August events at Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Reminders of “back to school” and autumn bombard us, in stores and online, signaling the dog days of summer are ending. But don’t bury your head in the sand, take advantage of the interesting, informative, and entertaining programs at the Thompson Free Library.

Children’s picture book author and illustrator Chris Van Dusen headlines the children’s summer series on Wednesday, Aug. 2 at 10:30 a.m. The popular Portland native published his first book “Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee” in 2000 and this May his latest work “Hattie and Hudson” was released.

Attention book lovers and bargain hunters: bring your change and dollar bills for the paperback book sale (10 cents apiece) Saturday, Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. Please use our original entrance (via the front lawn) that will be open as part of the Homecoming celebration. This sale is sponsored by Friends of the Library.

The Maine Humanities Council “Let’s Talk About It” book series (“Invisible New England: The Real New England?”) will focus on “The Family” written by David Plante. This program, originally slated for July 25, will now be on Tuesday, Aug. 8 at 6 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 10 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. our Brown Bag Lunch Series continues with Stephen Madera, child abuse and neglect educator from the Penquis organization. He will discuss classes and workshops offered by Penquis to help reduce and end child abuse and neglect. Parents and professionals who work with families can benefit from learning about these important community resources.

Librarian Michelle Fagan will host Family Lawn Game Night on Thursday, Aug. 10 from 6-7 p.m. featuring a variety of fun games, plus s’mores-making (and eating!).

The Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District will have a presentation on Tuesday, Aug. 15 from 5:30-7 p.m. on invasive forest pests. Emerald ash borer, Asian long-horned beetle, and hemlock wooly adelgid are a few pests that will be covered. In addition to speaking about pests that are in Maine or have yet to arrive, district staff will also answer questions on identification, what landowners can do to prevent the transportation of pests, and what to do if they suspect they have found a pest on their property.

All ages are welcome to join us on Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 10:30 a.m. for papermaking with local artist Sarah Robinson from My Wild Fern. She uses handmade paper and salvaged materials to create unique home décor, jewelry, and gifts.

In a similar vein, join us for The Art and History of Paper Making in Maine on Thursday, Aug. 17 at 6 p.m. Pauleena MacDougal will share her knowledge about Easter Fine Paper Company and Michael Hillard will give a presentation on Sappi Fine Paper workers.

Tuesday, Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. The Let’s Talk About It Series continues with the book “All Souls from South Boston” author Michael Patrick MacDonald.

The summer reading program ends Aug. 5, so please bring in your summer reading calendars no later than Friday, Aug. 25.

Finally, be sure to stop by the library to see Greenville photographer Charlie Boothby’s wonderful photos of the Moosehead region on display.

Remember that quote about how we regret what we didn’t do more than what we did? Well, keep that in mind before you turn down any of these great opportunities brought to you by your local library.

For more information, please contact the Thompson Free Library at 564-3350 or df@thompson.lib.me.us, or on Facebook.