Commemorating Maine Statehood with Liam Riordan
Thompson Free Library and the East Sangerville Grange will host Liam Riordan, Professor of History at the University of Maine, live via Zoom on Thursday, October 29 at 6 pm for “Commemorating Maine Statehood: What Can We Learn from the Bicentennial?”
This event is free and open to the public. To participate, join the Zoom meeting online at: https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/82866765250 You can also dial in by phone at: 1-646-876-9923 with Meeting ID: 828 6676 5250
This illustrated presentation and discussion explores the statehood process in Maine that culminated in 1820 with formal separation from Massachusetts. That struggle engaged a range of challenging public issues that are still recognizable today. Commemorating statehood can help us to better understand:
- the explosive place of slavery vis-a-vis the Maine-Missouri Crisis
- the uncertain location of the international border and regional diversity
- sharp partisan conflict and the “two Maines”
- Wabanaki sovereignty
Dr. Riordan received his Ph.D. in history at the University of Pennsylvania and has been a faculty member at UMaine Orono since 1997. He is a specialist on the American Revolution with a current research emphasis on Loyalists, those who opposed the Patriot movement. He has also done extensive research and community engagement work about the Maine statehood era and its bicentennial commemoration. He helps to organize National History Day in Maine, the statewide affiliate of a national research program for grade 6-12 students.
For online state bicentennial resources, please visit: https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/me200/
Thompson Free Library’s Maine Bicentennial Speaker Series is supported by a Maine Bicentennial Community Grant and will explore topics and perspectives sometimes overlooked in traditional narratives of our state’s history.
Join Us for a Story Slam on the Theme “Rise”
Join the Voices from HOME Oral History Project on Friday, October 23 at 6 pm for an evening of story sharing on the theme “Rise.”
You can participate via Zoom at: https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/84153800773 or call in by dialing 1-646-876-9923 with Meeting ID: 841 5380 0773
Rosa Parks said, “You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.” Standing up for the kid being picked on during recess, marching for something you believe in, voting to let your voice be heard… We want to know: When did you rise to a challenge or rise up against injustice however large or small?
Do you have a story to tell about enlisting, resisting, or taking action for a cause? Has someone else stood up for you, or helped you rise to your potential? Will we come out of 2020 like a phoenix rising from the ashes? Maybe simply rising out of bed is a major accomplishment on bad days.
Practice a 4-8-minute TRUE story to share, or come to listen and see what rises up in you.
October Rising with Thompson Free Library
Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library
Remember to put your oxygen mask on first before trying to help anyone else. That’s what flight attendants always tell us to do in case of an in-flight emergency. But don’t wait for an emergency to start practicing self-care. Taking care of yourself, especially during the pandemic, is more important than ever for physical and mental health. Reading a book or participating in an online program are simple ways to take time for yourself. This October, visit the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft in person (with special COVID-19 precautions) and attend engaging live events via Zoom.
To get the most out of your TFL membership be sure to set up your online account through our website. It’s a great way to keep track of what materials you have out, renew them, and put items on hold. Browse the online catalog to find books to read next. If you need help setting up an account, contact the library and we can help.
TFL’s Philosophy Circle meets online via Zoom on Friday, Oct. 2 at 3:30 p.m. for a lively discussion that delves into deeper topics and age-old questions that are still-relevant in today’s turbulent times. Prior attendance is not necessary but an open, curious mind and a willingness to listen and contribute are welcome.
Celebrated and influential poet and Maine resident Richard Blanco’s “The Prince of Los Cocuyos” is the subject of the TFL Reading Group’s next meeting via Zoom on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. Blanco shares his experiences growing up in Miami as the gay son of Cuban immigrants. Kirkus reviews calls it a “warm, emotionally intimate memoir” (contact the library for a copy).
