domino mazes.

Youth services librarian Michelle Fagan (a.k.a. Ms. Michelle) hosts a graphic novel book club at Sedomocha on Thursday, November 21 from 3:15-4:30 p.m. It will be held in the Sedomocha library and is for students grades 4-6. There will be a snack and an activity. (Sign up is required.)

You’ll find director Jon Knepp’s own cute and mischievous Cheshire Cats, Freya and Andy Jr., wandering the library on Caturday—Saturday, November 23 from 9-1 p.m. Come say hi  and chill with these fabulous felines—cats can help lower your heart rate and blood pressure and reduce the stress hormone cortisol.

Families with neurodivergent children or children with special needs are invited to join the Sensory Play Group on Tuesday, November 26 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. It’s a safe and comfortable place for children to play and socialize and for adults to connect. This program is co-hosted by Jennifer Cook from Penquis Cap.

To celebrate bestselling children’s author and illustrator Jan Brett’s visit, we will have a special story walk set up outside the library of her newest book, Alice in a Winter Wonderland. Families can come and read the story on Friday, November 29 from 2-4 p.m. and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies under the pavilion. In Jan’s version, Alice spies a white rabbit checking his pocket watch before hippity-hopping down a crevasse in an Alaskan glacier, she knows she must follow him. Soon she finds favorite characters from the original story come to life as vibrant animals native to Alaska making this classic tale shine through a fresh lens. (This is a self-led story walk.)

The next day, Saturday, November 30,  Jan arrives in her show-stopping tour bus for her Alice in a Winter Wonderland event at Center Theatre. Beginning at 5 p.m. Jan will do a  20–30-minute drawing illustration and presentation and then sign books. During the book signing, Ms. Michelle will have crafts to entertain families waiting in line and Center Theatre will sell concessions. Fan favorite Hedgie will make an appearance too!

This is a ticketed event. Most tickets have been sold but you can check with Center Theatre to see if tickets are available.  (If you aren’t able to get tickets, watch for emails and social media posts for any opportunities for last minute ticket openings.)

Libraries and books are the best kind of rabbit holes. Whether you tip toe in or jump—you’ll be surprised by what you learn and discover—they’re a great way to flex your curiosity, open your mind, and fire up your imagination. Stop by TFL this November and start your own adventure in wonderland!

Please note: The library will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday. (You can still enjoy the outside story walk on Friday from 2-4!).

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.

Our October newsletter is out now. Click the link below to see it!

October 2024 [pdf]

The Wicked Busy Summah | Art All Around | Good Pie to Summer | Mission Accomplished! | Is Morgan Talty Ok? | Dear Diary | Musis to Our Ears | A Walk Down Memory Lane | Head, Heart, Hands, and Health| Bringing Up Baby | All Hands on Deck | Garden State | Macro Benefits | Screenshots |  Eulogy for a Neighborhood Cat Like No Other

Thompson Free Library, The Briar Patch, and the Center Theatre for the Performing Arts are delighted to announce that #1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Jan Brett will visit the Center Theatre on November 30th at 5 p.m. as part of her Alice in a Winter Wonderland tour.

 

This special event will feature a 20-minute drawing illustration and presentation by Jan Brett, followed by a book signing. Admission to the event is free, but attendees are encouraged to register in advance at https://www.centertheatre.org/jan-brett-2024. Attendees will be limited to 4 tickets per order and tickets will be available starting at 10 AM on Wednesday October 2nd.

 

To participate in the book signing, attendees must purchase a copy of Alice in a Winter Wonderland from The Briar Patch bookstore, either via preorder at https://bit.ly/47HFvjc or at the event itself. The Briar Patch will also have a selection of Jan Brett’s backlist titles available for purchase.

 

The first 100 families to arrive will receive a free signed Jan Brett poster, and Jan will sign as many books as time allows. If time runs short, signed bookplates featuring Jan’s artwork will be provided.

 

Families are also invited to take photographs next to Jan’s tour bus, which will be parked in the Center Theatre parking lot at 4 p.m., and meet Hedgie, Jan’s beloved character from The Mitten and The Hat. Family friendly activities sponsored by Thompson Free Library will also be available at the Center Theatre. 

 

For more information about this event, please contact Thompson Free Library at (207)564-3350 or info@thompsonfreelibrary.org. The Center Theatre is located at 20 East Main St., in Dover-Foxcroft. 

 

About Jan Brett

Jan Brett is the renowned author and illustrator of numerous bestselling children’s books, including The Mitten, The Nutcracker, and The Snowy Nap. Her signature style and captivating stories have delighted readers of all ages for decades. Alice in a Winter Wonderland is her latest enchanting creation, offering a unique twist on a classic tale.

