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He’s One of Ours

by | | Topsham Tales

The following is the continuation of a series in which I interview staff members of Topsham Public Library.

Dale is one of the few staff members who is a Topsham native. He was born here, he went to school here, and he works and lives here. Topsham is his home, and we are glad to have him. Dale is one of our technical wizards, but before he went into computers, Dale was a History major, so it is no surprise that one of his favorite books is Killer Angels by Michael Shaara.

Upon meeting Dale, it will not take you long to realize he is a sports enthusiast. He is up on whatever sport is in season, but hockey is his absolute most favorite sport and the Boston Bruins is his favorite hockey team. Football is a close second in Dale’s favorite sport category, and in the Peyton v. Brady match-up, he chooses Peyton.

What I find interesting is that though hockey is his favorite sport, when I asked Dale if he could invite any eight people in the world to dinner who would they be, he chose eight basketball players. In no particular order Allen Iverson, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Paul Pierce, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kareem Abdul-Jabar would make his invite list. Knowing this, when asked if he would prefer to be 4’6″ or 7’7″, it is only natural that he answered 7’7″.

pepperDale always has snacks on hand. If you could peak behind the circulation desk while Dale is working, you would invariably see a bag of chips open beside a bottle of Dr. Pepper. The type of chips may change, but there will always be a Dr. Pepper on hand – a Cherry Coke will never be a welcome substitute – he’s a Pepper through and through.

Food is important to us all, and some of Dale’s preferences are pizza over a burger, BBQ sauce before honey mustard sauce, bacon over sausage, fried eggs instead of scrambled, and vanilla instead of chocolate. The only cake he’s interested in is an ice cream cake – best of both worlds: cake and ice cream all mashed into one.

If Dale could have a super power, he would prefer to be invisible than be able to read minds. He would also choose to run at one-hundred miles per hour than fly at ten miles per hour (I must confess, that would be a very difficult decision for me). And Dale would rather have a dragon than be a dragon – another difficult decision. But since Dale isn’t a super hero, although it feels like he’s one when he helps everyone with their tech questions on Wednesdays from 1-3pm, he would prefer Iron Man, not Captain America, to come to his aid.

iajPC over Mac, night owl not an early bird, Bourne over Bond, book before ereader, mountains over ocean, snowboarding instead of skiing, and android over iPhone are some of the other choices Dale made. Some of the questions were easier than others for him, but it was not a difficult question to answer when I asked him if he was not a staff member at the Topsham Public Library what would he like to be doing, his answer was almost immediate when he said an archaeologist in Egypt or Rome.

Unlocking the keyhole bed

by | | TPL Gardens

gblog1By Jim Demosthenes, TPL garden volunteer and Master Gardener

First made popular in Africa due to dry growing conditions, keyhole gardens are growing in popularity in other hot, dry geographic areas. From a view above, the garden is shaped like a keyhole because of a notch that is cut out of the round shaped bed to enable access to a compost bin situated in the center. The compost bin is supplied with organic matter such as leaves, banana peels, and other kitchen and garden waste. The compost decays naturally over time. When it rains the decomposed compost material (fertilizer) seeps into the surrounding area within the garden providing moisture and nutrients necessary to grow plants and vegetables.

As part of the TPL demonstration garden, a keyhole bed was built in the summer of 2015.  It was created over a base of woody debris, which gblog2is shown to enhance water retention and help build high quality soil (see diagrams).  Last October, half the bed was planted with seed garlic grown organically in Midcoast Maine; this will be harvested around July of 2016.  This spring, a different organic crop will be planted and cared for on the other side of the bed.

The expectation, based on the garden construction, is the lack of need to add any additional water to the garden, even during the warmest summer months. All of the harvest will be donated to the Midcoast Hunger Prevention Program (MCHPP). Future plantings of other vegetable and herb crops will continue to supply food to those in need.

 

Vacation Week Activities and Events

by | | Something to do • Special Events • Topsham Tales

If you have children in school, you know February vacation is next week!! Topsham Public Library has scheduled events to help parents, kids, and community members stay busy.

telescopesmallerTo start it all off, this Saturday, February 13, from 10am-11:30am Topsham Public Library is hosting a Love Your Library Open House. There will be gelato from Gelato Fiasco and coffee from Topsham’s own Wicked Joe!! There will also be a Tech Petting Zoo, telescope demos, free raffles, tours and crafts! You don’t want to miss this!

