December at Thompson Free Library
DOVER-FOXCROFT — What do you remember from holidays past?
I can hear the electric knife whizzing, slicing through my mother’s baked Alaska — the final course of our Christmas Eve feast. The chewy brownie, vanilla ice cream, and meringue melting together in a decadent delight. Then, those of us who wiggled out of clean-up duty, would take a moonlit walk past snowy fields and darkened woods — or under a sea of stars picking out the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia. The cold air was exhilarating.
As we focus on what to buy for family and friends this holiday season, studies show that experiences are more meaningful than things and December is an experiential wonderland at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft.
Join children’s librarian Michelle Fagan (a.k.a. Ms. Michelle) for Creative Kids Art Time from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 5 and Wednesday, Dec. 19. Materials will be provided and ages two and up are invited to attend this art exploration program, which meets the first and third Wednesday of every month.
Dover-Foxcroft resident and author Joe Siccardi will read from and sign his book “Wisdom from a Father” at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6 He calls himself an “ordinary Joe walking on the path of life” who shares his joys, tribulations, and reflections on life, love, and family.
Now for something a bit more existential. Or perhaps metaphysical. Or, in this case, to be determinism. Channel your favorite philosopher as the Thompson Free Library presents a philosophy discussion group (a.k.a. The Philosophy Circle) that will meet once a month starting at 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7. Come with an interest in meaningful dialogue and be ready to get those synapses firing. Participants at the first meeting will help plan the future of the group.
Those colorful bricks (and we have a giant tub of them!) are a timeless tactile tradition that continues to enthrall children. Kids can build and play with Legos on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month (Dec. 11 only this month as Christmas is the fourth Tuesday).
Talented watercolor artist Rogan Taylor displays his incredible artwork during December and will give an artist talk at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 11. Taylor was born in South Africa and grew up in Zimbabwe and now finds himself in central Maine as pastor of Abbot Evangelical Free Church. Come hear his intriguing story and learn more about his impressive paintings.
In poetic pursuits, local writer and musician JT Curran will read from his first published volume of poetry, “Beyond the Road” at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 13. His words invite us to consider the “signposts, off-ramps, co-travelers and vistas which populate our journeys.”
Now you can buy local produce, cheese, crafts, jewelry and more at the Dover Cove Farmers Market held downstairs in the community meeting room from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every other Saturday through April. They’ve added an extra day this month (Dec 22) so you can buy last minute gifts, grocery/menu items, and festive ornaments.
Attention all those who want to become involved in capturing the oral histories of people in Piscataquis County. On Saturday, Dec. 15 (from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.) oral historian Molly Graham will be at The Commons at Central Hall to show volunteers how to interview and collect oral histories. At this session you will learn how to use the recorder, what questions to ask, and watch Graham conduct a mock interview.
Don’t forget rescheduled Nerf Night is from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 28 and is open to grades 5 and up. Bring your own labeled Nerf equipment (please do not bring Nerf Rival equipment).
This December take a break from the shopping frenzy, holiday craziness (and, yes, even the Hallmark Channel) and truly experience all that the Thompson Free Library has to offer. Memories make the best gifts.