 

FAQ:

1) Can I bring books from home for Jan Brett to sign?

-Usually the expected attendance at events does not allow for books from home to be signed.

However, we are happy to provide as many signed bookplates as you need.

2) Can I have multiple copies of Alice in a Winter Wonderland signed at my turn in line?

-Crowd size dictates how many books can be signed per person. Often this only allows one

book per person, however, we encourage you to make strategic signing line plans with your

friends. Of course, we have signed bookplates for the rest of your purchases.

3) How can I get a good spot in the signing line?

-When you pick-up your pre-purchased book at the event, The Briar Patch will give you a wrist band with a number for the signing line. Numbers will be given out based on the order in which books are picked-up on the day of the event, not in the order in which they were ordered. The Thompson Free Library has crafts/activities planned to keep families busy while they wait their turn.

4) I can’t wait for two hours! What do I do?

-We have beautifully designed signed Jan Brett bookplates for anyone not able to join the line.

5) Can I order a book to be signed even if I don’t attend the event?

-Crowd size will determine whether there is time for Jan to sign pre-ordered books for customers who are not able to attend the event. If we run out of time, we promise to give you as many beautiful signed bookplates as you need for your order.

By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library

Library vibes can change faster than Maine’s weather. One minute a frenzied gaggle of kids planning projects, laughing and playing—their moms eagerly chatting nearby. Ten minutes later, a patron walks in, looks around at the empty space and takes in the silence, “Wow it’s so quiet today.”  We shake our heads and laugh, “Not really!” After one supremely hectic summer, we are ready for a change of pace. But there’s still plenty to do this October at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft—as old favorites commingle with intriguing new ones.

Youth services librarian Michelle Fagan’s much-anticipated “Hygge Nook” premieres Wednesday, October 2. Hygge (pronounced hue-guh) is a Danish word that refers to a cozy quality that makes a person feel content and comfortable. Each Wednesday from 3:30-5 p.m. through March, TFL will have a cozy, quiet space for you to read, knit, write, or quietly gather. While all ages are welcome, please understand that this is a quiet space designed for whispers and quiet activities. 

TFL’s books sales may run the gamut vibe-wise but they sure do generate a lot of excitement, while raising money for children’s programming. Get ready for some super deals as our Ten Cent Basement Book Sale returns October 10-12 (Thurs. 10-6, Fri. 9-5, & Sat. 9-12:30). 

On Thursday, October 10 at 6 p.m. TFL’s Reading Group meets to discuss Mexican Gothic, a book that gives big gothic horror vibes. The Chicago Review of Books says that author Silvia Moreno-Garcia puts equal weight on both words of the title “. . . [it is] both unmistakably Gothic—full of suspicion, paranoia, literal and figurative darkness—and proudly Mexican, rooted in a specific culture and time in a way that expands and enhances the story.” (Copies available at the library.)

The Family Book Club starts up again on Tuesday, October 5 at 5:30 p.m. and runs monthly through May. During the initial meeting, you’ll get the first book (The Rescuers) and talk about the book club season ahead. Each month families will get a book and read it together. Then on book club day, Michelle and the families get together and talk about the book over pizza. A great way to foster a love of reading and enjoy family time! (Registration required. Please contact the library.)

Homeschooled families looking for fun activities and a place to connect can take advantage of TFL’s new Home School Drop-in time starting on Wednesday, October 16 from 1-2:30 p.m. This monthly program runs through May and allows homeschooled kids a chance to play games, craft, color, and more.

Ok, now the gloves come off, it’s time to get serious, especially as we head towards the Witching Hour. Our director, aspiring paranormal expert Jon Knepp, is hard at work creating a Ghost Hunting Kit that patrons can check out! It will include: an infrared camera that attaches to your phone to detect cold spots and other phenomena that we can’t normally see, an electromotive force (EMF) detector to detect electrical abnormalities in the environment, dowsing rods to detect energy variances, a voice recorder for capturing electronic voice phenomena (EVPs) from the realm beyond, and a beginners’ guide to ghost hunting. The kit will appear out of nowhere soon!

Of course all those instrument readings would be off the charts on Halloween when we greet ghosts, goblins, zombies, aliens disguised as humans, and everyone else as we swing open TFL’s original front doors and hand out free books to trick or treaters (kids ages birth to teen) from 4:30-6:30 p.m. (Costumes not required.)

As fall emerges, come savor the seasonal shift at TFL where you’ll pick up good vibrations, find your happy place and your quiet space, buy some early stocking stuffers, and become a paranormal investigator. (Who ya goin’ call?!)

Please note: Due to scheduling issues, the library will be closed Tuesday, October 22 and will close at 4 p.m. on Thursday, October 31. (We will open the original front doors at 4:30 to trick or treaters.) 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.