Photo Feb 14, 1 27 34 PMTeens (ages 11-18), come to the open house and get some free gelato and then stay and participate in the Chocolate Wars from 1-2pm. Events include: Chocolate Pictionary, Stack & Sort Races, Chocolate Shuffleboard and more. Please register by Friday, February 12 at noon as we need 10 teens to run the event. Get your friends together and may the best chocolate eater win! (You can register at the circulation desk or by calling us at 725-1727.)

Parents, on Wednesday, February 17 bring your children ages 6 and up to Legopalooza from 1-3pm! You can build unique creations using our extensive Lego collection. If you need ideas, you can take one of our design challenges or use our Lego books. At the end of the program, we will take pictures of the cool creations you build!

People of all ages make sure you come visit on Thursday, February 18  from 10am-3pm as there will be a Model Railroad Display! The Maine 3 Railers 0-Gauge Model Railroad Club will set up a running model railroad. Come see how they work and talk to club members!

Do you have a baby, or a toddler, or a preschooler? If you do, be sure to join Mariah Friday, February 19 from 10-11am for Maine Family Booknic and explore the gross motor games that will help your little one develop.

Photo Jul 23, 5 07 52 PMIs your lightsaber gathering dust? Are you just itching to speak in Star Wars quotes? If your inner Jedi, or Sith, is dying to get out, join us Friday, February 19 from 1-3pm for Friday of the Force. Star Wars themed snacks, crafts, and activities will be available! Wear a costume too, if you want! This is open to all ages! Oh, and may the force be with you.

Then to wrap up the week, on Saturday, February 20 from 11am-12noon, Joy of the Art winners will talk about their work, the People’s Choice Award will be presented and the winner of the Library Lovers’ Lottery will be announced. If you can’t make it to the Artist Talk, the Crooker Gallery is open all week, so make sure you come in and see the show before it’s gone!

Phew, there’s a lot going on! And those events are just the special events – don’t forget that our normal programming, like Young Critics, Preschool Story Time, Drop-In Tech Support, Men’s Book Group, Genealogy Drop In, and Sip-n-Stitch are going on as usual.

Hope to see you at Topsham Public Library!

 

It’s Tax Time

by | | Growing the Community • Topsham Tales

For better or for worse, tax time has arrived. Topsham Public Library has a variety of ways it can help you through tax season.

Income-Tax-Form-240063We will be receiving the following forms and instructions that you can pick up here: Form 1040, Instruction 1040, Form 1040A, Instruction 1040A, Form 1040EZ, and Instruction 1040EZ. They have not arrived yet. Please feel free to call us to inquire if they have arrived before you come to pick up the forms.  Our number is 725-1727. We will not be receiving any Maine State Tax Forms.

If there is a form that you need that the IRS has not provided we can print one blank form for free. The normal fee for black and white copies of 15 cents per page will be applied for any filled-in forms or  instructions.

Also, on Thursday mornings, AARP will be here to help people with their taxes. You need an appointment to use this free service and can make that appointment at the circulation desk or by calling Topsham Public Library at 725-1727. When you come to your appointment, please remember to bring a photo id, last year’s tax return, proof of health insurance and the social security number of each person listed on the tax return. If you make an appointment, but for whatever reason you cannot make it, please let us know by calling us at 725-1727.

The staff is happy to help you in any way we can, but remember we are not tax preparers ourselves. Thank you and by working together we can get through this!

Livin’ Lovin’ Maid

by | | Topsham Tales

The following is the continuation of the series in which I interview staff members of Topsham Public Library.

If you were to open the staff refrigerator you would see yogurt – lots of yogurt. One of Lynne’s lunchtime staples is yogurt. Usually, it’s the greek style yogurt, but on the day that I had the privilege of interviewing Lynne, she had decided to try a coconut milk yogurt. Coconut milk yogurt left Lynne Dazed and Confused about why anyone would make the stuff. Needless to say, there will not be coconut milk yogurt in the fridge anymore. After her experience with the stuff, Lynne might prefer a Tangerine, or a piece of Custard Pie, or perhaps even a Hot Dog.

