We have eclipse glasses for the upcoming solar eclipse! However, we have a limited supply. If you are a Lithgow Public Library cardholder, please visit the Circulation Desk to claim your pair while supplies last.

Want to learn more about the Total Solar Eclipse in Maine on April 8th? Here are some resources:
NationalEclipse.com
Aroostook County Tourism
GreatAmericanEclipse.com

 


Programs & Events:


Afternoon Darkness: The Great North American Eclipse
March 28th at 6:30 pm

Astronomer Edward Herrick-Gleason, Director of the Southworth Planetarium in Portland, will be giving a talk on the upcoming total solar eclipse of April 8, 2024 over Mexico, the USA, and Canada. This program is free and open to all!

 


Pocket Change and Dollar Bills
Saturday, March 30th at 10am in the Community Meeting Room

Join us in the Community Meeting Room at 10 a.m. on Saturday March 30th for the launch of Maine author Shellie Black’s children’s book Pocket Change and Dollar Bills. Follow along in the book as children learn the ABCs of saving, from counting coins to growing savings. With playful, rhymes and colorful illustrations, parents will help their children discover the joy of planning ahead. A whimsical journey, encouraging little savers to watch their fortunes bloom, one coin at a time, for a bright financial future. Kianna Windham is the illustrator. The release of their book coincides with Financial Literacy Month in April. Come join the fun. There will be a reading, book signing, activities and more!


Casual Crafters Cafe
Thursday, April 4th from 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Calling all crafters from beginner to experienced! We are happy to introduce a new crafting program for adults. Drop in any time within the hour, bring a project, and join a friendly group of crafters of all types – yarn and needles to paper and paint. Not working on a craft at the moment? We’ll have some supplies for you to create with. Snacks and beverages will be provided or feel free to bring your own. This program meets in the Community Meeting Room.


Casual Crafters Cafe
Thursday, April 18th from 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Calling all crafters from beginner to experienced! We are happy to introduce a new crafting program for adults. Drop in any time within the hour, bring a project, and join a friendly group of crafters of all types – yarn and needles to paper and paint. Not working on a craft at the moment? We’ll have some supplies for you to create with. Snacks and beverages will be provided or feel free to bring your own. This program meets in the Community Meeting Room.


Creative Writing
Friday, April 19 from 10 a.m. – noon

Instructor: Christine Little

In this class, you will use guided writing prompts from Jacqueline Suskin’s book, Every Day is a Poem, to explore the creative use of words to express your experience and affirm your innate creativity. No experience is needed.

Click here to register 


Understanding Symbolism on Maine’s Early Gravestones
Presented by Ron Romano
Saturday, April 20th at 10 am

Maine’s cemeteries are rich with folk art. Beautifully hand-carved gravestones created by local stonecutters are readily found as you stroll the burial places in use from the Colonial period through the end of the 1800s. But what do the gravestone symbols-rising suns, skulls & cross bones, pointing fingers-really mean? In this heavily illustrated presentation, cemetery historian and author Ron Romano, will describe the “anatomy” of a gravestone, discuss the types of materials found in our burying grounds, and explain the meanings of dozens of gravestone images. We’ll explore this topic with some additional context regarding how our cemetery landscapes have evolved over time. Is there a difference between a cemetery and a graveyard? We’ll answer that question in this program!


ZenTangles
Friday, April 26 from 10 a.m. – noon

Instructor: Christine Little

Description: Transform your doodling into art by learning how to create simple visual patterns, called tangles. This is an easy, relaxing way to increase focus and sense of well-being while allowing the creative process to unfold. This class requires no previous art experience.

Click here to register


Rock N’ Talk: Painting Together to Express Our Healing
Consumer Council System of Maine

April 30th from 1 – 3 pm in the Community Meeting Room

You are invited to design rocks with a picture or phrase that inspires your mental health recovery journey and let us know how mental health and related services are going.

This program is free and open to all! All supplies are provided! Please call 430-8300 or 687-6035 with questions.


Antique Appraisal Fair Benefiting the Friends of Lithgow Library
Thursday, May 2nd from 1:00 – 4:00pm

Curious how much your antique vase is worth? Think your family heirloom is priceless? Bring your treasured items to the Community Meeting Room for valuation by expert appraisers from the Thomaston Place Auction Galleries. A donation to the Friends of Lithgow Library is required for each appraisal, and we ask that you bring no more than 5 items, and no glass or china unless it is Tiffany.


Spring Handbell Concert at Lithgow Library
May 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room

The Winthrop Area Handbell Ringers return to the Library on May 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room. They will be performing a variety of music, including selections from “The Sound of Music,” a piece called “Marche Militaire,” “Deep River” and more.

