The Rangeley Public Library has been fully open to the public since June 2020. We offer many books, DVDs, audiobooks, magazines, adult education courses, STEAM kits (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), and more. Our internet service has recently been upgraded to 1 gigabit per second, making it some of the fastest internet service in the state. Public access computers are available during library open hours, and WiFi access is freely accessible 24 hours per day. Copier, printing, Fax, and laminating services are available for a small fee. As COVID-19 restrictions relax, we anticipate offering in-person programs during the 2021 summer season. Participants are encouraged to sign up in advance to ensure a space at library programs. Following is a list of the programs currently planned:

July 7, 6:00 pm, Rat Six book talk presented by author Jack Flowers

Author and Vietnam Veteran Jack Flowers will discuss his historical novel, Rat Six. Based on true events, Rat Six tells the story of Clifford Price who was drafted into the U.S. Army in the 1960s to serve in Vietnam. Price was offered the job of leading the First Infantry Division Tunnel Rats. The Tunnel Rats were some of the most courageous soldiers to fight in Vietnam. Armed with only a flashlight and a pistol, these soldiers’ jobs were to navigate the underground labyrinths, retrieve vital intelligence, and destroy the tunnels.

Flowers will discuss his book for approximately half an hour and then open up the discussion for questions and answers. Copies of the book, Rat Six, will be available for purchase.

 

July 8, 10:00 am, Fur, Feathers, & Feet presented by Chewonki

Fur, Feathers, and Feet explores the basic questions of “What makes a bird a bird?” and “What makes a mammal a mammal?” How are they different and alike? What characteristics do all birds and all mammals have, and what are their functions? These questions are answered in a fun-filled hour of learning. By dressing up two students with the necessary features to make them either a bird or a mammal, a visual identification and comparison can be made. This program includes many hands-on materials (feathers, wings, talons), Chewonki’s live, male mallard duck, and a live, non-releasable big brown bat, or woodchuck. If time allows, several stuffed mammal mounts may be used in a guessing game based on the information that the students will gain during the program. This is a packed hour-long program of learning activities. It is designed for pre-Kindergarten through grade two.

July 8, 11:30 am, The Bugmobile presented by Chewonki

Is a bug an insect? Is a spider a bug? These questions and many more are answered in”The BugMobile”, bringing the world of arthropods – insects and their relatives, into the Rangeley Public Library. We will

look at the forms and functions of different groups of arthropods and explore many fascinating adaptations essential for survival such as mimicry, camouflage, armor and venom. The program includes live specimens, displays, models and activities to visually examine and understand the unique characteristics of these amazing creatures. This program is appropriate for pre-school and elementary-aged children.

July 10, 10:00 am-1:00 pm, Book & Bake Sale

Back, and better than ever, the 2021 Book & Bake Sale is not to be missed! After having to cancel our annual sale last summer, we have two years’ worth of book donations to offer for sale. Additionally, the baked goods portion of the sale will resume with minor changes in procedures to ensure the health and safety of our customers. Come early for a great selection of pies, cookies, and more!

July 14, 6:00 pm, Ancient Rocks of Western Maine presented by Mark Brockman

Selected Western Maine and Eastern New Hampshire Indigenous lithic (rock) types, will be discussed, from the book Indigenous Lithic Sources of Northeastern North America (ILSONENA), 2016, by Mark Brockmann & Barry Keegan. Lithic replicates (arrowheads, knives and stone tools) created by Barry Keegan for the ILSONENA book, will also be displayed. The archaeology/geology, physical properties and occurrence of the Maine and New Hampshire lithic types will be discussed during the presentation. The presentation will focus on those lithic types found in the Rangeley Lakes Region of Western Maine. Participants are invited to bring in personal lithic specimens/artifacts for identification/discussion, and to participate in the discussion.

July 21, 6:00 pm, Air Traffic Control: How Does It Work? presented by Jim Ferrara

Jim Ferrara, who worked as an Air Traffic Controller for 25 years at the Portland Jetport, will discuss the basics of how the air traffic control system works and how an aircraft gets from one airport to another. He will also discuss job opportunities in air traffic control, leaving plenty of opportunity for questions and answers.

July 28, 10:30 am, Tails & Tales Concert presented by Judy Pancoast

Singer/songwriter Judy Pancoast will entertain kids of all ages with her lively music designed to accompany the theme of this year’s Summer Reading Program, Tails & Tales.

August 4, 6:00 pm, Mainely Power book talk presented by author Matt Cost

Matt Cost, author of Maine’s 2021 Summer Reading Program fiction choice, Mainely Power, will be at the Rangeley Public Library to discuss his books. Matt Cost was a history major at Trinity College. He owned a mystery bookstore, a video store, and a gym, before serving a ten-year sentence as a junior high school teacher. In 2014 he was released and began writing. And that’s what he does. He writes histories and mysteries.

 

 

 

August 12, time TBA Summer Celebration
Stay tuned for details!

 

 

August 18, 6:00 pm, In the Currents of Quiet book talk presented by author Sarah Carlson

As we all do, Sarah Carlson has many pieces to her whole. Those pieces include: mother, teacher, widow, skier, bicyclist, hiker, coach, drummer, and poet. Sarah lives in the western foothills of Maine where opportunities to make connections amid the splendor of the rivers, lakes, and mountains are plentiful. She developed her unique poetic voice as she began to process the sudden death of her husband, Barry, both therapeutically and out in the natural world. Her first book, The Radiance of Change, was published in February of 2018. Her second, In the Currents of Quiet, was published in April of 2020. Sarah received her B.S. in Education in 1990 and her M.Ed. in 2009. Her books beautifully combine her love of the outdoors, journey toward wellness, and over 30 years of experience in the field of education.

 

 

 

Third Wednesday of each month, 4:00 pm, Rangeley Readers Book Group

Last Wednesday of each month, 4:00 pm, Adventure Book Group

Both groups welcome new members any time. Rangeley Readers tends to focus more on fiction while Adventure Book Group focuses more on nonfiction books. Call (864-5529) or stop by the Library to find out what the current books are and to pick up a copy so that you can join the discussion.

Tues, Weds, and Thurs throughout the summer, 10:00 am, Tails & Tales Summer Reading Program

The summer reading program is back for 2021. This year’s theme, Tails and Tales, will incorporate many animal adventures. Kids will have fun while strengthening early literacy and language skills. The program will include stories, crafts, snacks, and other fun activities. Children ages 3-5 are invited to attend either the Wednesday or Thursday groups. 6-9 year olds are invited to the Tuesday morning group. Please contact the library (864-5529) to sign up. Each day is limited to 15 children.

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