It has been more than Ten Years Gone that Lynne has been with us. She tends to be one of the quieter members of our staff, but she knows her stuff and is always willing to lend a hand. In addition to being the Circulation Manager, Lynne catalogs the children’s items which is a detail oriented job, and you might find her from time to time helping Mariah with the children’s programs. She also liaisons with other libraries concerning a variety of situations, like a Communication Breakdown, when the need arises.

rabbithillLynne has many and sundry hobbies. Of course, she loves to read. Her first favorite book that she remembers, and she still possesses, is Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson. In the Evening, when not reading you can find her walking and hiking. She might be The Fool in the Rain you see walking on days of inclement weather and on beautiful days you might see her hiking Over the Hills and Far Away. No matter the weather, Lynne likes to Ramble On. She also enjoys knitting, beading jewelry, and pouring a Whole Lotta Love on her grandchildren. You will probably not find her cooking. Even though she has an Italian background, of which she is proud, she would prefer someone else do the cooking. Cooking, to her, might feel like hanging from the Gallows Pole.

Lynne would like to travel more and you will find her Down by the Seaside as she prefers The Ocean to the mountains. You might even find her as far a field as Kashmir, but with her Italian heritage I think she would spend a lot of time in Italy. When I asked her who she would invite to dinner if she could invite anyone in the whole world, Lynne’s great grandparents on her father’s side topped the list. These great grandparents died when her grandfather was six and he was left to live on the streets of Italy until he immigrated to the United States. (Perhaps her grandfather taught her an Immigrant Song of his own.) She would love to know more about them and their daily lives. Lynne would include Robert Plant, Sir Paul McCartney, Edgar Allen Poe, Sherlock Holmes, Robin Hood, and Robin Williams to dinner as well.

concertNow what I am about to reveal is what I absolutely love about Lynne. As I mentioned earlier, Lynne is one of our quietest members on staff. She is petite, and subtle, and polite, always saying please and Thank You, and just goes about her business and helps who she can in Good Times Bad Times, so when I asked her what she would be if she could not be a librarian, I was a bit shocked at her answer. Lynne would love to be a singer rockin’ it out on stage! I knew she was a Rock and Roll music buff, and usually she’s humming or singing a tune, but I never saw that coming! She says she loves karaoke, so before I climb that Stairway to Heaven, I hope to hear her belt out a hit!

What’s going on out there?

by | | TPL Gardens

garden

For obvious reasons, most gardeners don’t write much about their activities during the growing season, at least not this far north, where the summers are short and the winters long.  On this cold bright day in January I am thinking of last season’s gardens, as well as all that needs doing before spring.  The light is getting stronger and March does not seem far away.  But first, there is a tale to tell.

Back when the air was warm and the days long, some of you may have sat by a tall sunny window in the library and noticed flowers blooming, birds busy at feeders, pumpkins glowing orange, and hummingbirds zipping about.  You may have seen people doing normal garden tasks, such as weeding, but you also may have seen them hauling bales of straw, piling up logs, laying down newspaper, and making large mounds, among other odd activities.  And, you may have wondered, “what is going on out there?”

It turns out that a lot is going on out there.  It started back in 2007 with a boy scout project: a beautiful path of spiral stepping stones from the back door of the children’s area.   A few years later a garden to attract birds was installed by another group of scouts (girls this time).  Perennials began popping up here and there.  A children’s flower garden grew around the spiral path.  Volunteers appeared and began experimenting with funky growing techniques such as keyhole beds, hugel mounds, vertical growing, and strawberry spirals.  Plans were hatched for an Edible Forest Garden – which is just what is sounds like, but more on that later.

The gardens were attracting attention.  A handicapped accessible gravel path around the building was put in.  The gardens spilled over with food for the birds, pumpkins for the kids, nectar for the bees, plants from which to make tea, and even some squash & cukes for Mid Coast Hunger Prevention.  A library friend brought wonderful greenhouse specimens into the main reading room.  A fanciful teepee of white birch sprung up – under which at least two couples were married – and when it rotted out this year, another garden friend found the very best wood with which to replace it.  Around the front, the large circle bed was redesigned and the first trees were planted.

The original spiral stepping stone path opened a door of possibilities, each with a small story of its own.  In the next few months I, along with some of the other folks who made the gardens grow, will write a short post with some more details about all that’s been evolving outside the library walls. We’re going to name some names, we’re going to explain what hugel mounds are, and we’re going to tell you what is the very best wood from which to make a teepee.  Stay tuned.

Sarah Wolpow

TPL Garden Coordinator

Top 5 of 2015 – Part 2

by | | Staff Picks • Topsham Tales

This is the continuation of the Top 5 Picks of 2015. 