The concert is free, but reservations are required. Please call the Library at 626-2415 to reserve your spot.


Hall-Dale Taiko Drumming Performance
Saturday, May 11th at 10 a.m. in the Community Meeting Room

What is Taiko drumming? In Japanese, Taiko literally means “drum,” and it can have various other names such as wadaiko, or “big drum,” which is typical to create a loud, exciting, and booming sound. Originally, as a singular instrument, the taiko drum has been used primarily for means of military communication and religious purposes. Today, after a few modern tweaks, the taiko drum can now be presented in ensembles and played in different venues and events like a summer festival. They will be performing in the Community Meeting Room on Saturday, May 11th at 10 a.m. This performance is free & open to all but you must reserve a seat by calling the library.

Hall-Dale Taiko Drumming came to fruition in 2007, by former teacher Naoto Kobayashi. During that time, Hall-Dale High School provided after-school activities for students to attend, with Taiko being one of them, enticing students since the drumming was brand new to them. Since then, many students came and went, even visiting the school to play, observe and to encourage new students to play. The group has played in various places, such as downtown Hallowell, Bowdoin, Colby College, Boston, Portland, and for various events such as Homecoming, New Year’s, Japanese events, and more. To this day, Hall-Dale Taiko drumming remains strong and willing to play for you!


“Passion and Nostalgia” – A ScheckMate Concert
Thursday, May 16th at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room

The program features pieces that express deep passion, sometimes inward-looking and soft, sometimes exuberant and powerful. From Antonio Vivaldi’s introspective but happy suite-like g minor cello sonata, we move to the expressive capriccio #8 by Giuseppe Maria Dell’Abaco and to the passionate Bolero and Solea by Spanish guitar composer Julián Arcas (1832-82). In direct response, the program features an homage to Arcas written in 2017 by German cellist and gambist Dietmar Berger and culminates in the nostalgic three nocturnes by German composer Friedrich Burgmüller. The first two pieces are performed on baroque instruments (cello and theorbo, a baroque bass lute). The other pieces use a romantic guitar and a romantic cello.

The concert is free, but reservations are required.
Please call the Library at 626-2415 to reserve your spot.


Creative Writing
Friday, May 17 from 10 a.m. – noon

Instructor: Christine Little

In this class, you will use guided writing prompts from Jacqueline Suskin’s book, Every Day is a Poem, to explore the creative use of words to express your experience and affirm your innate creativity. No experience is needed.

Click here to register 


Introduction to Wood Carving
Sponsored by the Maine Wood Carvers Association
Saturday May 18th Basic Bird *SOLD OUT
Saturday May 25th Spoon *SOLD OUT
9:30-11:45 a.m. in the Community Meeting Room

This program is open to kids ages 10 and up, teens and adults. Kids under 14 must have a parent or guardian present for the session.  All participants 18 and older must sign a release and participants under 18 must have parents sign for them. Materials, tools, and a safety introduction will be supplied.


The Lost Art of Tea Leaf Reading Workshop
May 23rd at 6pm in the Community Meeting Room

Would you like to learn the history of the art of divination by tea leaf reading? Please bring your own cup to this workshop, we will provide the tea and hot water. Enjoy your cup of tea and learn how to read the symbols and messages revealed in your leaves.

Registration is required. Please visit the Reference Desk to register. 


Author Talk:
Maine Roadshow: A Roadside Tour of the State’s History, Culture, Food, Funk & Oddities by Tim O’Brien
Tuesday, June 11th at 6pm in the Community Meeting Room

Maine Roadshow: A Roadside Tour of the State’s History, Culture, Food, Funk & Oddities is lavishly illustrated with nearly 450 photos, all taken by the author, during a five-year, thousands-of-mile journey exploring and documenting all corners of the state.

In this colorful exhibition, award-winning photojournalist Tim O’Brien ventured far off the beaten path to explore the lesser known aspects of the state’s historic and significant attractions, while keeping an eye out for interesting and often hidden roadside oddities and attractions. The results provide the reader a robust understanding of the diversity of what “Vacationland” has to offer.

This program is free and open to all!


French Social Hour
Thursday, June 13th at 5:30pm in the Board Room

Want to practice your French? Come enjoy coffee and snacks while chatting with other French speakers!

Free & open to all!
 
 


Creative Writing
Friday, June 21 from 10 a.m. – noon

Instructor: Christine Little

In this class, you will use guided writing prompts from Jacqueline Suskin’s book, Every Day is a Poem, to explore the creative use of words to express your experience and affirm your innate creativity. No experience is needed.

Click here to register


 

Repeating Programs & Events:


Technology Help

Do you need assistance using technology?

Alana is available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2-4 p.m. by appointment only. Call or visit the Reference Desk to book an appointment.

