In: Events, News

June at Thompson Free Library by Kim Brawn

Perspective is a clever shape-shifter. It can change, switch, broaden, narrow—be shared or challenged or gained. With or without intention. Reading is a great way to discover a different perspective. Travel can broaden it. Conversations, especially the listening part, can give insight into someone else’s. Trying something new can give you a fresh one.

Out of the gates, on Friday, June 7 at 3:30 p.m. TFL’s Philosophy Circle will discuss Roman Emperor and Stoic Philosopher Marcus Aurelius. A quick search turns up this gem of his: “Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” That could certainly get the party—by that I mean, spirited discussion—started. This group has no special reading requirements, just bring your thoughtful curiosity and willingness to listen, as well as share.

Ever-popular Lego bricks seem to be the Dorian Gray of the toy world, the designs get bolder with age but no signs of slowing down. In fact, Ms. Michelle’s Lego Club is one of our longest-running and most-anticipated recurring programs. Bring the kids for fun times on Tuesday, June 11 and Tuesday, June 25 (the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month) from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 12 at 2 p.m. marks the return of Erma the Reading Therapy Dog with her human handler April Taylor. Erma is a German short-haired pointer that is registered with Therapy Dogs, Inc. and is a Reading Education Assistance Dog (READ). Kids can practice their reading skills and gain confidence in a relaxing, non-judgmental atmosphere. (Erma & April will be at the library on Wednesdays at 2 throughout the summer.)

If you would like to learn some techniques that may reduce stress and distractions, improve cognitive ability, help with anxiety and depression, and maybe even change your perspective, then join us for Mindfulness 101 on Thursday, June 13 at 1:30 p.m. Alicia Randolph-Lucchesi, an experienced teacher with an extensive background in many holistic approaches, shares the basic principles and practices of mindfulness. She’ll guide us through a simple meditation and discuss various types of meditation so you can discover which one is right for you—whether you have two minutes or 20!

Jackman native and Guilford resident Roger Guay discusses his book (written with Kate Clark Flora), A Good Man with a Dog: A Game Warden’s 25 Years in the Maine Woods on Tuesday, June 18 at 5:30 p.m. Roger has searched for lost hunters and hikers and pulled more than 200 bodies out of Maine’s north woods, often accompanied by a little brown lab named Reba (He helped established canine units as a regular part of the game warden service.)

Ms. Michelle’s Art Exploration introduces kids to the colorful joys of Tie Dye on Wednesday June 19 at 3:30 p.m. (Art Exploration is held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month.)

You know the drill: gather your change and small bills because the Ten Cent Book Sale rides again: June 20-22 (Thursday 2-7, Friday 9-5, & Saturday 9-1). My inside source tells me there will be “lots of fiction” available.

If you want to learn how to research your family’s history, be sure to attend B.J. Jamieson’s Genealogy Workshop on Tuesday, June 25 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. She is a Maine State Library Genealogy Reference Specialist who will answer your questions and teach you how to use the Digital Maine Library to access your ancestral adventure—the results may give you a different perspective indeed.

The Summer Reading Program kicks off the week of June 25. For all the details check out our Facebook page or visit our website.

Mark your calendars: TFL’s next Movie Night—quality cinema you may have missed—is Friday, June 28 at 6 p.m. We will announce the feature film on our Facebook page and our website.

Fiber arts are the focus as Artist of the Month Jo Eaton, a local resident and TFL Knitting Group member, displays her wonderful pieces. Stop by and see her intriguing and creative take on hats and landscapes.

This June, the library offers an array of events (special and ongoing) that in small, and perhaps unexpected ways, may give you a fresh perspective and a little rush of dynamic energy.

In: Children, Community, News

The Thompson Free Library now has a library membership to the Maine Discovery Museum in Bangor! The Maine Discovery Museum is the largest children’s museum north of Boston. Their hands-on, interactive exhibits invite children to explore the worlds of science, nature, geography, children’s literature, music, art, and anatomy.

The library membership allows us to offer free admission each day for a group of up to four people. You can reserve a pass in advance, or call or stop by the library to see if it is available!

In: Authors, Events, News

Maine author Roger Guay will visit the Thompson Free Library on Tuesday, June 18 at 5:30 pm to speak about his book “A Good Man with a Dog: A Game Warden’s 25 Years in the Maine Woods,” co-written with Kate Clark Flora.

When Roger Guay’s father died in a tragic fishing accident, a kind game warden helped him through the loss. Inspired by this experience, as well as his love of the outdoors, Guay became a game warden and certified K9 handler, beginning a successful career that would span twenty-five years and see him establish canine units as a staple of the game warden service.

Roger Guay served with the Maine Warden Service from 1986 until his retirement in 2010. He is a K9 master trainer, a certified K9 handler, and certified in cadaver and explosives searches. In addition to decades of search and rescue experience, he has extensive experience in missing persons/homicide searches and body recovery. Guay has received numerous commendations from the warden service; the Maine House of Representatives; the Maine State Police; the Miramichi, New Brunswick, police; and the USPCA. Guay lives in Guilford, Maine.

In: News, Philosophy

Curious about the world and your place in it? The Thompson Free Library Philosophy Circle meets Friday, June 7 at 3:30 pm. We will begin by discussing the Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius, and follow with exploration of a philosophical question chosen by the group. No previous experience is needed; all are welcome to attend!

The TFL Philosophy Circle meets on the first Friday of each month. This discussion group uses he Socrates Cafe model, which embraces “the idea that we learn more when we question and question with others.” To find out more, visit: https://www.philosopher.org/Socrates_Cafe.html

In: Community, News, Outdoors

Are you interested in exploring Maine this summer? For a second year, Thompson Free Library patrons can borrow a vehicle pass for day-use to Maine State Parks and Historic Sites. This pass is made possible by a generous gift of the Friends of Maine State Parks. Passes can be checked out for two days, and allow a vehicle holding up to 17 people entrance to many state parks and historic sites, including Peaks-Kenny.

Please note that passes are not accepted at Acadia National Park, Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Baxter State Park, Maine Wildlife Park, Peacock Beach, Penobscot Narrows Observatory, Penobscot River Corridor, Scarborough Beach, Songo Lock or Swan Island. View a list of participating parks here, or contact the library to find out more!