Susan’s Top 5:

art

 

The Art of Hearing Hearbeats by Jan-Philip Sendker

 

 

 

Being+Mortal

 

Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande

 

 

 

All_the_Light_We_Cannot_See_(Doerr_novel)

 

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

 

 

 

queen

 

The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

 

 

 

life

 

The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness

 

 

 

Cyndi’s Top 5:

smoke

 

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematory by Caitlin Doughty

 

 

Jackoby

 

Jackaby by William Ritter

 

 

Being+Mortal

 

Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande

 

 

A121-o1kPHL

 

So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson

 

 

rook

 

Rook by Sharon Cameron

 

 

 

Helen’s Top 5:

crossbones

 

Crossbones by John L. Campbell

 

 

HarvestMan-large-thumb

 

The Harvest Man by Alex Grecian

 

 

werewolfcop

 

Werewolf Cop by Andrew Klavan

 

 

blood infernal

 

Blood Infernal by James Rollins and Rebecca Cantrell

 

 

deadplay

 

The Dead Play On by Heather Graham

 

 

 

Jennifer’s Top 5: (I was an English major, so I have a little trouble with numbers…)

truth

 

The Truth According to Us by Annie Barrows

 

 

A121-o1kPHL

 

So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson

 

 

shades

 

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

 

 

devil

 

Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

 

 

stay

 

Stay Where You Are and Then Leave by John Boyne

 

 

destiny

 

Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard

 

 

All_the_Light_We_Cannot_See_(Doerr_novel)

 

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

 

 

 

And then there’s Dave’s Top 5: (Dave goes above and beyond!)

Dave’s Top 5 TV Series:

river

 

River starring Stellan Skarsgaard and Nicola Walker (This is a Netflix original and not in the Minerva system.)

 

 

transparent

 

Transparent starring Jeffrey Tambor (This is an amazon original and not in the Minerva system.)

 

 

grace

 

Grace & Frankie starring Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda (This is a Netflix original and not in the Minerva system.)

 

 

happy_valley_600

 

Happy Valley starring Sarah Lancashire

 

 

black

 

Blacklist starring James Spader

 

 

 

Dave’s Top 5 Movies:

Matt-Damon-the-Martian-507x900

 

The Martian starring Matt Damon

 

 

 

spy_movie_poster_1

 

Spy starring Melissa McCarthy

 

 

 

madmax

Mad Max: Fury Road starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron

 

 

 

Still_Alice_-_Movie_Poster

 

Still Alice starring Julianne Moore

 

 

Mr._Holmes_poster

Mr. Holmes starring Ian McKellen

 

 

 

 

Dave’s Top 5 Books:

beast

 

The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny

 

 

 

banquet

 

A Banquet of Consequences by Elizabeth George

 

 

 

candiceb

 

A Fine Romance by Candice Bergen

 

 

Being+Mortal

 

Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande

 

 

deadwake

 

Dead Wake by Erik Larson

 

 

So those are some favorites amongst the staff at the Topsham Public Library. What were your favorites from 2015?

Top 5 of 2015 – Part 1

by | | Staff Picks • Topsham Tales

It’s that time of year when the staff of Topsham Public Library reveal their Top 5 Picks of 2015. The criteria that a top pick must meet is pretty basic: the staff member has to have read it, watched it, or listened to it in 2015 and loved it. Click on the picture to find the item in the library catalog. Drum roll, please!

 

Emma’s Top 5:

So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson

A121-o1kPHLBy the author of The Psychopath Test, So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed is an examination of people who have been vilified in public, often online, for different reasons and how they coped with the aftermath. In turns fascinating, terrifying and funny. This is a real eye-opener on the power of the internet, mob mentality and resilience.

The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell

1000autThis was originally published in 2010 and I only got to it this year despite being a huge fan of the author. This is an epic book detailing the life and times of Dutchman, Jacob de Zoet and the people he encounters in his years spent as clerk on a tiny trading post island in Japan at the very beginning of the 19th century. What is astonishing about this novel is just how much you care about some of the characters. Mitchell puts them in real jeopardy throughout the course of the book, forcing the reader to hold their breath waiting to see if the characters that they care about will survive.

A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay

ghostsI can’t say too much about this novel without giving too much away but if you were ever a fan of horror movies such as The Exorcist, Poltergeist or Amityville Horror or are aware of the current crop of paranormal ‘reality’ shows, then you will love this book. It is terrifying…but not for the reasons you think.

 

The Sleeper and The Spindle by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Chris Riddle

sleeperI had read the story before, a retelling of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale, in Gaiman’s short story collection, Trigger Warning, but it was Riddle’s illustrations that really caught my attention in this book. Rendered in black ink and accented in metallic hues, they are gorgeous, intricate and darkly humorous—just as fairy tales should be.