She can assist you on one of our public computers or you can bring in your own device (laptop, tablet, phone, etc.). Appointments are 30 minutes long.

Please have one or two specific tasks in mind such as how to use the Cloud Library, how to print from your device, how to set up an email account etc. in order to make the most of the 30 minutes. Alana can also direct you to classes and resources that may be beneficial for more extensive help. Please note that this is not technology repair. Alana can show you how to use your device, but she cannot fix it.

Technology Classes

We are an onsite partner with The National Digital Equity Center, a non-profit organization that provides virtual and interactive Digital Literacy classes. All classes are free, all you have to do is Enroll!

 

Upcoming, we have:

iPhone Basics:
April 11th from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
April 18th from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
April 25th from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Intermediate MS Word:
May 6th from 10:00 am – 11:00 am
May 7th from 10:00 am – 11:00 am
May 8th from 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Understanding the Internet:
June 4th from 9:00 am – 10:00 am

Registration is required. Click the title of the class and follow the steps to register. Need help registering? Call or visit the Reference Desk.


Augusta Age-Friendly Committee
The first Tuesday of each month at 5:30pm

The City of Augusta is a member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities which is an institutional affiliate of the World Health Organization’s Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities & Communities. The local group seeks to implement new programs to make the community more age-friendly. If you want to share ideas or want more information, attend one of the monthly meetings in the Library Community Meeting Room.


Lithgow Book Club | 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm in the Community Meeting Room

Copies of the books can be ordered via the MINERVA online catalog, or by calling the library at 626.2415. Join us! Library programming is free and open to all.

 

The Wishing Game, by Meg Shaffer
Wednesday, April 10th at 6:30 pm
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

This Tender Land, by William Kent Krueger
Wednesday, May 8th at 6:30 p.m.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


New Beginnings
The 4th Friday of each month from 1 – 3 pm

A consultant from New Beginnings will be available to meet with in the entryway of the library the 4th Friday of every month from 1-3pm.

Each year New Beginnings provides hundreds of children, teens, and young adults with opportunities for the safety, connection, and growth that all people need to thrive.

New Beginnings has served runaway and homeless youth and Maine families in crisis since 1980. Our complete continuum of services provides an essential “safety net” for young people in Maine who don’t have stable family support and are at risk of homelessness.


Job Corps
The last Monday of every month from 1 – 3 pm

Job Corps is a tuition-free training and education program that connects eligible young people with the skills and educational opportunities they need to establish real careers.

Young adults ages 16-24 are able to obtain their high school diploma if needed, driver’s license, basic trade training and advanced trade training, supported with medical and dental care, including residential campuses, all free to the student.  Support is given throughout the process, including guidance for the possibility for continuing education, military enrollment, and job placement.

There will be a table in the library’s lobby the last Monday of every month from 1-3pm.


The Stitchery
The first and third Tuesday of each month at noon

All ages and experience levels welcome!

Bring your project and hobnob with knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, felters, weavers, quilters, tatters, spinners, and other fiber fans. Come for advice, inspiration, or to just chat with like-minded crafters.

 


Lithgow Cribbage Club
Every Friday from 1 – 4 pm

Enjoy a fun time with other local cribbage players in the Library’s Community Meeting Room.

This program is free, and players of all ages and abilities are welcome. Boards, pegs and cards are provided.

 


Career Help at the Library
The first and third Friday of every month from 1 – 3pm

Need help finding a job? Free help is available!  A Career Center consultant will be in the Library’s Community Meeting Room to assist your job search needs. Bring your questions and ideas to this drop-in session for expert help.


 

Support the Lithgow Public Library:


Postcards, Notecards, & Ornaments for sale!

We are selling Postcards, Notecards, & Ornaments featuring a beautiful watercolor painting of our library by Florence Daly!

Thank you for supporting The Friends of Lithgow Public Library.

Postcards are $5.00 for a bundle of five
Holiday ornaments are $20.00
Notecards are $5.00 each or 3 for $10.00

We also have gift certificates available for purchase, which can be used toward non-resident library membership fees.

Cash or checks can be made payable to The Friends of Lithgow Library.


Book Sale

Come browse our Book Sale on the second floor, next to the Reference Desk!

Fiction and Non-Fiction is $2 for paperback and $4 for hardcover. Children’s Books are $1 for paperback and $2 for hardcover. Cash only, at the Reference Desk. Thank you for supporting the Friends of Lithgow Library!

Interested in donating? We are currently only accepting one bag or one small box of books at this time (please check back in May or June when this may change). Please only donate books in good condition. We are not taking small mass market paperbacks, oversized books, encyclopedias, textbooks, reader’s digest, dictionaries, magazines, or AV materials. Thank you for your support!