News (Page 2)

By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library

Change wears many faces. I’m reminded of the Buddhism class I took back in college where we learned about impermanence being one of the universal truths—that everything is in a constant state of flux, arising and ceasing (thinking of you, Eastern Gazette). At the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft we’ve let go of our familiar library system and jumped into a new, fully-featured platform called Koha, which at first sounded to me like some sort of Klingon battle cry.

Thankfully we are adjusting and becoming more familiar with it—hands-on is the best way to learn. TFL director Jon Knepp is working out the bugs and believes the switch will be well worth it, “We hope the new Koha system is more reliable, flexible, and easier for our staff and patrons and we look forward to big things, like integrating with MaineCat, the statewide library catalog, in the near future.”

A really cool feature is automatic renewals as Jon explains, “Now, as long as no one else is waiting for an item, it will be automatically renewed on its due date. We hope this relieves some stress for you and some headaches for us! You can still renew books yourself or ask us to do it if you’d like. Please make sure to bring your books as soon as you can and be mindful that new and/or popular books are often in high demand.”

You can access your account and our online catalog either by clicking on the catalog icon (book with a magnifying glass) in the upper right corner of thompsonfreelibrary.org or go to bit.ly/tflcat. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the new system.

Koha has been the big news and major focus, but we still have lots on the calendar in February. Sensory Play Group returns on Tuesday, February 3 at 3:30 p.m. downstairs at the library. It’s geared towards children with disabilities or who are neurodivergent, and their caregivers, but all abilities are welcome. There are therapy balls, play mats, and sensory bins available to use.

A big draw of book clubs is that you read a different book each month, a great way to change things up and keep discussions interesting and fresh. TFL’s Reading Group meets Thursday, February 12 at 6 p.m. but this time there is no specific book of the month. Instead, they’ll chat about what everyone’s been reading and brainstorm book ideas for 2026. It’s the perfect opportunity to join the group for the first time—or get back into the swing of things if you haven’t attended in a while.

Family time is fleeting so make the most of it by joining us for Family Fun Night on Friday, February 13 at 5:30 p.m. Fire up those neurons and bring your appetite because there will be trivia and chili!

You never know which of Jon’s fabulous felines will guest star on TFL’s popular Caturday series. Stop by Saturday, February 14 during our 9-1 shift and find out who’s serving up some major catitude!!

Youth services librarian Michelle Fagan has seen so many library kids grow up. The faces may change but February vacation is a mainstay and the perfect time to enjoy special activities. There will be an Arts and Crafts program with a variety of projects on Tuesday, February 17 at 3 p.m. (Geared towards grades K-4.)

Grades 5-12 get their turn on Wednesday, February 18 at 3 p.m. with Fantasy Map Making. They will use stamps and draw their own fantasy world maps—good for kids who love to read fantasy books and for fans of Dungeons and Dragons.

Sadly, loss is another face of change and last week at TFL, despite knowing he was gone, I still expected our dear “liberry” friend and neighbor, Jefferson Prestridge, to walk through the door and make us laugh, shake our heads, and marvel at his deadpan delivery. He was a permanent presence inside and (literally) outside the library. Michelle’s social media post is a wonderful tribute to him—and eloquently captures what is truly special about libraries, especially ours:

“I have always believed that a good library creates a community. You become friendly with people. You share wins and losses. You celebrate. You share family news the good and the bad. You look forward to seeing people and worry when you haven’t seen them for a while. But like any community people move, people get illnesses, and sadly people pass away.
We lost a favorite this week. Jefferson was a navy man, he was a helper, he was intelligent, kind, funny, artistic guy. He was a great storyteller. Our library family will miss him, our community will miss him.”

By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library

As November drops, you may ask yourself “Well, how did I get here?” Incredulous that once again we’re rushing around prepping for winter—with the holidays anxiously waiting in the wings. This month at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft we focus on ways to feed your mind, body, and soul. 

Many of us don’t give eating breakfast a second thought, it’s just a routine way to start the day and fuel ourselves. For lots of individuals and families, though, food insecurity is a big problem, but there’s an easy way to help: TFL’s Cereal Drive. Drop off new, unopened boxes of cereal at the library through November 25.  All cereal we collect will go to Piscataquis Regional Food Center to be distributed locally & in surrounding communities. 

Kids with special needs and their caregivers can find nurturing support and connection with the Sensory Play Group on Tuesday, November 4 at 5:30 p.m. downstairs at the library. (Geared towards kids with disabilities or who are neurodiverse, but all are welcome.)

TFL’s Michelle Fagan is coordinating a Read & Feed vegetable distribution on Friday, November 7 starting at 9 a.m. “People can stop in the library and pick up some veggies. We ask that people only take what they will use. People can pick up for others within reason,” says Michelle.

