WASHBURN, Maine — Both kids and adults will find something to enjoy this summer at the Washburn Memorial Library.
The library has planned several activities around the upcoming Washburn August Festival, which is slated Friday, Aug. 19, through Sunday, Aug. 21.
Cara Miller, library director, and Courtney Howe, children’s librarian, said the library has invigorated both its atmosphere and literary offerings in recent months. They hope the changes will appeal to patrons who visit in person and virtually.
“We have an increase of patrons during the summer months. August seems to be a popular month for people to travel north to visit family or attend reunions,” Miller said. “It’s nice to see new and familiar faces visiting our library.”
WASHBURN, Maine — Children’s Librarian Courtney Howe, left, leads story time with young readers Sawyer Howe, Dylan Scott and Mitchell Scott at the Washburn Memorial Library. (Courtesy of Washburn Memorial Library)
The Children’s Library now has its own area downstairs in the building, complete with new shelving, additions to the book collection and a large LEGO supply. New shelving has been added upstairs, with a centerpiece display that features newly released books.
The library has added to its online offerings, as well, with the launch of monthly wellness videos on their Facebook page. These feature health and wellness-related book reviews. And book club lovers can enjoy the virtual Teatime Book Club.
For the coming month, the Children’s Summer Reading program is underway, made possible with a grant from Aroostook Partners in the Arts. This year’s theme is “Oceans of Possibilities.”
A Festival of Baskets raffle began Aug. 1 and will go through Aug. 19. Visitors can purchase raffle tickets to enter to win the baskets on display at the library. Staff hope to have more than a dozen baskets, each valued at more than $100, filled with reading and writing treats. Proceeds will benefit the library.
Local author Beverly Knowles will be at the library from 2 to 4 p.m. on Aug. 19 for a book signing. She will share her book “Echoes from Deane Mountain.” Refreshments will be served.
For those who love to see animals, Chewonki’s traveling natural history program will offer a biome presentation at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 26. The free program will include live animals for people to view and interact with.
Local students are a big part of the library’s new additions and offerings.
“We do have some students who fulfill community service hours and volunteer hours at the library. They can help out with some of our programs such as Toddler Story Time or Summer School,” Miller said. “It’s always helpful to have extra sets of eyes when little ones are around.”
For information, visit the Washburn Memorial Library on Facebook at facebook.com/WashburnMemorialLibrary, on the web at www.washburnlibrary.com or call 455-4814.
