Make the Most of August at the Thompson Free Library – Piscataquis Observer

By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library

Hey everyone, August has joined the chat! Did summer fly by at warp factor 10 or what? Okay, not on those humid days where it meanders like an Altman film. But now that we’ve reached month number eight, the pressure is on to make it last and have as much fun as possible. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place for August and everything that comes after it. The Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft is a constant stream of incredible programming for all ages.

Attention book lovers and bargain hunters! We’re kicking off the month with a Ten Cent Basement Book Sale, August 1-3 (Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-12:30pm).

Our “snowy” friend Hedwig has this message for all the wizards and muggles: Don’t miss Chewonki’s “Owls of Maine” on Thursday, August 1st at 10:30am. Learn about the habits and adaptations of Maine’s native owls and meet two of them – live and in person.

PanStorm, a local steel band from Hermon, will be performing a free concert on Saturday, August 3rd at 6:00 pm. Their mission is to spread unbridled joy through steelpan music.

Kids will love getting wet during the outdoor games on Thursday, August 8 at 10:30am (teacher Michelle says dress to get wet!).

Get the facts on the latest health food trend on “Microgreens 101” at 1:30 p.m. on August 8. Brian and Heidi Lourie, owners of HF Microgreens in Harmony, give us an inside look at this nutritious and flavorful superfood.

TFL’s reading group will meet at 6 p.m. on August 8 to discuss “Plainsong” by Kent Haruf. The Detroit Free Press called this acclaimed book “Compelling … A lyrical meditation on community and family, and how the former becomes the last traditional ties don’t prove binding.” Copies available at the library.

Time to get back on the bandwagon, because the Sebasticook Valley Community Band is performing a free concert on Sunday, August 11th at 4:30pm at the TFL Pavilion. The band is made up of musicians from all walks of life, but they all share a love of good music, camaraderie, and fun!

Conjuring Carroll will be hosting a combination magic show (30 minutes) and magic workshop (one hour, for ages 7 and up) on Thursday, August 15 at 10:30 am. He will share the tricks of the trade, demonstrate how to make balloon animals, and give tips on performing magic tricks.

Let’s get this party started! “The End of Summer Party” from 6:00-7:30 pm on Friday, August 16th will feature a bounce house, summer reading raffle drawings, games, snacks, pies in the face with Ms. Michelle and of course, ice cream! Darling’s Ice Cream Truck will be there handing out free ice cream and asking for voluntary donations to an invaluable local resource, Piscataquis Regional Food Center.

Northeast Historic Film presents “Working the Land” on Tuesday, August 20 at 6 p.m. David Weiss, founder of the nonprofit archive, will host the event, which he calls “A Wonderful Look at Forests and Farming.” The presentation will feature footage of life in a logging camp, including tools and methods used to cut and transport logs that were sent down the Kennebec River to various mills. You’ll also see a log jam on Wyman Lake, a jam at Moxie Falls and locks at Wyman Dam.

Always a fan favorite, “Mr. Drew and his Animals Too” returns on Thursday, August 22 at 10:30 a.m. for a fun and engaging educational program featuring rescued and rehabilitated exotic reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates from around the world.

Youth Librarian Michelle Fagan is hosting the Teen Book Club on Friday, August 23 at 3pm (a great way to fulfill your FA requirement!).

Looking for something both smokin’ hot and totally cool? Foxcroft Academy’s Alumni Jazz Band is the perfect mix of Big Band classics, Swing and Latin dance tunes, and more of your favorites. They’re performing on Thursday, August 29th at 6:00pm in the TFL Pavilion. Bring your own chairs! Rain date is August 30th at 6:00pm

Summer has flown by like REM’s fast-paced classic. It’s the end of summer as we know it — and after making the most of August with TFL — you’re sure to feel good!

TFL Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 9am-7pm, Wednesday-Friday 9am-5pm, and Saturday 9am-1pm. 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 and open to the public.