TFL’s Movie Club meets on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. online via Zoom to discuss Wes Anderson’s “Moonrise Kingdom,” a 2012 coming-of-age comedy-drama set in 1965 on an island off the coast of New England where 12-year-olds Sam (Jared Gilman) and Suzy (Kara Hayward) have fallen in love and decide to run away. The film, which has been called charming, whimsical and poignant, is filled with quirky characters played by Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand and Tilda Swinton. The DVD is available at the library (or contact us for more ways to watch).
Voices from Home presents an Online Story Slam on Friday, Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. The theme is “Rise.” Maya Angelou’s iconic poem “And Still I Rise” leapt to mind for me but there are so many directions to take that one word. When did you rise to the occasion/challenge or rise up against injustice however large or small? Rosa Parks took a stand by taking a seat. Will we come out of 2020 like a phoenix rising from the ashes? Maybe simply rising out of bed is a major accomplishment on bad days. Practice a 4- to 8-minute true story to share. Or come and listen and see what rises up in you.
The Maine Bicentennial Speaker Series continues Thursday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. with UMaine history professor Liam Riordan’s “Commemorating Maine Statehood: What can we learn from the Bicentennial?” This illustrated presentation and discussion explores the statehood process in Maine that culminated in 1820 with formal separation from Massachusetts. Learn about sharp partisan conflict and the “two Maines,” as well as Wabanaki sovereignty, among other topics.
Michelle Fagan, TFL’s youth services librarian, reminds parents and teachers to learn more about the text sets available at the library. A text set is a collection of related texts organized around a unique topic, theme, concept, or idea (such as dinosaurs; friendship & kindness; art; fairy tales, folk tales, tall tales; autumn & winter; ocean; nature; poetry; spring & summer; friendship & kindness; geography). Michelle hand-picked each book. Text sets can be checked out just like books.
“With 24 hours or more notice we can also bundle together books on a topic or theme of your choice for you to pick up. We can also order from other libraries but please give as much notice as you can. Planning ahead — especially now — is a good thing,” Michelle says.
“Remember to take advantage of our parent and teacher section with helpful books on behavior, education, and more,” Michelle adds, “And don’t forget we’re still offering take home crafts for kids so keep looking for those during library visits.”
Speaking of visits, please put your mask on first and come see us in person Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with special precautions in place. We want to keep everyone as safe as possible while still sharing the library’s incredible collection and services. Make TFL a fun stop on your errand route. Books are definitely a basic supply and reading is the best self-care out there.
Curbside service is also available during business hours. For more information (including Zoom links to our free virtual public programs), visit our website, Facebook page or contact us at thompsonfreelibrary@gmail.com or 207-564-3350. WiFi is available 24/7 in the TFL parking lot. Find us on Instagram @tf_library.
Bittersweet Glimpses 101
Take a break from the tumultuous present & stroll down memory lane with TFL’s own Tom Lyford during this online program on Thursday, September 10 at 1:30 pm.
Tom will share stories and remembrances of a Maine that many of us are fast forgetting. Travel back through the decades with him to the days of real full-service gas stations, smoking in hospitals and movie theaters, and six-family party lines.
As Tom says, “Don’t be surprised if some of your own memories come tip-toeing out of the past…you’ll be encouraged to share them with us as well. It will be fun.”
This program is free and open to the public. To participate, join the Zoom meeting at: https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/84134920432 Or listen via phone by dialing 1-646-876-9923 (Meeting ID: 841 3492 0432).
Eating Better on a Budget Sept 3-24
Are you stuck at home? Would you like to learn some tips to prepare healthy foods on a limited budget? Come to a virtual workshop taught by a trained nutrition professional!
This FREE 4-class online series offers skills to shop, cook, and eat healthy foods while staying within your food budget. Includes recipe demonstrations, budgeting activities, and time for questions throughout these fun and interactive sessions.
When? Thursdays at 9:30 am or 1:30 pm
Dates? September 3, September 10, September 17, September 24
Where? Zoom! Link provided upon registration.
Registration is necessary.
Call Greta: (207) 564-3350 or email: thompsonfreelibrary@gmail.com
**All participants will receive gifts for participating in each class along with a colorful cookbook with 24 healthy, low-cost recipes and nutrition tips.
