By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library
April is shaping up to be a series of very fortunate events at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft. From science to poetry, celestial to earthly and everything in between, we have a riveting lineup that will engage all ages — especially because of our very special guest:
Known for Maine and Mike
With books that fly off the shelf
We welcome him soon
That’s right, we are very happy to announce that Paul Doiron will be at TFL on Tuesday, April 30 at 6 p.m. He is the author of the enormously successful Maine-based Mike Bowditch series. Locals are enthralled — we put his books on hold for our patrons all the time!) He’ll preview his new book “Pitch Dark” that comes out in June and give away one advanced reader copy.
A native of Maine, Paul attended Yale University and Emerson College. He is a former member of the Maine Arts Commission and past chair of the Maine Humanities Council, and Editor Emeritus of Down East Magazine. He is also a Registered Maine Guide specializing in fly fishing and lives on a trout stream in coastal Maine with his wife Kristen Lindquist.
A neat tie in: we’re giving away two copies of Paul’s most recent book “Dead Man’s Wake” during April. Enter to win when you check out any item. One entry per account, per visit.
Looking for a great family activity? Stop by the library at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9 for Family Fun Night featuring games, snacks, and more.
Stay up to date on the latest environmental health news by joining us on Thursday, April 11 at 1:30 p.m. for an informative 101 session on drinking water & PFAS chemicals presented by Piscataquis County Soil & Water Conservation District and TFL.
Rob Durgen, superintendent of Dover & Foxcroft Water District will talk about our local water supply. Katie Richards from Maine Laboratories will discuss how their lab is different from others, what PFAS is and how they are dealing with it, and what resources they have available for landowners. And A&L Drinking Water’s Rebecca Labranch will give a presentation on types of wells, common contaminants, proper sampling procedures, and understanding your water test results.
TFL’s Reading Group explores “This is your Mind on Plants” by Michael Pollan on April 11 at 6 p.m.
Take part in fun family activities when Penquis joins Ms. Michelle for Story Time on Friday, April 12 at 10 a.m. Then Ms. Michelle travels to the Piscataquis County Ice Arena on Sunday, April 14 for Penquis Cap’s Project Play from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. “We’ll be playing with cloud dough,” says Michelle.
Keep the solar eclipse vibe going and learn more about the solar system with the Northern Stars Planetarium in their traveling inflatable planetarium at Central Hall Commons on Wednesday, April 17. There are two showings: 3 and 4:30 p.m. Sign up is required because space is limited. Choose one of the times with only one viewing per family. Show lasts 45 minutes to an hour. Contact the library to sign up.
Cheer on a bunch of young scientists at TFL’s first ever Science Fair. Drop by 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 to see the projects, ask questions, and be impressed by these young science investigators.
Visit the library to view the incredible heirloom quilt hand-crafted by Helen Higgins to be raffled off to benefit Pine Tree Hospice. Tickets are $5 each. Winner will be drawn at the Pine Tree Hospice Variety Show on April 20. This year’s theme is a book lover’s dream come true.
For April, our display diva Shannen Rhoda highlights National Poetry Month and we’re having a Haiku contest. One winner will be chosen in each category Kids (5-12), Teens (13-19), & Adults. Like my haiku hint above, the format is three lines with 17 syllables in a 5-7-5 pattern. Submit your original poem with name and age category at TFL or email it to [email protected].
It’s important to have something to look forward to, especially after this long, strange winter. It’s only fitting to have Paul Doiron, master of the Maine woods, guide us through the transition phase. Many readers have trouble pronouncing his name, but few have trouble being drawn into his ever-evolving Mike Bowditch saga. It’s no mystery, April at the Thompson Free Library will captivate you — from start to finish.
TFL hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit our website: thompsonfreelibrary.org, our Facebook page, Instagram @tf_library, or contact us at [email protected] or 207-564-3350. All programs are free & open to the public.
