Join us for the Philosophy Circle, a lively and informal philosophical conversation held the first Friday of each month.

Our next meeting will be: Friday, January 4 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.

This month we will use the first half hour to discuss Socrates and the Socratic Method. The next hour we will explore a question of interest chosen by participants (using the Socrates Cafe model).

Please note, all are welcome and no previous experience is necessary to participate.

We’re excited to host a new monthly maker program at the library, led by STEM guide Alicia Millette! Each month will feature a fun project for a different age group.

This month – learn about simple circuits while making a small flashlight.

Who: Students in grades 4-8.

When: Tuesday, December 27 at 11:00 a.m.

This free STEM project is a great way to learn how electrical devices can be turned on and off. Each participant will make and take home their very own flashlight!

Please see Ms. Michelle to sign up.

Are you interested in helping to document the stories and voices of Piscataquis County?

The Thompson Free Library has received a grant from the Maine Community Foundation to bring oral history documentation to our community.

If you are interested in joining the project, come to The Commons at Central Hall on Saturday, Dec 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. At this training session, oral historian Molly Graham will teach us how to use the digital recording equipment and offer tips on conducting an interview with a friend, neighbor, or family member.

If you’ve thought about gathering family or community history, or just want to see what oral history projects are all about, this program is for you!

Please note, the location of this event is: The Commons at Central Hall, 152 East Main St, Dover-Foxcroft.

Thursday, December 13 at 5:30 p.m. Local poet and musician JT Curran will read from his volume of poems, “Beyond the Road,” accompanied by his son Jason Curran on the keyboard.

From Matrika Press: JT Curran moved to central Maine in the early 1970s, drawn in part by the homesteading movement which resonated with many who sought a rural lifestyle and greater connection to the land. He built a log cabin on his twenty-two acres of wooded paradise and helped raise three children with his partner of forty-seven years. He has worked as a woodsman and a carpenter, has cultivated his own fruits and vegetables, and has volunteered with many civic and arts organizations. He holds an M.A in Counseling and has provided counseling service to many individuals and groups. He has taught courses in psychology at the University of Maine and Eastern Maine Community College, and has had a twenty-five year career in education as a guidance counselor.

In addition to literary pursuits, J.T. is an active musician who has performed since his days in high school, where he sang doo-wop with fellow crooners in the Philadelphia based quartet, the Violators. He maintains an active performance schedule, singing and playing his guitar in venues throughout central Maine. 

JT’s poetry blends colorful observations with thought-provoking reflections.  With wit, compassion, irony, and humor, this book invites the reader to consider the signposts, off-ramps, co-travelers and vistas which populate our journeys. JT’s words reminds us that however we may navigate our experiences, our destination remains beyond the road.

Selected from collected works which span over fifty years, “Beyond the Road” is JT Curran’s first published volume of poetry.

Visit the library this month to view watercolors by local artist Rogan Taylor (Artist Bio).

Rogan Taylor started painting with watercolors in 1995 while living in his homeland of Zimbabwe, a hobby that very quickly became a passion. His favorite subjects are landscape, wildlife, and historical interest. In 2007, he emigrated with his family to Colorado, and then in 2014 moved to Central Maine.

Meet the artist and hear about his life and work at our Artist Talk on Tuesday, December 11 at 5:30 p.m.

“Sunset at Moosehead Lake” by Rogan Taylor
“In the Snow” by Rogan Taylor
“Mother and Child Elephant” by Rogan Taylor
“Treasure Falls” by Rogan Taylor