Bond over books with TFL’s Reading Group on Thursday, November 13 at 6 p.m. when they discuss This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger. In her Amazon review Sheila the Reader describes the book as “a breathtaking epic that follows four orphaned children—Odie, Albert, Mose, and Emmy—on an unforgettable journey during the Great Depression. Fleeing the cruelty of the Lincoln Indian Training School, the children embark on a life-changing adventure down the Gilead River, encountering both the harshness and beauty of humanity. Their odyssey is filled with challenges, heartbreak, and moments of grace as they search for a place to call home.” (Copies available at the library.)

Forget black Friday and cyber Monday, spend your hard-earned money—or just browse and soak up the colorful vibes, at TFL’s Authors and Artisans Night Market from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, November 15. This exciting event is another creative brainchild from Michelle (2024’s Maine librarian of the year) who sets the scene for us, “We’ll have Maine authors of adult and children’s books selling books and chatting in the library and outside under the warm glow of lights we will have vendors with lots of different products such as soap, cookies, art, and other fun gift ideas. We will also be having the FA Key Club offering coffee and hot cocoa and Penquis Youth Hockey Association selling soups, chili and more to warm people up.”

Community Health and Counseling Services’ Michelle Osterman will be at TFL on Wednesday, November 19 from 10:30-12:30 and every third Wednesday after that. She’ll have a table near the computers and be ready to provide a wealth of information, crisis support, and useful resources.  She’s also just fun to talk to and comes bearing cool swag!

Enjoy family time together and let someone else do the cooking at Family Fun Night on Friday, November 21 at 5:30 p.m. Play a trivia game and enjoy pulled pork sandwiches!

You know why I love scrolling TFL’s  Instagram feed? Because nestled in between Aislinn Sarnacki’s and Ed Muennich’s beautiful nature photos, Mountain Blaze Arts’ vibrant hats and wild stories, and Turning Page Farm’s adorable goats and cool cabins, there be cats and more cats! If you also find feline energy comforting, be sure to join us on Saturday, November 22  from 9-1 for Caturday starring director Jon Knepp’s rascally friends, Freya and Andy, Jr.

This November we’re throwing our support behind area authors, artisans, businesses, and organizations and invite you to do the same. When we help others, we nourish ourselves and build positive momentum and change. Libraries help sustain communities in so many ways. We hope you take advantage of our programs, resources, and services in addition to checking out the latest books!

Plan ahead: the library will be closed Tuesday, November 11 (Veterans Day) and November 27-29 (Thursday-Saturday for the Thanksgiving holiday). 

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.

Our October newsletter is out now! Click Here or on the image below to read it.

By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library

October swings back and forth like a pendulum. Underneath the vibrant landscape, a sense of urgency. Preparing for what’s to come while soaking up the moment. Foliage peaks as the air chills. Make the most of this seasonal shift with the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft.

Award-winning poet Claire Hersom visits TFL on Thursday, October 2 at 6 p.m. to discuss her debut novel Smithville Junction. Claire, a native Mainer, sets her book in small town Maine in the 1940s. It tells the story of a man who gave away his five-day-old baby, causing an uproar across the whole community. He faces the worst of circumstances on his rocky journey towards forgiveness—but an innocent young girl unexpectedly helps him find it.

Swinging from authors to cats, as director Jon Knepp’s fabulous felines, Freya and Andy Jr., grace the library on two Caturdays this month (Saturday, October 4 & Saturday, October 25). Watch them explore, nap, and groom—and maybe get in a pet or two!

Sensory Play Group meets on Tuesday, October 7 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The downstairs space has therapy balls, play mats, and sensory bins and is geared towards children with disabilities or who are in neurodivergent and their caregivers, but all abilities are welcome.

Meanwhile upstairs starting at 5:30 p.m. on October 7 the League of Women Voters will offer a “Ballot Question Information Session.” LWV is a non-partisan organization trying to get information out to people. Learn about two important questions: “An Act to Protect Communities by Enacting the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act” and “An Act to Require an Individual to Present Photographic Identification for the Purpose of Voting.” It’s a great opportunity to become an informed voter.

The Serviceberry gives TFL’s Reading Group plenty of food for thought on Thursday, October 9 at 6 p.m. The book, written by Robin Hall Kimmerer an indigenous scientist and author of Braiding Sweetgrass, offers up an inspiring vision for a more equitable and sustainable future by orienting our lives around gratitude, reciprocity, and community, based on lessons from the natural world. (Copies available at the library.)

While some may be well-versed on the topic of seed saving, others may be new to the concept, but all knowledge levels can benefit from “Seedsaving with Heron Breen” on Thursday, October 23 at 6 p.m. Heron is from St. Albans and worked for many years at Fedco seeds, a Maine-based worker-member cooperative. Recently he helped form the Maine Heirloom Seed Working Group which is focusing on community events and regular potlucks for sharing food, seeds, stories, and skills.

