July events at Thompson Free Library

By Kim Brawn

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Summertime is fun time at the Thompson Free Library as we offer up an exciting mix of special programs. It’s the perfect outlet for the kids to channel their energies and engage their minds.

The following programs start at 10:30 a.m. each Wednesday and last about an hour: July 6 Chewonki presents Animal Adaptations — how animals adapt to habitats and featuring three live animals.

July 13 Pony Xpress will bring armadillos, alligators, and other wildlife.

July 20 L. C. Bates, the Museum from Good Will-Hinckley, will showcase bug and reptile specimens.

July 27 play soccer and do drills with Foxcroft Academy’s soccer team.

After the Wednesday programs, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., we will be giving out free bag lunches to anyone under the age of 18. This summer lunch program, is in partnership with SeDoMoCha and the Department of Education and runs through Aug. 4. Free bag lunches will also be available after storytime on Thursdays from 11:30- 12:30.

Don’t forget to stop by the library to sign up for the summer reading progam. This independent reading program (featuring incentives) is open to ages all youth, and runs through August. Kids must read for at least 15 minutes a day for at least 30 days throughout the summer.

For the adult crowd, on Thursday, July 14 from 12:30-1:30 p.m., our Brown Bag Lunch Series presents Trisha Smith, home horticulture aide at University of Maine Cooperative extension in Piscataquis County. She will give a timely “Tick Talk” discussing the difference between dog and deer ticks, performing tick checks, safely removing a tick and submitting a tick to the lab for identification. Those who attend will get a free tick scoop.

Attention families! Put down your smartphones, step away from your tablets and come join us for Family Lawn Game Night on Tuesday, July 19 at 6 p.m. Play badminton, croquet and other timeless classics — even make yummy s’mores. It’s bound to be a memorable and fun event for the whole family.

On another note, did you know that there is a knitting group that meets every Tuesday from 11:30-1 p.m. at the library? As active member Pat Juska, who worked at the Thompson Free Library and now volunteers, explain, “We have a mutual interest, share ideas, show and tell and give opinions on colors, patterns and yarns.”

While there tends to be a core group of regulars and summer people who come when they’re here, everyone (of any skill level) is welcome. As Juska says, “It’s not a club, anyone can come and go.” So bring your project and enjoy some chit-chat.

For more information on any of the programs mentioned, please call or email the Thompson Free Library at 564- 3350 or df@thompson.lib.me.us). You can also follow us on Facebook.