News (Page 17)

By Kim Brawn

DOVER-FOXCROFT — December — when four in the afternoon feels like nine at night. Darkness creeps in earlier and earlier, confusing our circadian rhythms. We may feel sleepy or just want to curl up with a good book. To lean into less daylight and still be productive, we can “front-load” our days with the most important things on our to do list. December’s gift is a tension between light and dark. The Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft is a bright, welcoming spot as winter solstice nears.

Michelle Fagan, our youth services librarian, brings back the festive fun with TFL’s second annual Christmas Decoration Scavenger Hunt, an enjoyable family adventure that gets everyone in the holiday spirit. Whether it’s light or dark out, you and the kids can walk or drive around your community searching for Yuletide favorites using the checklist available for pick up at the library or on our website (https://www.thompsonfreelibrary.org). Bring your completed checklist in to win a free Christmas or winter book (last pick-up day is Dec. 23 by 5 p.m.) We also have take-home kits (STEM & craft) available, perfect for family activity time.

If the idea of holiday leftovers makes you smile broadly and salivate slightly, then you’ll be game for the next meeting of TFL’s Philosophy Circle on Friday, Dec. 3 at 3:30 p.m. Library Director Jon Knepp says that the “Holiday Leftovers” edition will include “a discussion of food, nutrition, and diet — but in keeping with the theme, we will be covering anything else we want!”

It’s never been more convenient to shine a light on, revisit, or research the past, whether months or decades ago. Working together with the Dover-Foxcroft Historical Society and Foxcroft Academy, TFL has made FA Yearbooks from 1940-2021 available on the advantage-preservation website (https://doverfoxcroft.advantage-preservation.com). They’re also accessible via the library website under Online Resources.

We have a friendly (and probably familiar to many!) addition to our staff. As Jon explains, “We are happy to welcome Shannen Rhoda as our new library clerk. Shannen was chosen from a number of qualified candidates and brings a lot of experience working in our community and engaging with our library. Make sure to say hello when you see her!”

Ms. Michelle, our perennial holiday elf, has once again carried out that sacred tradition: bringing up all the holiday books and DVDS for display and easy access! Take a break during this hectic time to enjoy a cozy Christmas mystery or watch your favorite silly/sentimental holiday movie. Another Michelle touch, the front window “candles” now cast their glimmery spell into the night.

Author Robert Johnson could have been describing December when he wrote, “The place where light and dark begin to touch is where miracles begin to arise.” We hope that visiting the library, exploring our expansive collection, and taking advantage of our extensive resources will add a lightness to your days. We can’t promise miracles, but anything’s possible.

Please note: The library will be closed Friday, Dec. 24 and Saturday, Dec. 25 for Christmas. The following week we will be closed Friday, Dec. 31 and Saturday, Jan. 1 for New Year’s. Wishing you a happy and safe holiday season!

TFL is open to the public Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. We currently require masks indoors. For more information, visit our website (https://www.thompsonfreelibrary.org), Facebook page, or contact us at thompsonfreelibrary@gmail.com or 207-564-3350. Find us on Instagram @tf_library.

To participate in our Zoom program Mythical Creatures of Maine, click on this link at 6 pm on Thursday November 18th:

https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/89883432064

By Kim Brawn

When we think of nourishing, we usually think of food. As we move towards the holidays, food often takes center stage, but it’s not the only thing that can nourish us. If you google “nourishing,” one definition that you get is “…containing substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition.” Turkey, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce may fill us up, but books, ideas, and discussions can sustain us long after that last piece of apple pie. November at Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft can help nourish your mind as daylight fades, cold weather sets in, and to-do lists grow.

Friday, Nov. 5 at 3:30 p.m. TFL’s Philosophy Circle, not afraid to shy away from big, complicated topics, focuses on the philosophy of government. The group will meet inside the library as safely as possible (masked and distanced). Prior attendance or specific readings are not required.

TFL’s Reading Group meets Thursday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. to discuss “River Talk,” a collection of short stories by CB Anderson who was born in Bangor and raised in a village on the Androscoggin River. The San Francisco Book Review called River Talk “intriguing” and described it as “. . . centered by the understated murmuring of the river in the background; seemingly constant, but, in fact, endlessly changing and with the potential for reinvention. The stories are poignant, written in tight, quiet prose; readers will feel drawn to these characters written with empathy and compassion.” Copies are available at TFL.

The Pine Tree Hospice Book Club, a wonderful community resource coordinated by Pam Pultz, gets together Tuesday, Nov. 16 from 3:30-5 p.m. online via Zoom. Pam selects an engaging array of books that resonate with caregivers and those who have lost a loved one. “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry” by Fredrik Backman is November’s read. Copies are available at TFL; for info/Zoom link, contact info@pinetreehospice.org or 207-802-8078.

Sure to nourish your curiosity is “Mythical Creatures of Maine” with author Chris Packard on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. online via Zoom. He will talk about his book of the same name that explores fantastic Maine beasts from legend and folklore. Maine is rich in tales of humans confronted by strange beasts, both wonderful and terrifying. Chris weaves tales of Glooskap and Paloma from The Abenaki, or “First People,” with well-known cryptids like Bigfoot and logging camp creations such as the Hide-Behind, and many more into an entertaining field guide to Maine’s legendary creatures! Zoom link: https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/89883432064.

Back by popular demand with safety precautions in place: The Ten Cent Book Sale! Bring your change and small bills and pick up some great deals! It’s the perfect way to find inexpensive gifts while supporting the Friends of the Library. Money raised helps fund children’s programming. The book sale will be downstairs in the TFL Meeting Room, Nov. 18-20. Thursday 1-6 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Exciting news: thanks to the Maine State Library we now have a subscription to Comics Plus which provides access to 20,000-plus comics and graphic novels. They are available all the time — no check out limit or hold queues. You can access Comics Plus via the web or an app (Library Pass for Android or Apple). Whether you’re already a super fan or new to the genre, this is an incredible resource for all ages.

Since it is geared to both kids and adults, TFL’s Youth Services librarian Michelle Fagan says, “It’s really important that parents take the time to check it out beforehand or with their kids.” To sign up, you will need your library card number. Then follow the instructions here https://www.maineinfonet.org/comicsplus/. If you need assistance, please contact the library.

Please keep in mind that the library will be closed Veterans Day (Thursday, Nov. 11) as well as Thanksgiving and the day after (Nov. 25-26). We appreciate those who have served our country and we wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

This November let the Thompson Free Library become your favorite nourishing side dish. We have a veritable buffet of diverse offerings that will feed your mind long after that big meal is over and the dishes are done!

TFL is open to the public Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. We currently require masks indoors. For info on events, visit our website https://www.thompsonfreelibrary.org, Facebook page, or contact us at thompsonfreelibrary@gmail.com or 207-564-3350. Find us on Instagram @tf_library.