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Director Updates:
April 2025
The Library Lookout
Official Newsletter of the Skowhegan Free Public Library
It is spring! We have made it through another stretch of long cold, dark days. I spent more than my fair share of the winter reading, puzzling, and watching movies, so I am beyond ready to walk around downtown, hike through Coburn Woods, and spy the beautiful memorial gardens at the History House and Coburn Park. There is something about spring that just feels like coming home. Speaking of spring, we are always happy when the weather gets nicer because that means we have more people visiting the library for programming.
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Our Cabin Fever Craft series has been extremely popular with nearly all the sessions being at or near capacity. One woman at the felt wreath making class said after such a dark winter she is ready to “paint and sparkle everything!” We agree!​
So in that vein, we are happy to announce that we are having our 2nd annual Collaborative Art Show. This spring the theme will be: Color Our World (which coincidentally is ALSO our theme for the Summer Reading Program) and all the mini art pieces will be done on a black canvas using a single color. More details will be coming soon.
​Lastly, since our minds here have been on getting outside and enjoying all the things our beautiful state has to offer, we are trying to gauge the interest in getting park/museum passes again this year. Last year we had three on hand: Lake George Regional Park, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, and the Maine Discovery Museum. We want to know if you want those passes available again this year, or if maybe you would like to see some others added. Let us know!
Upcoming Events:
Recurring:
Every Wednesday- Storytime @ 10:30AM
Every Friday- Sit & Knit @ 1 - 3PM
4/02- D&D Club Group B @ 3:30PM
4/02 - BooOOooks in the Basement @ 6PM
4/09- D&D Club Group A@ 3:30PM
4/11- Paper Flowers Craft @ 11AM
4/16- D&D Club Group B @ 3:30PM
4/17- Books & Brews @ 6:30PM
4/19-Felt Cuties @ 10AM
4/23- D&D Club Group A @ 3:30PM
4/24- LEGO Club @ 3:30PM
4/30- D&D Club Group B @ 3:30PM
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Closures
4/03- Reading Roundup Conference
4/21- Patriot’s Day
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Click here to access a PDF version of our calendars here: April & May 2025
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Library Updates
Library Updates
Children's Library Updates
The library is still in search of our a new Children’s Librarian. If you’re interested in joining our team, submit a letter of application that describes your interest in, and qualifications for, this position and the names of three references (these will not be contacted without prior notice to the candidate). Materials can be mailed to the library or sent as PDFs to skowlib@skowhegan.lib.me.us.
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We had a super special guest in March, Chris Van Dusen made an appearance! We had over 90 patrons (kids and grownups alike) stop by to see him, we were even able to wish him a happy belated birthday!
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In upcoming news, Summer Vacation will be here before you know it and you know what that means... The Summer Reading Program is coming up and that means we’re building back up our prizes box and donations are greatly appreciated!
News from Bree Bussell-Fitzgerald, Adult Services Librarian
If you're thinking about attending one of our Books & Brews meetings, now's your chance! We will be meeting in April and May but after that we will break for the summer. We won't meet again until September and then we'll pick back up again as usual. As always, there is no obligation to finish (or even like) the book! We love hearing everyone's thoughts and we welcome discussion! Tell us why you didn't enjoy a particular book, the writing style or the author. The best part about book club is having a judgement free space where we can chat about a story, have an iced coffee and a little treat from Joe's Flat Iron Cafe and make some new friends!
News from Nikki Hathaway, Tech Services Librarian
This month, I’ll be hosting the paper flowers craft to wrap up the Cabin Fever Craft series! We’ll work together to turn damaged books into something beautiful instead of being discarded. These can be used as gifts or decorations from your own home.
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In technology news, we’re still offering Digital Literacy classes through NDEC but you may notice a gap in weeks while we work to get them scheduled. We’d love to hear from you to see what you’d like to learn about as well. These courses can be anything from learning more about Microsoft Word to building your own Facebook business page!
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Lastly, our BooOOooks in the Basement book club will be meeting in May but taking a break for the summer, meeting again in September. The book we’ll be discussing in our May meeting is Finding Amy by Joseph K. Loughlin, Kate Clark Flora.
Fundraising Updates
Spring is finally here! We know with that comes a much-needed spring cleanup for many. Keep in mind that we are still partnering with Skowhegan Redemption! To donate your bottles to the library, just let them know at the time of drop off, it’s that simple!
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Our Bonfire campaign March Merch sale has been a great success thanks to all of you! We’ve decided to extend it out a little bit longer to allow more time for folks to place last minute orders. We have multiple options, including kids sizes so there’s something for everyone!
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With the start of spring, also comes expanded hours for the Friends of the Library Shop! Starting on 4/02, they’ll be open from 10AM-4PM Wednesday through Friday. Stop by to check out the refreshed inventory and say hi!
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We also wanted to include a special thank you to Joe’s Flat Iron Cafe for their partnership. Did you know that when you purchase books from Joe’s, the proceeds are donated to the library? Grab something to read while you enjoy some great food and drinks AND support the library all at the same time!
Women's Slim Fitted T-Shirt in Black
Unisex T-Shirt in Charcoal
Children's T-Shirt in Blue
Children's Crewneck in Maroon
Staff Book Picks for April 2025
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Angie-
The First State of Being
by Erin Entrada Kelly
Bree-
Honey, What Do We Got?
by Rachael & Tom Sullivan
Nikki-
On Tyranny
by Timothy Snyder
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Lydia-
To Sleep in a Sea of Stars
by Christopher Paolini
Our mission
At the Skowhegan Free Public Library, our mission is to foster a community where the freedom to read and access information is paramount. We are dedicated to providing a well-rounded and diverse collection of resources that cater to the educational, recreational, and cultural needs of all our patrons. Our library serves as a welcoming space for every community member, promoting inclusivity and accessibility. We are committed to sustainable practices, ensuring that our operations and services contribute positively to the environment and the well-being of future generations. Together, we empower minds, inspire lifelong learning, and build a brighter, more informed world.
The Library Lookout
9 Elm Street
Skowhegan, ME 04976
Library Staff
Director: Angie Herrick
Adult Circ: Breanna Bussell-Fitzgerald
Youth Services: TBD
Technology Librarian: Nikki Hathaway
Library Aide: Lydia Dore
Intern: Rose Henry
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President: Lynda Quinn
Devin MacMichael
Patrick Dore
Debra Sterling
Lynn Perry
Maureen Provencal
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​​Noella DesPres
Sarah Leavitt
Robert Washburn
Kristina Canon
Patricia Horine
Bloomfield Academy Trustees​