The Librarian's Messy Desk
Welcome to the first issue of the digital newsletter for the Fort Kent Public Library. There have been changes at the library as we have emerged from the COVID years, and one of them is the person who manages the library. That person would be me, Andrew Birden, and I am the new library director. Some folks may recognize my name from my years working with The St. John Valley Times and the Fiddlehead Focus. For those I’ve not met, I have a background in secondary and college STEM education, computer information systems and journalism.
This little library is one of the centers for our community, and one of the few remaining spaces where anyone in the town may gather. We strive to find answers, guidance and entertainment for anyone and everyone who walks through our doors. It is a responsibility which I will strive to meet with grace, competence and confidence.
Over the coming months, Fort Kent will see some things change at the library. Some will be obvious, such as introducing Saturday hours so that working partners with children can bring their families to Monument Square. Other changes may be more subtle as we examine what services we offer that need reinforcement, what services have become unnecessary, and what new services we should offer in order to help the members of our community grow and understand the world around them.
The staff of our library are some of the wisest people from our community, and I have no doubt they will be able to carry us through the coming years. As for me, I will attempt to meet the high standards that our previous library directors have set since our doors opened in 1940.
My hope is that you will use our services, join us in our community activities and support the library as we move through the 21st Century.
August Events
Library Muskie Derby Raffle - Have you been searching for one of those super-duper coolers that all the outdoor adventurers have been talking about? Well guess who is raffling off one of those coolers? Up North Outdoors has partnered with the Fort Kent Public Library to create a raffle that includes an Orca cooler, a Tundra reel with an okama fishing rod, along with other great items. It's all worth over $260. Drop by the library to buy a ticket for $5, or purchase three for $10. The drawing is on Sunday, August 14. Name the Newsletter Contest - This newsletter needs a name. Some obvious ideas are to call it the Fort Kent Public Library Newsletter, The North Reader Newsletter, or something boring like that. But we should hear from our community for name ideas that are less obvious and more creative. I’d like to hear your suggestions for a name for this newsletter. If you have an idea, send it to fortkentpubliclibrary1@gmail.com.
Summer Reading Program ends August 12
Used Book Sale Friday August 12, 12-5, Saturday, Aug. 13, 10-2.
Learning Opportunity - How to browse, check out and read eBooks - Monday, August 15, 2-3
New and Featured Books
Class Act by Stuart Woods
Hush-hush by Stuart Woods
Robert B. Parker’s Someone to Watch Over Me by Ace Atkins
Jackpot by Stuart Woods
Shamed by Linda Castillo
In Search Of The library needs a donation of another laptop computer, preferably one that is no more than two years old. We plan to use this computer as a job search station and to help our patrons create resumes. Important sources of local information Fort Kent Public Library Website (TBA) University of Maine at Fort Kent Blake Library Site Fiddlehead Focus Dolly Parton Book Program As you can see, we have much happening, with more to come, and we hope this newsletter was useful. If you have questions or comments, please respond to this email, call the library at 834-3048 or drop in and let us know how things are going. Regards, Andrew Birden, Library Director