By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library
Travel can be life-changing. It can recharge you, inspire you, relax you, teach you. It’s also expensive, and the preparation and journey itself can test your patience, whether it’s a family getaway to the Grand Canyon, a European vacation or even a day trip to Portland. Whatever your summer travel goals, reading is an excellent, hassle-free way to explore new places and ideas. Take a globe-trotting or cross-country adventure from the comfort of your own home. This summer make plans to have fun and save money by checking out lots of books and coming to free programs at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft.
Excitement is in the air: international bestselling author (and Maine resident) Tess Gerritsen is coming to TFL at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 4 for a talk and book signing. Tess is a Stanford graduate who went on to medical school and began writing her first novel in 1987 while on maternity leave. She’s best known for her books featuring homicide detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles that inspired the hit television series “Rizzoli & Isles”. “The Shadow Friends”, the third book in her popular Martini Club series about a group of retired CIA operatives living on the Maine coast, is due out Aug. 25.
In June we shift our focus to the outdoors, specifically our own property, so we’re teaming up with Piscataquis County Soil & Water to bring you “Landowner 101” with Maine Forest Service’s Jim Ferrante at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 11. Landowners manage their woodlots, fields and yards for a number of different reasons: esthetics, firewood, recreation, wildlife, maintaining health and value and forest products. Jim is passionate and knowledgeable about the subject matter, and his overview will provide lots of useful information on how to sustainably manage your land.
TFL’s Reading Group will discuss “The Berlin Letters” by Katherine Reay at 6 p.m. on June 11. Booklist gave it a starred review, noting that “Fans of codebreakers, spies, and Cold War dramas will be entrapped by Reay’s tale of courage, love, and honor set against the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall.” Contact the library for a copy.
The start of TFL’s Summer Concert Series is music to our ears! Come listen to the Alumni Band at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 18. They’re back with another eclectic soundtrack of big band classics, swing and Latin dance tunes, and pop favorites. Reshelving books to the Mission Impossible theme is my kind of vibe. Bring a lawn chair if you can.
Sharing a love of reading with your kids is an incredible gift. Oh, the places they’ll go. Tuesday, June 23 to Saturday, June 27 is youth summer reading sign-ups. Birth to grade 12 can sign up for independent reading programs to earn a free book, fair pass and a chance to win a prize. Adults can get in on the act too: every time you come into the library, fill out a slip to win a prize.
For children who need to brush up on their skills, Reading with Erma is a welcome approach that starts at 2 p.m. on June 23. April Taylor brings her beloved dog Erma to the library creating a safe space for young readers to gain confidence. Weekly through Aug. 18, sign up or drop by.
No need to drive far to party down. Join us at TFL’s Summer Reading Kick-off Party from 4-6 p.m. on June 23. We’ll have activities, a BBQ put on by the Penquis Prevention Council, free books from April and Erma and Darlings Ice Cream for A Cause will be there to collect donations for the Piscataquis Regional Food Center.
Tap your toes to timeless tunes and rousing marches at the Harold J. Crosby Band concert at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 25.
Adjectives like “wow” and “amazing” are flying left and right as people of all ages admire the artwork of 6-year-old Avery Browne. Come see his Bob Ross-inspired art display at the library.
If only there was a place to access free books and music, meet famous authors, win prizes, attend parties, greet a sweet dog, learn useful stuff, chat with other book lovers and keep the kids busy. As you map out your summer plans, make sure to start with the Thompson Free Library — the best destination around. (Ok, I might be biased.)
Please note: TFL will close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30 due to a conference.
TFL hours: Tues. and Thurs. 9-7, Weds. and Fri. 9-5 and Sat 9-1. Visit our website thompsonfreelibrary.org, our Facebook page, Instagram @tf_library or contact us at [email protected] or 207-564-3350. All programs are free & open to the public. Free Wi-Fi available 24/7 in the parking lot.