Seed saving is a way to connect with the past and the traditions and cultures of the people who cultivated the land before us. Many see the practice as a future imperative as the global food system becomes more vulnerable to climate change.

Break up the usual routine and join us for Family Fun Night on Friday, October 24 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. They’ll be board games and a taco bar—don’t miss it!

Finally, a spooky TFL tradition continues on Halloween (Friday, October 31) as we swing open the East Main St. original front doors from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and welcome ghosts, zombies, monsters, aliens, and super heroes with an amazing array of books. Trick or treaters (children, birth to teen) get to pick out a free book to keep! (Costumes are not required.)

Fingers crossed that colors really pop this October like a box of autumnal crayons come to life. If you feel that pendulum swing back to urgent mode when you’re waiting in the drive-thru for a pumpkin spice latte (in your comfy TFL hoodie), heed the call and prepare for what comes next. But don’t get tunnel vision—step back and take advantage of our programs, services, resources and, of course, indulge in the best mood-altering library pastime ever: browsing the shelves!

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.

By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library

Wow—summer raced by and gave us whiplash. If you had a jam-packed schedule like we did here at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft, you could probably use a break, however brief, to recharge, catch your breath and refocus as autumn sits at the front door like an impatient dog.

After a very busy summer bursting with programs, TFL will be closed on Tuesday, September 2 for the Labor Day holiday. Have a fun and safe long weekend!

Switching into fall mode, Ms. Michelle (youth services librarian Michelle Fagan) is back with Sensory Play Group on Tuesday, September 9 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The group meets downstairs at the library where there are sensory bins, therapy balls, and more. It’s geared towards kids who may be neurodivergent and their caregivers, but all abilities are welcome—a wonderful way to find community support.

Garlic is not for everyone, but fans can rhapsodize non-stop about its incredible taste and health benefits. I mean come on—garlic bread, shrimp scampi, Ina Garten’s 40 clove garlic chicken! Wouldn’t it be great to grow your own and have it available year-round for a variety of delicious dishes? Join us on Thursday, September 11 at 1:30 pm for “Growing Garlic 101” with Peyton Ginakes, a Fruit & Vegetable Researcher with UMaine Cooperative Extension. Peyton will share how to plant, care for, harvest, and store this versatile kitchen staple. Perfect for gardeners and plant enthusiasts of all levels!

TFL’s Reading Group will discuss North Woods by Daniel Mason at 6 p.m. on September 11. A review on Reddit (by user historianatlarge) describes it as “a novel about America, and American history, and our relationships with other people and the land itself, even as we are destroying it. It’s the most beautiful argument for the main objectives of environmental history (e.g., the agency of the natural world, the existence of history before and after humanity), but it’s also beautiful human storytelling.” (Copies available at TFL.)

Stargazers & budding astronomers are invited to take a “Night Sky Tour” with Northern Stars Planetarium at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 21 at Chase Memorial Airport on Pine Street in Dover-Foxcroft.

Mix up your routine with Family Fun Night on Friday, September 26 at 5:30 p.m. “We are doing outdoor games and a baked potato bar. It’s free and open to all families. A great way to spend family time and connect with others in the community,” says Michelle. (Please call the library to sign up.)

Caturday is the perfect time to chill out. Director Jon Knepps’ cats, Freya and Andy Jr., will be back roaming the library stacks on Saturday, September 27 from 9-1, and agreeable to some gentle pets along the way!

It’s crazy to think back to the mid-90s when I was working at an arts and crafts magazine in Buellton, CA (where Miles and Jack stayed in the movie Sideways) when our genial photographer and resident tech guy Craig came into our office all excited about this new thing he was setting up and wanted us to try called “e-mail.” I didn’t really understand much of what he explained but thought it sounded cool. And the rest as they say is history. I’ve been online ever since and am grateful that I’ve had that opportunity. Not everyone does, and coverage and speed can vary dramatically.

Here at TFL we try to level the playing field and make the internet accessible to as many people as possible and we have exciting news re: our hotspot lending program. Jon explains, “Thanks to the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council, we have received six more Mobile Beacon hotspots —they’re easy to use and a great choice for those who need internet connectivity on the go or where there is no broadband access. They’re also great to try out mobile internet as an option. The hotspots use the T-Mobile network, which we’ve found in our testing is available in more local places than the other major carriers (even at Sebec Lake!) We now have 13 hotspots available to lend to anyone with a library card. The hotspots typically go out for one week, but are automatically renewed as long as there is no one waiting for one. So whether you’re at camp, on a road trip, or want to test out the wireless options before purchasing yourself, ask at the desk to try one out.”

It’s hard to predict September—summery, fall-ish, or both. A month to find that back-to-school rhythm, whip out that project list, or just savor the seasonal shift. Whatever your mood or goal, the library has the books and resources you want and need. But for now, let’s fire up the interwebs and get our groove back with Earth Wind and Fire’s classic “September” and start chasin’ the clouds away . . .

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.