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Paul Doiron is Coming to Topsham Public Library!!

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

I know you know who he is. And, I know you do not want to miss Paul Doiron at Topsham Public Library on Saturday, July 29 at 2pm! How do I know you know who he is? Because right now, as I write this, there are 242 holds on his newest release Knife Creek in the Minerva system.

As a Maine native, and as one who has had his pulse on all things Maine while Editor-in-Chief  for eight years of Down East: The Magazine of Maine, Doiron adds authenticity to the stories he writes. Game Warden Mike Bowditch is a favorite character of many of our patrons and the mysteries he is entangled in keep us guessing to the very end.

Doiron will be reading from his new release, and his books will be available for purchase. Clear your calendar and join us for Staycation 2017!

 

Maine Poet Gary Rainford Part of Staycation Lineup

by | | Growing the Community • Something to do • Special Events • Topsham Tales

Gary Rainford grew up on Long Island, NY, but now he calls Swan Island, Maine home where he resides with his wife and daughter year-round. Naturally, his poetry is influenced by the beauty and fierceness of the nature that surrounds him.

Salty Liquor is his first published collection of poems, and his work has also appeared in numerous literary magazines and university journals. His latest collection, Liner Notes, 64 ekphrasic poems describing 64 musicians as artists making music, is coming out very soon.

Baron Wormser, Maine Poet Laureate from 2000-2006, says, “Gary Rainford’s poems have the tang of coastal Maine and the honesty of that rock-fog-salt-wind world, at once straightforward yet holding subtleties of feeling that prickle flesh and psyche alike. Each poem provides a glimpse into depths – some momentary, some longstanding – all engaging.”

Gary will be sharing with us at 1pm on Saturday, July 29 as part of Topsham Public Library’s Staycation festivities. Don’t miss him! His book will be available for purchase. For a full schedule of that day’s events click here.

 

 

Storyteller Begins Festivities at Staycation2017!

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

She is no stranger to Topsham Public Library, and we are excited to welcome her back! Carol Birch begins the festivities during Staycation2017! on Saturday, July 29 at 10am.

Oral storytelling is vital to our Maine heritage, and Carol has been developing, working and excelling in the art for over 40 years.

Based in Connecticut, Carol has traveled the world sharing and teaching the art of storytelling. In 1998, she received the Circle of Excellence Award given by the National Storytelling Network for “setting the standards for excellence and demonstrating a commitment and dedication to the art over a significant period of time.”

Clear your calendar, and join us. You don’t want to miss her!

 

 

Library Spotting in Michigan

by | | Something to do • Topsham Tales

Weddings. Summertime is the season for weddings. That’s how I happened to be in Jackson, Michigan over the weekend. My nephew tied the knot and my sister and I went to join in in the festivities. Of course, one of us had to run around picking up last minute items and toiletries that one of us forgot and shoes to match the dress that one of us found instead of the outfit that one of us brought with us. It was during all that running around that I saw it.

Meijer Branch of Jackson District Library is in Jackson, Michigan. Of course, I had to check it out. I only had a few minutes because my sisters needed to get more errands ran and it was wicked hot out. It is a lovely library. It was very busy while I was there, so I didn’t get to speak with any of the staff, but it was obvious, Meijer Branch is important to its community.

 

Where have you been? Have you visited any other libraries? Email me and let me know. Send pictures too! My email is tplstaff@topshamlibrary.org.

I love my sisters. And of course, I love my own Topsham Public Library.

Summer Reading Program Begins This Saturday!

by | | Growing the Community • Information • News • Something to do • Special Events • Topsham Tales • TPL Programs

The excitement is building, people have been asking about it, and finally, on Saturday the fun begins! All kinds of stuff is lined up for the summer. There is something for everyone!

If you have participated before, you know that you want to be here on Saturday, June 17 to pick up your summer reading packet. If you haven’t participated before you should be at Topsham Public Library on Saturday, June 17 to pick up your summer reading packet. There are packets for babies, children, teens, and adults, too. These packets include information about programs and prizes available to all. Of course, if you cannot make it here on Saturday, you can pick up a packet the next time you visit.