 

We Were Liars by e. lockhart

liarI couldn’t put this YA title down. Again, I can’t say too much without giving too much away. The book tells of a privileged group of teens who summer on a private island close to Martha’s Vineyard. To me, it was reminiscent of one of my favorite books, The Secret History by Donna Tartt.

 

Special Mention: You Have Never Been Here: New and Selected Stories by Mary Rickert

never

I’m only half way through this book. I started it after I gave Jen my Top 5, but I am enjoying it so much I had to add it to my list. Mary Rickert is a Shirley Jackson and World Fantasy Award winner, and her stories are the kind that I love to be immersed in and wish I could write. Her tales are uncanny and darkly dream-like yet portray humanity in all its beautiful and painful guises. Highly recommended with the caveat that she takes you to some very dark places.

 

 

Julie’s Top 5:

dreamer

 

Dreamer’s Pool by Juliet Mariller

 

 

Jackoby

 

Jackaby by William Ritter

 

 

chew

 

Chew Vol. 1:  Taster’s Choice by John Layman

 

 

dor

 

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

 

 

under

 

Undertow by Michael Buckley

 

 

 

Lynne’s Top 5:

state

 

State of Wonder by Ann Patchett

 

 

ghosts

 

A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay

 

 

deep

 

Deep Down Dark by Hector Tobar

 

 

liar

 

We Were Liars by e. lockhart

 

 

jake

 

Finding Jake by Bryan Reardon

 

 

 

Linda’s Top 5:

The Cutting by James Hayman

cuttingThe set-up is familiar. Big city cop moves to a smaller New England town (Portland) to live a more peaceful, family-friendly life with his teenage daughter. A body is found in a local scrap heap: a star athlete with his heart cut out. The adventure begins as Mike McCabe and his partner, Maggie Savage, rush to find this cruel murderer before there is another grisly crime. This is a real page turner with lots of action and suspense. It’s not for the faint of heart.

 

The Truth of All Things by Kieran Shields

truththingsIt’s 1892 Portland, Maine, and the body of a young prostitute is found laid out to form a pentagram and pinned to the earth with a pitchfork. Deputy Marshall Archie Lean is assigned to the case. He is soon joined by noted criminologist, former Pinkerton Agent Perceval Grey, who is also half Abenaki. I love this book for its historical detail and the uniqueness of the story. The characters are engaging and realistic as is the setting.

 

A Study in Revenge by Kieran Shields

revengeThis is the second in the Archie Lean/Perceval Grey series. Something is definitely not what it seems when Lean finds the burned body of a man he knows was buried two days earlier. Once again, he seeks out his friend Perceval Grey for assistance. Mr. Grey, busy with his own case which also may not be what it seems, agrees to help. Could the two cases be related, and will they live to tell the tale? This is another great historical mystery that will take you on an exciting journey from the streets of Portland through towns to the south and all the way to Boston.

 

Sunset by Al Lamanda

sunsetEx-police detective John Bekker lives in a little trailer on the beach. Following the death of his wife and the institutionalization of his traumatized daughter, he hides in the bottle until one day he is kidnapped. John comes to a week later, all dried out, in the home of crime boss, Eddie Crist, who supposedly had Mrs. Bekker killed. Mr. Crist, now dying, wants his name cleared as he insists he was not responsible for her death. I enjoyed the fast pace of this book and the concise writing style of the author. The characters are well drawn and the relationship between John and his “next door” neighbor at the beach rings true. There is plenty of action, too.

 

Moriarty by Anthony Horowitz

moriartyBeginning at Reichenbach Falls after the deaths of Holmes and Moriarty, Scotland Yard Inspector Jones and Pinkerton Agent Chase meet over another body found there. In his pocket is a clue to a meeting scheduled between Moriarty and a new American criminal who wants to take over London. Jones and Chase join forces to bring an end to this new and even more cruel menace to the city. Full of action, adventure, twists and turns this novel will take you on a ride. Written in the Holmesian style, this is the second mystery written by Horowitz that is sanctioned by the Conan Doyle Estate. It does not disappoint.

 

 

Mariah’s Top 5 (actually 6, but who’s counting?):

We Were Liars by e. lockhart (seems to be a popular title…)

liar

 

If you have not read this book, then I am not allowed to say anything about it. Except READ IT!!! And then come talk to me about it!!!

