Busy February at Thompson Free Library
DOVER-FOXCROFT — This February let’s go beyond “Be My Valentine” and cute cupid cards. While love may be all we need, connection is arguably even more important, especially these days. The Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft is a great place to connect with people, programs, books, ideas and, yes, even computers.
Ms. Michelle celebrates World Read Aloud Day with a special story time on Friday, Feb. 1 from 4-5 p.m. Kids can listen to wonderful stories, see delightful illustrations, and participate in a small craft project too.
Caregivers, and those who support them, who need an empathetic, creative outlet can join the Caregivers Book Group (sponsored by the Maine Humanities Council and Pine Tree Hospice). This group, facilitated by Husson University English Professor Greg Winston, will meet at the library four times (through May) beginning Monday, Feb. 4 from 3:30-5 p.m. Readings will include novels and poetry with the goal of deepening and widening understanding. For more information, please call Pine Tree Hospice at 564-4346.
Bangor Daily News reporter Callie Ferguson will lead a book discussion on Thursday, Feb. 7 from 5:30-7 p.m. about “All the President’s Men,” a riveting non-fiction political detective story by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward that goes behind the scenes of their explosive reporting that toppled the Nixon presidency and inspired generations of reporters. Ferguson will focus on investigative journalism and how it’s changed since the Watergate era. Parallels to current political events should make for a timely discussion. Contact the library if you’d like to participate.
A screening of the acclaimed 1975 movie “All the President’s Men” starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman follows at Center Theatre on Wednesday, Feb. 13. Food and conversation start at 5:30 p.m. and the film begins at 7.
Parrots are so much more than “Polly Want a Cracker!” On Saturday, Feb. 9 at 11:30 a.m. learn about these colorful, intelligent, social creatures and the inspirational story behind Siesta Bird Sanctuary in Harmony where Margaret and Fritz Buschmann have created a permanent home for displaced parrots.
The Adult Reading Group reconvenes on Thursday, Feb. 14 at 6 p.m. First up, Elizabeth Berg’s novels “The Story of Arthur Truluv” and “Night of Miracles.”
If mother nature and the weather gods smile upon us, Nerf Night will go forward from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 15 (snow date is Saturday, Feb. 16 from 6-8 p.m.) This event is open to grades 5 and up. Bring your own labeled Nerf equipment. Special note: please do not bring Nerf Rival equipment.
The Monthly Make it at TFL finds STEM Guide Alicia Millette using chemistry to make bath bombs, face scrubs, and lip balm with grades 6 and up on Tuesday, Feb. 19 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Space is limited so please contact Michelle to sign up.
If you’re new to computers or just want to brush up on your skills, the Basic Computer Skills Class may be the perfect fit. This Free Digital Literacy Class is sponsored by the National Digital Equity Center and held on consecutive Wednesdays: Feb. 20 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. and Feb. 27 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Please call 207-259-5010 or email info@digitalequitycenter.org to register.
The TFL Film Club premieres on Friday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. with a showing of “The Milagro Beanfield War” directed by Robert Redford. This free, monthly film series will feature undiscovered gems. TFL’s own cinephile Tom Lyford, describes this 1988 indie comedy-drama, (based on the John Nichols’ book) as “both lyrical and fanciful” and believes that “it got lost amid the shadows cast by the super-hyped Hollywood blockbusters.” Redford artfully guides a terrific ensemble cast through the familiar conflict powerful land developer vs. naïve townspeople in a rural New Mexico town. Those attending are invited to stay and discuss the movie afterwards. And, yes, there will be popcorn.
Wednesday, Feb. 27 at 3:30 p.m. is the first meeting of the TFL Teen Advisory Board (TAB). Sixth grade and up are welcome to come help us plan programs and decide what books and movies to add to our collection while earning community service hours. Snacks will be provided.
Wayne Finkle of Milo is the artist of the month. His vibrant landscapes and wonderful wildlife paintings will lift spirits and ease those mid-winter doldrums.
Whether you schedule a playdate with your child, meet an old friend for a movie, join a book group with your spouse, learn to email your kids, drive a neighbor to pick up the latest Louise Penny novel, the library is the spot for connections, and realizing that we’re all interconnected. In a way, TFL is kind of like Kevin Bacon, reminding us we’re really not that separated.
For more information, call 564-3350, email thompsonfreelibrary@gmail.com, or find us on Facebook.