In: Community, Events, News, Online Program

Join the Voices from HOME Oral History Project for a live storytelling event on the theme “Together” on Friday, May 22 at 6 pm.

Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

We want to know:

How have you spent time together? Have you worked with your community to make it better? Was there a time when you were feeling totally alone and then, surprise, someone showed up to fill the void? Or vice versa: you were the one who showed up when needed? Did someone or something bring you together with the love of your life? Have you worked to get your life together, alone or with others? Maybe an exciting night with friends is something you still talk about. We want to know what you’ve done together!

The key word here is “together,” and whatever memory or story that conjures up, sharing it with us on story slam night could be entertaining or perhaps inspirational. Come together (but apart on Zoom) to share your 4-8 minute TRUE story, or listen to the stories of others!

Photo courtesy of the Dover-Foxcroft Historical Society

You can join online at: https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/85129257760 or dial in by phone: 1-646-876-9923. (Zoom Meeting ID: 851 2925 7760.)

Voices from HOME is also involved in a regional project to collect stories about life in Central Maine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Help us document this important time in history by contributing a story, image, audio recording, or video to the Heart of Maine Emergency Archive.

In: Community, Events, Maine History, News, Online Program

Thompson Free Library will host Susan Pinette, Professor of Modern Languages and Literatures and Director of Franco American Programs at the University of Maine, live via Zoom at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 28.

Dr. Pinette’s talk “The French People of Maine: Who are they and how did they get here?” will provide an overview of Franco American communities in Maine. She will present the history of their migrations to New England, their settlement, and discuss some of the current issues they face.

This event is free and open to the public. To participate, join the Zoom meeting online at: https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/86272308023 (Meeting ID: 862 7230 8023) You can also dial in by phone at: 1-646-876-9923.

Susan Pinette

Susan Pinette was born and raised in Maine. She received her doctorate in French at the University of California, Irvine. Her research examines contemporary Franco American literature, where she shows its significance to the broader arenas of North American Francophone communities and American studies.

Thompson Free Library’s Maine Bicentennial Speaker Series is supported by a Maine Bicentennial Community Grant and will explore topics and perspectives sometimes overlooked in traditional narratives of our state’s history.

In: Events, Maine History, News, Online Program

Thompson Free Library will host Mary Freeman, assistant professor of history at the University of Maine, live via Zoom at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 7 as the first speaker in a series celebrating Maine’s Bicentennial.

Dr. Freeman’s talk, titled “The Politics of Slavery in the Era of Maine Statehood,” will explore how the issue of slavery influenced Maine’s development and entrance into the U.S. as an independent state. It will also focus on African American political activism in Maine surrounding the issues of abolishing slavery and fighting for equal rights.

This event is free and open to the public.

To participate, join the Zoom meeting online at: https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/87853753601 (Meeting ID: 878 5375 3601)

You can also dial in by phone at: 1 646-876-9923

Dr. Mary Freeman

Dr. Freeman studies the history of slavery and abolition in the United States, with a focus on Maine and New England. She received her PhD from Columbia University. Her current book project examines letter writing in the nineteenth-century antislavery movement, and she is also working on an article about abolition and African American politics in Maine.

Thompson Free Library’s Maine Bicentennial Speaker Series is supported by a Maine Bicentennial Community Grant and will explore topics and perspectives sometimes overlooked in traditional narratives of our state’s history.

In: Children, Community, Events, Maine History, News, Online Program

TFL Programs

101 Series | Join us on Tuesday, June 16 at 1:30 pm for Soap Making 101. Brooke Isham of Lomah Farmstead in Sangerville will teach us how to make beautiful, cold processed natural soap from ingredients that can be found locally, using simple equipment.

Bicentennial Speaker Series | Thursday, June 18 at 6 pm author Mark Alan Leslie will present “Maine Burning: The Ku Klux Klan Invasion” live via Zoom.

Daily Poems | Throughout the month of April (National Poetry Month), Tom has been sharing a poem a day on the library’s Instagram account.

Philosophy Circle | TFL’s Philosophy Circle meets every other week to explore philosophical topics and questions. Next meeting: Friday, June 5 at 3:30 pm via Zoom.

Read Alouds & More with Ms. Michelle | For read alouds, book talks, and craft projects with Ms. Michelle, visit the library’s new YouTube Channel.

Reading Group | TFL’s Reading Group meets on the second Thursday of every month. On June 11 we will discuss “Campfires Rekindled.” Please contact the library to borrow a copy of the book.

Story Slam | Join the Voices from HOME Oral History Project for our next live storytelling event on Friday, June 26 at 6 pm.

Story Times | Ms. Michelle shares story times every Thursday on the library’s Facebook page.

Tom’s Circulation Desk | Interested in connecting with the library through a digital chat with Tom? Visit Tom’s (Virtual) Circulation Desk from 1-2pm on Friday afternoons!

Other Free Programs

Center Theatre | Visit the Center Theatre’s website for ways to participate in virtual cinema, virtual theatre, and other online events.

Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine | Explore wildlife, makerspace, music, and theatre activities with the “At Home Together” series of online educational programming.

Cosmic Kids! Yoga | Stream yoga, mindfulness, and relaxation videos designed specially for kids aged 3+.

Maine Public | Maine Public is offering live virtual concerts with their Tiny Screen Concerts series.

Maine State Library | Visit the Statewide Library Virtual Events calendar to see what’s happening across the state. | Participate in fun activities with Science Online every Wednesday at 3:30 pm via the Maine State Library’s Facebook page.

NPR | NPR’s list of live virtual concerts offers links to stream performances from around the world.

Patten Free Library | PFL has created a Shakespeare-Themed Escape Room and Harry Potter-Themed Escape Room for you to enjoy! | History Room Live offers discussions on local history and genealogy. (Past sessions are also available to view.)

Thomas Memorial Library | TML’s Community Wellness Toolkit offers mindfulness programs and discussions facilitated by community professionals.

More coming soon… Stay tuned for more virtual program updates!

In: Community, News

The 2020 Census is happening now, and your response matters! You can complete your questionnaire online, by phone, or by mail. It should only take 10 minutes, and it has a big impact on your community.

Visit 2020census.gov to complete your questionnaire or to learn more.

How the 2020 Census helps Communities[Source: U.S. Census Bureau]