Easy access to summer fun with Thompson Free Library

By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library

DOVER-FOXCROFT — A library is like an all-access pass to great programs, services, and resources. Accessibility is key to everyone. This summer, we’re bringing the whole mountain range to Mohammed. And what an eclectic lineup it is. July at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft is for chasing Bigfoot, making fairy houses, reading oracle cards, and watching show-stopping puppeteers!

Mike Familant’s “Bigfoot Experience: Searching America Tour” stops by TFL on Tuesday, July 9 at 6 p.m. Mike, a New Jersey native, will share his experiences tracking down the truth behind America’s most iconic cryptid. He’s been researching this amazing creature for over 13 years, from the Florida swamps to the north woods of Maine, and has captured some impressive evidence along the way.

Celebrated Maine author and illustrator Kevin Hawkes (of “Library Lion & Chicken Cheeks” fame) returns to the library on Thursday, July 11 at 10:30 a.m. to talk about his latest children’s book “Luigi: The Spider Who Wanted to be a Kitten”. You’ll even get a chance to see him draw!

Have you ever wondered what oracle cards are, what you can use them for, and how to read them? Then you’ll definitely want to join us on July 11 at 1:30 p.m. for “Oracle Cards 101” as psychic/medium Michelle Fisk gives us an introduction to oracle cards with some hands-on learning. Michelle is a certified special education teacher, a psychic medium, and a pranic healer who has a passion for helping others.

At 6 p.m. July 11 the reading group will discuss books they are currently reading, a departure from the usual format of everyone reading the same book. Feel free to stop by and share a work that you just can’t put down.

The Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers are set to wow the crowd again on Thursday, July 18 at 10:30 a.m. at Central Hall Commons. The award-winning puppetry troupe (comprised of three siblings) from Bar Harbor, who write and create all their shows, will perform “The Legend of the Banana Kid” (Little Chucky heads to the Wild West with a fistful of bananas to outwit outlaws)!

After all that excitement, you can head to the TFL Pavilion at 6 p.m. July 18 and chill out to the sweet sound of strings with Susan Ramsey and Ruth Fogg of the North Country Strings Duo. They’ll play a variety of musical selections and banter a bit. Come savor the melodies  of fiddles, guitars, and the cello — a potent force of strings! Students from North Country Strings Music Studio will join in, along with other special guests.

Michelle Fagan, youth services librarian, hosts the Teen Book Club on Tuesday, July 23 at 10 a.m. Read a book and come talk about it (can be used for FA requirements).

Did you know there’s a fairy housing shortage? Ms. Michelle intends to fix that. Meet her Thursday, July 25 at 10:30 a.m. at the Dot Warren Nature trail (across from the parking lot at the SeDoMoCha School) to make “Fairy Houses.”

The timeless tunes and rousing marches of the Harold J. Crosby Band will have you tapping your toes on July 25 at 6 p.m. at the TFL Pavilion.

A reminder that Michelle is on the road every Wednesday through September with the “Read and Feed” free books and produce program. She alternates routes each week with stops in Dover-Foxcroft, Charleston, Monson, Milo, and Sebec. Contact the library for more details.

Don’t forget to bring the kids to “Reading with Erma” starting at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays — a great way to improve reading skills and confidence in a relaxed, supportive environment. First come, first served.

While the Interlibrary loan service is on a state-wide pause as we transition to a new  delivery vendor, you might want to check our Balsam Reciprocal Borrowing program. TFL patrons will be able to check out books at other local Balsam libraries in Dexter, Guilford, Greenville, and others with their TFL account. You must return materials to the library you borrowed them from. FYI: Maine residents can also get a free library card at Bangor Public Library and access their collection.

Making everything more accessible is a major goal at TFL. We give free access to author talks, live concerts, special events, and interesting and informative programs — allowing people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved. Easy access to summer fun should be a right, not a privilege.

TFL hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit our website thompsonfreelibrary.org, our Facebook page, Instagram @tf_library, or contact us at thompsonfreelibrary@gmail.com or 207-564-3350. All programs are free and open to the public.