October at Thompson Free Library
DOVER-FOXCROFT — We walk around with a computer in our back pocket. We have answers to almost any question, almost instantly. Information is literally at our fingertips. But what’s missing? Human interaction. The small moments. This October, the Thompson Free Library in offers so many ways to interact and connect, to be heard and to listen — and to have fun.
In the midst of an ethical dilemma? Wondering if ethics have been thrown out the window? Join TFL’s Philosophy Circle on Friday, Oct. 4 at 3:30 p.m. when the focus will be on Ethics: how to be more ethical, how ethics affect our daily lives and viewing abstract philosophical concepts through the lens of ethics. Bring an open-mind, curiosity and your moral compass (or not).
Get a clearer picture of the much-discussed Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 5:30 p.m. as monument superintendent Tim Hudson gives us the inside scoop on exploring this vast beautiful expanse of mountains and forestland on the eastern border of Baxter State Park. Tim also reflects on his 50 years in the National Park Service.
Thursday, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. TFL’s book group discusses the 1984 Booker Prize-winning “Hotel Du Lac” by Anita Brookner. New members are welcome.
TFL’s Teen Advisory Board (TAB) meets on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 3:30 p.m. to brainstorm about fun programs for the winter months. Students in grades 6-12 are invited to join TAB.
Take action against climate change in a small yet tangible way by joining a study. Researchers from the University of Maine at Augusta want to learn how Mainers think about climate change. There will be two sessions: Tuesday, Oct. 15 and Tuesday, Oct. 22 from 5-7 p.m. No specific knowledge or perspective is necessary, but participants must attend both sessions. The study uses focus groups and photography to explore the way Mainers view climate change issues and other social changes. To join call or email Dr. Kati Corlew at 262-7752 or kate.corlew@maine.edu.
Pine Tree Hospice’s Caregivers Book Club meets on Thursday, Oct. 17 from 3:30-5 p.m. This book club is geared towards those who are, or have been, caregivers and to those who have lost a loved one. The readings will center on caregiving and bereavement. This month’s readings are “Family Man” a short story by Annie Proulx and “Before the Birth of One of Our Children,” a poem by Anne Bradstreet, the first woman ever to be published.
There will be a special free screening of the film “Dawnland” at Center Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. This showing is sponsored by Helping Hands with Hearts with the support of Center Theatre, SeDoMoCha Middle School and the Thompson Free Library. This acclaimed documentary is about cultural survival and stolen children: inside the first truth and reconciliation commission (TRC) for Native Americans. It follows the TRC to contemporary Wabanaki communities in Maine to witness intimate, sacred moments of truth-telling and healing. With exclusive access to this groundbreaking process and never-before-seen footage, the film reveals the untold narrative of Indigenous child removal in the United States.
As part of the community-wide Halloween BooNanza on Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. TFL will show a classic horror flick (details to come). Prepare to be scared!
On Halloween (Thursday, Oct. 31) Ms. Michelle hosts a spooky storytime at 11 a.m. complete with a fun books and tasty snacks. Later that day at 4:30 p.m. Ms. Michelle opens the original library front doors to welcome ghosts, goblins and all other trick or treaters (ages birth to teen) for her annual free book giveaway.
Make a point to stop in and see the incredible artwork of Monson artist Roberta Jarvis. Her oils and acrylics, featuring wildlife and landscapes, will be on display during October.
Don’t forget TFL’s Kid Zone Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Legos and board games will alternate with art projects. Pick up a schedule at the library or check out our Facebook page.
Come to the library for the books, for the programs, the technology, the art — but it’s the conversations, the face to face contact, working together, laughing and commiserating that is the icing on the cake. Those small moments add up and (hopefully) keep you coming back.
All the programs mentioned above are free and open to the public. For more information, call 564-3350, email thompsonfreelibrary@gmail.com, visit our website thompsonfreelibrary.lib.me.us or find us on Facebook.