At Norway Memorial Library, we’re celebrating the American Library Association’s 2026 National Library Week theme of “Find Your Joy.”

It is based on a new book by Mychal Threets, “I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy.” Threets is an award-winning librarian, new host of the children’s program, “Reading Rainbow,” and honorary chair of ALA’s National Library Week, held from April 19-25. 

The week celebrates the essential role libraries and library professionals play in community life. We’ll be getting started on our celebrations April 21 because we are closed April 19 as usual, and Monday, April 20, for the Patriots’ Day holiday. — No name, Norway

ANSWER: Now, more than ever, National Library Week is a big deal. Please take the time to visit your local library and show some love to the librarians and staff who know how to make things happen. Librarians have superpowers and they are here to make your life better. It really is amazing how they can help, not just with finding the perfect book, but with everything, from technological assistance to providing patrons with fun, interesting things to do. Go check it out! 

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Discover how to grow native plants from seed this spring. Join UMaine Cooperative Extension and McLaughlin Garden for a hands-on workshop
at McLaughlin Garden, 97 Main St. in South Paris on Tuesday, April 14, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

You’ll learn the essentials of successful native seed-starting and sow your own seeds to take home.

Register at https://extension.umaine.edu/oxford/native-seed-sowing/. Space is limited. The workshop fee is $25. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the registration page  on our website or contact Jennifer Cappello-Ruggiero, [email protected], 743-6329. — No name, South Paris

ANSWER: This is exactly what we need right now! Here is more gardening news below:

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On Wednesday, March 25, Gather to Grow will begin  Community Garden sign-ups. This is an opportunity for returning and new gardeners to sign up for a garden plot. New gardeners are encouraged to first fill out an interest form at https://tinyurl.com/48xpe6ph. There are three Auburn locations: 61 Webster St., 88 Newbury St., and 115 Whitney St. 

Priority is given to returning gardeners, but there are always available plots for new gardeners. The garden season runs from May to mid-October. 

Other upcoming Gather to Grow events to put on your calendar are the Winter Farmers’ Market at Edward Little High School at 77 Harris St. in Auburn on Thursday, March 26, from 4-7 p.m.; Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22; April and May Community Meals; and on Sunday, May 10, the Lewiston Farmers’ Summer Market at 75 Lincoln St. will open for the season. 

For more information, go to https://gathertogrowmaine.org/. To donate, go to https://givebutter.com/gathertogrow . — No name, no town

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name. We won’t use it if you ask us not to. Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to [email protected].