 

The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo

grisha

 

Awesome world building, characters, just awesome all around. Be prepared to go without sleep if you start this series – it’s too good to put down! Also, you will be very very sad when you are finished because you will want to read these books forever!

 

Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time by Brigid Schulte

Overwhelmed-TPBookshot-201x300

 

Fascinating read, with some very interesting ideas for the future….

 

 

The Books of the Beginning Series by John Stephens

booksofbeg

 

Possibly the best kid’s books I’ve read since Harry Potter!

 

 

The Supernatural Enhancements by Edgar Cantero

supernatural

 

A spooky and quirky read – another weird format book (I’m starting to think I just love books that are written in strange formats…)

 

 

Ballet Cat: The Totally Secret Secret by Bob Shea

ballet

 

If you like Elephant and Piggie (and who doesn’t like Elephant and Piggie???!?!?!?!) you should read this book! A laugh-out-loud picture book with a sweet message.

 

 

Dale’s Top 5:

everest

 

Everest (movie)

 

 

 

Matt-Damon-the-Martian-507x900

 

The Martian (movie)

 

 

 

 

marscrossing

 

Mars Crossing by Geoffrey A. Landis

 

 

 

super

 

Super Mutant Magic Academy by Jillian Tamaki

 

 

meru

Meru (documentary)

 

 

 

 

Look out for the rest of our staff’s top picks in Part 2 next week!

 

 

2015 Year in Review

by | | Topsham Tales

Here is a quick look back at the many happenings in 2015 at your Topsham Public Library!

 

DSC_0113

Connie Bailey was the first recipient of the new Whitten Society Award.

 

 

 

 

Photo Feb 14, 1 46 18 PM Photo Feb 14, 1 46 53 PM

 

Never mind Star Wars. The Teen Room hosted Chocolate Wars!

 

 

 

2015-02-19 14.34.33 Photo Feb 19, 2 14 00 PM

A smashing time was had at Steam Punk Stem Day!

 

 

 

 

Photo Aug 11, 6 35 00 PM

 

We hosted our first, and won’t be our last, adult coloring night!

 

 

 

 

Photo Sep 08, 6 36 37 PM

 

 

As always, the summer reading program was a hit!

 

 

 

IMG_0454 Photo Aug 05, 10 05 10 AM

 

We welcomed two new staff members – Sharon and Dave!

 

 

 

Photo Apr 11, 1 38 11 PM Photo Apr 11, 1 09 17 PMPhoto Apr 11, 2 05 26 PM

 

The Poetry Festival had a diverse and gifted group of poets!

 

 

 

 

truck

 

And we all LOVE Big Truck Day!

 

 

 

 

Plus, we now have two telescopes available for circulation, Joy of the Pen saw a growth in application numbers, a bookmark making class was held through a collaboration with Maine Fiber Arts and we now have a volunteer helping people with genealogy searches!

This is only a smattering of what Topsham Public Library has to offer. For a more in depth look at what happened in 2015 pick up the Annual Report at the circulation desk or view it here. And make sure you check us out in 2016!

 

To Resolve or Not To Resolve. That is the Question.

by | | Topsham Tales

The year is coming to an end, and the new year is right on the doorstep. I don’t usually make New Year Resolutions. I avoid them like the plague because it seems to me that I am setting myself up for failure when I make a resolution. But this year, I do want to make some changes. I’m sure it’s just semantics, but I like thinking about changes and not thinking about resolutions. So, in no particular order here are some things I have been thinking about.

  1. Time is not slowing down, if anything it seems to be speeding up. I don’t like that. I want to be more purposeful and slow myself down, even if I can’t slow time down.
  2. I like to craft, and I am not going to start another project until I finish, or get rid of, the half-finished projects I have sitting around.
  3. I am going tosaipua_winter1 read that pile of books that has been sitting neglected next to my bed. They are books I want to read, but in my defense, it is difficult working the circulation desk at the Topsham Public Library and watching all these new, old, and interesting titles pass through my hands every day and not taking a few of them home.
  4. I am going to spend less time with a computer on my lap or a phone in my hand.
  5. I am going to find time for silence.
  6. I want to fix up my garden so it is pleasant to the eye.
  7. I am going to take one day at a time.
  8. I am going to be more kind.
  9. I am going to spend more time with my husband.
  10. I am going to learn how to carve.

These aren’t goals that I think will make me a better person, or put me on the road to success. They are goals that take me to the type of life I want to lead. What about you?