8331_NewGloucester_2021-2022_AnnualReport_Web

Events and Programs: The Library offered 22 adult and all ages’ programs, with a total participation of 420. These included two general interest book clubs and an antiracism book club facilitated by volunteer Leigh Anne Keichline. In June, the Trustees hosted a party in honor of the retirement of former Library Director Suzan Hawkins. In November, journalist and historian Bob Greene gave a presentation on the history of African Americans in Maine. Also in November, the Library cohosted the lighting of Tiny Timber holiday tree with the New Gloucester Historical Society and the Friends of the Library. In March, the library held a party to celebrate its 134th birthday. During National Volunteer Week in April, the library hosted a Volunteer Recognition Party. Maine Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Noreen Williams taught a course on raised-bed organic vegetable gardening for beginners with the assistance of volunteer Phoebe Hardesty. In June, the Library hosted the first concert in a free summer series, Illinois-based blues artist James Armstrong and his band, which was held in the Community Building due to rain. The library also offered 150 programs with a total participation of 2189. These included two weekly story times with Ms. Emily, make and take crafts and outdoor story walks. In July and August, as part of the 2021 Summer reading program the library offered weekly Crafty Kids programs, doggy story times with Mocha and her human, volunteer Michael Fralich, a presentation on the owls of Maine by the Chewonki Foundation, a visit from Mr. Drew and His Animals Too, a coloring contest, and an ice cream party to celebrate the end of summer reading. In October, the hosted a Halloween party and haunted house with the assistance of volunteers from 4-H. The theme of 2022’s Summer Reading Program was “Oceans of Possibilities” and it kicked off with a Pirate Party in June. In June, as part of the 2022 Summer Reading Program, It also included weekly Crafty Kids programs, a weekly STEM program for the Parks and Recreation Department’s summer camp, and an interactive storytelling workshop by the Portland Stage Company, which was held in the Community Building. Outreach and Community Engagement: In August, the library and the Friends of the Library each had booths at the New Gloucester Community Fair. In April, the Library hosted an 8th grade class from Fiddlehead School in Gray to conduct research on New Gloucester history and Shakers. Also in April, Emily and Jay participated in Spring Family Night at Memorial School. In May, the Library welcomed the Environmental Resources Committee for a seed giveaway. Also in May, the Library welcomed three second-grade classes from Memorial School as part of their field trip organized by the New Gloucester Historical Society.

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