Each packet contains a bookmark to record your summer reading. The completion of those bookmarks earn you prizes and/or tickets for raffles. Plus those packets will have flyers that highlight the special programs and opportunities taking place throughout the summer. Some of the highlights (and these are just highlights – you want to get the packets for all the details and programs) are:

for children:

  • Thursday, July 20 at 4:30pm  join us as we explore sharks and their unique adaptations  that help us learn more about their role in the ecosystem. Sharks4Kids will demonstrate why we should protect these animals instead of fearing them. Designed for ages 5-13, limit first 100 people.
  • Knit a Better World on Saturday, July 22 at 2pm. Warm Up America collects knit or crocheted 7×9″ squares and assembles them into cozy blankets. We want to send them some knit squares. Mariah or Emma can assist you in learning the basics of knitting, then you can take your project home to finish over the summer. We will provide yarn and needles. Designed for ages 7-12, registration is required for the instruction/supplies. If you would like to knit squares on your own, simply knit a 7×9″ square and bring it in to Mariah.
  • On Saturday, July 29 join us for Staycation 2017: a morning of special guests will read aloud to children. Guests include the principals from Topsham’s elementary schools, the Topsham Fire Chief, Topsham Town Manager and more. Then enjoy your picnic lunch on our grounds and we provide free ice cream and free beverages sponsored by Friends of Topsham Public Library. Details can be found at www.topshamlibrary.org/staycation or pick up your flyer at Topsham Public Library.
  • Family Concert with Matt Loosigian on Friday, August 11 at 10am. Inspired by Matt’s incredibly dynamic voice and charismatic performance style, participants will sing, play and dance along as this musical wizard pulls giggles out of his guitar! Designed for children, but all ages welcome. Limit first 100 people.

for teens:

  • As part of Staycation 2017, on Saturday, July 29 at 10am there is a hands-on Graphic Novel Workshop where teens will learn the art of creating graphic novels and exploring how art tells a story. Registration is required.
  • Saturday, August 19 at 1pm the ever popular Teen Galaxy Spray Paint is back! Registration is required.  It can be messy so be sure to dress for a mess!

for adults:

  • Introduction to Tai Chi: A Wellness Approach on Saturday, July 1 and Saturday July 8 at 9am with Robin Brooks. We will learn gentle movements that help to balance energy, increase vitality and generate well-being. Wear comfortable clothing, soft shoes, and bring a water bottle.
  • Paul Doiron, Maine author of the Mike Bowditch series, will join us as part of our Staycation 2017 festivities. He will read at 2pm, but you will want to start the fun with Carol Birch Storyteller at 10am, and Gary Rainford, Maine poet, at 1pm. For details check out www.topshamlibrary.org/staycation
  • Lighthouse Keeping with Ernest DeRaps August 2 at 6pm. Ernest G. DeRaps (U.S. Coast Guard, Retired) will show slides and give a talk about his family’s life in three Penobscot Bay Lighthouses and his own experiences in an isolated lighthouse south of Vinalhaven.

For more information about any of these programs, please call Topsham Public Library at 725-1727.

There is much more happening so be sure and get your packet!

 

 

 

Library Spotting

by | | Something to do • Topsham Tales

A few weeks ago, while we trudged through our gray, sunless days, Lynne, our lovely co-worker, was enjoying the sun down in the Florida Keys. While she was there, she happened upon two libraries, and she took pictures of them. Pictured left is Monroe County May Hill Russell Library.

That gave me an idea. When you are vacationing and holidaying, do you notice libraries? What if we all took pictures of libraries that we come upon on our travels? It doesn’t just have to be during summer get-aways, either. It can be any time of the year.

Whether you are in Paris, France or Paris, Maine, the tropics or the tundra, if you see/visit/discover a library take a picture and share it with us at Topsham Public Library. (You can post it on our Facebook page or you can email it to tplstaff@topshamlibrary.org and we will post it here on the blog.)

 

Pictured below is Key Largo Public Library. It caught Lynne’s attention because it was in a strip mall. You may have noticed that Lynne herself is not pictured  any of the photos, but you can go ahead and ham it up for the camera if you want. And don’t forget to visit Topsham Public Library, too!

Summer Reading Lists 2017

by | | Rare Reads • Topsham Tales

Are you beginning to wonder if the sun still exists or if summer will ever arrive? I am. But don’t despair! Whether the days are dreary or the sun finally appears, there are book challenges and book suggestions to get us through our darkest days.

The following link is for the Read Harder Challenge. The Rare Reads Book Discussion group that meets here at Topsham Public Library is challenging themselves, and you can get in on the action.

https://topshamlibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/ReadHarderChallenge2017_web.pdf

 

PBS Newshour published a list of page turners which you can find here:

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/art/19-summer-books-will-keep-night-reading/

 

No summer reading list would be complete without The New York Times. This is a list of suggestions from authors who own bookstores (click here). Maybe on your travels you could stop in at one or two of these bookstores.

