By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library
Shift happens. And it happens in May. The landscape blooms, the colors pop. As green as an Irish hillside. It’s summer’s opening act. In pre-Netflix days, Memorial Day Weekend was the start of Hollywood’s blockbuster season with theater lines twisting down sidewalks and around parking lots. It’s when we shift into high gear at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft: preparing for our busiest stretch filled with scores of visitors and a profusion of programs.
As summer approaches, parents can feel pressure from all angles. New parents especially face a host of different issues, that’s why “Baby and Me” from Northern Light Mayo Hospital is such an incredible resource every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. at TFL. If you are a new or expecting parent, you can get advice, support, and connection from this growing and thriving program.
TFL’s Reading Group discusses “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt on Thursday, May 8 at 6 p.m. A review from Elle calls it “Infused with heartfelt humor, Van Pelt’s elegant portrait of a widowed woman who finds understanding and connection with a clever octopus is refreshingly, if surprisingly, relatable. Despite the unorthodox relationship at its core, the debut novel offers a wholly original meditation on grief and the bonds that keep us afloat.” Copies available at TFL.
Take a break from your to do list and come to the library on Caturday (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 10). Director Jon Knepp’s cool cats, Freya and Andy Jr., will charm and relax you as they explore every nook, cranny, and shelf while stopping for frequent pets! Accommodations can be made for those who are allergic or not feline fans.
We’re excited to have the very versatile Gale Robinson (from Leaves & Blooms Greenhouse) back for another fun and easy craft project. She’ll guide us through “Design a Bookmark 101” on Thursday, May 15 at 1:30 p.m. using acrylic paints, Washi tape and rub-on transfers. All supplies provided.
TFL will be closed on Tuesday, May 20 as staff members attend the Maine Library Association Conference.
Be sure to join us for the last “Homeschool Drop-in” of the season on Wednesday, May 21 from 1-2:30 p.m. It’s a great time for homeschool parents and children to gather and socialize. Special guest Jewel will be building with dominos, as kids watch and help.
The library will be closed Tuesday, May 27 for the Memorial Day holiday as we prepare to hit the ground running towards summertime. Helpful hint for the week before: bring a ginormous L.L. Bean or T.J. Maxx bag — or we’ll round up something — to carry that extra-large haul to keep you going over the extra-long weekend! There’ll be lots to choose from display-wise as my colleague Shannen Rhoda is planning her follow-up to April showers — you guessed it — a floral theme! And she will be (tentatively) taking us for an out-of-this-world ride — stay tuned.
May is a mix of being in the moment and planning ahead, making sure all those ducks are in a row. Come enjoy this prelude to summer at the Thompson Free Library. Lean into the shift, savor the warmer days, and soak up the vivid tones and hues — who knows, sometimes the opening act is a true revelation. Don’t blink or you’ll miss it.