 

And we will keep our hopes alive that summer days on the beach will happen with the following list from Travel and Leisure:

http://www.travelandleisure.com/culture-design/books/best-summer-beach-reads

 

If none of those work, stop by Topsham Public Library and we can help you. You won’t leave without a book.

Maine Authors on Display!

by | | Staff Picks • Topsham Tales

This month’s book display, located to the right as you enter Topsham Public Library, is highlighting Maine authors.

Maine is the best place to be in the summer, so when you hit the beach, or head to camp, or relax in your own yard, stop by Topsham Public Library first and pick up some books by Maine authors to enjoy in your Maine surroundings.

Of course, there will be selections from the ever popular Stephen King, Paul Doiron, Tess Gerritsen, Linda Greenlaw, Richard Russo, Monica Wood, and Richard Ford, but you might find some not-known-to-you voices like Earl Smith, Jen Blood, Jennie Bentley, Diane Amos, Joe Coomer, Tom Brown, Stephanie Doyon and others.

Maine is the place to be!

Come Celebrate With Us

by | | Growing the Community • Library Gardens • Something to do • Special Events • Topsham Tales • TPL Gardens

The following was written by Sharon Ross, Development Coordinator for Topsham Public Library.

The Board of Trustees of the Topsham Public Library will be celebrating the opening of its newly configured West Garden Patio on May 20 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. with an opening tea that will also recognize a major donation by Brunswick resident Ruth Bouchard Klein.

In 2016, Ruth donated $15,000 in support of the library’s mission of being a community center for all, and to honor the legacy of her Franco-American Heritage, her parents Emilienne Josephine Painchaud Bouchard and Ovila Henri Bouchard, and her late husband, Walter J. Klein, Jr. The library is recognizing Ruth and her family with a patio container garden, built and curated by library garden volunteer coordinator Sarah Wolpow, and memorial benches made by The Woodshaper Shop of Dedham, Maine.

Ruth is one of 11 children who grew up in the French neighborhood of Topsham Heights along the Androscoggin River. Three generations of her family worked at the Cabot Manufacturing Mill, or Fort Andross, during manufacturing’s heyday. She has fond memories of her childhood in the Heights, where fellow French-Canadians and Franco-Americans built a close-knit community and often shared bounties from their home gardens. These memories may have sparked Ruth’s passion for gardening, which eventually led her to the Topsham Public Library as a volunteer for the library’s gardens. Ruth is a certified master gardener and has taught several master gardener workshops at the library.

The gardens at the Topsham Public Library is the product of dedicated volunteers who have created several demonstration gardens under the direction of certified master gardeners, including current garden volunteer coordinator Sarah Wolpow. Demonstration gardens include a tea garden, children’s garden, edible forest garden, and now our West Garden Patio container garden.

Ruth is a graduate of the University of Maine and has a master’s degree in developmental psychology from Columbia University. In 2014, she published, Je Me Souviens, a tribute to her Franco-American heritage and history in the Topsham/Brunswick area. She was also featured in a short documentary, “The Invisible People of Brunswick Maine,” produced in 2009 by Christian Schneider.

Do You Re-Read Books?

by | | Staff Picks • Topsham Tales

The day was gray and the rain wouldn’t stop. I decided to read a book. I have piles, literally, piles of new books just waiting to be read, but I ignored them. I had the overwhelming desire to read Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. I don’t normally re-read books, but there are one or two that I go back to once-in-a-while.

When I read Lord of the Rings, I feel like I’m going home. I don’t know why, and I suppose it’s silly to say, but that’s how it makes me feel. I enjoy the earthiness of the story, and the camaraderie between the characters. I like the heroes and heroines faults and all, and I guess, especially for their faults. I don’t schedule when to re-read it, it just happens.

I asked my co-workers what books they re-read and here is a smattering of what they said.

Cyndi likes to re-read when she’s tired because she doesn’t have to concentrate as much, and she finds books more entertaining when she reads them a second time. Her go to author is Elizabeth Peters.

Julie re-reads Lord of the Flies by William Golding, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and Dracula by Bram Stoker.

Sharon enjoys to re-visit essays written by Ralph Waldo Emerson, Loren Eisley, and David Sedaris.

Emma did not hesitate when she told me what books she reads over and over again: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey, Catcher In the Rye by J.D. Salinger, and Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson.

Sybil by Flora Rheta Schreiber, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, and  A Wrinkle In Time by Madaleine L’Engle are Lynne’s favorite books to read again.

And last but not least, Linda’s two favorite books to read again are by the same author: Great Lion of God and Dear and Glorious Physician by Taylor Caldwell.

Do you re-read books? What are your favorite books to re-read?