The Folio Newsletter, November 2025

A Message From the Director

In October, libraries across the country discovered that one of the largest book distributors to public libraries was shutting down. While this closure was announced to be completed in January, they immediately canceled pending orders, effectively cutting off our main supply of books overnight without notice or explanation. While we do have other vendor relationships, those vendors have become overwhelmed with new accounts and are themselves running over capacity. We expect the supply chain to improve in the coming months, as other companies fill the vacuum left by Baker & Taylor. If you are interested, you can learn more here. Please know that we are doing our best to obtain newly released titles as soon as we can. We are also grateful for local businesses like Sherman’s and Bull Moose for stepping in and helping us fill purchasing gaps. We know how excited you all are to get those new titles by your favorite authors, and we hope for things to get back to normal soon. In the meantime, we are all scrambling behind the scenes to minimize impact to library operations. As always, if you’re looking for a place to donate that gently used new bestseller you just finished – we’ll take it with gratitude!

Save the Date!

Eamon White's Sneaker Painting Workshop

Wednesday December 3, 2026, 5:15 PM, Russell Room

Join us for this fun workshop to put your best illustrated foot forward for the Ugly Sweater Road Race on Saturday December 6! You'll be able to show off your style all winter long in your personally designed creation! Celebrated Maine artist Eamon White is known for emblazoning sports shoes with imagery meaningful to the wearer, including a line of footwear designed for the New England Patriots! Join Eamon as he shares his passion for creating one-of-a-kind custom footwear and discusses the digital techniques behind his powerful imagery. All ages are welcome, although this workshop is geared toward youth ages 11 and up. Registration is required; space is limited. Please bring a pair of your own shoes or sneakers, we will provide the paint markers. Learn more and register here.

The Ugly Sweater and Merry Mile 5K

Saturday December 5, 2026

Break out those ugly sweaters and join us on Saturday, December 6 at 9:00 AM for a holiday hustle down Route One in Falmouth. The Ugly Sweater 5K and Merry Mile Fun Run / Walk are part of the Very Merry Falmouth weekend celebration with events running Thursday-Saturday. Proceeds from the race benefit the Falmouth Memorial Library's Annual Fund. Learn more about the race, sponsorship and registration here.

Events & Exhibits

Tech Help with Teens

Saturday November 1, 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Breezeway

Adults

Need help with technology? Meet with our Teen volunteers. They can answer your questions and help you navigate your devices. Bring your own device or just bring your questions! No registration is required. Please note: we do not offer technology repair. We can show you how to use your devices, but we do not fix computers. Can't make it this time? See our upcoming Tech Help with Teens events here.


Short Story Discussion Group

Monday November 3 & 17 , 10 - 11 AM

The Gam

Adults

Don't have time to read a whole book for a book discussion? Join us to discuss bite sized short stories instead! The group meets every other Monday at 10am to discuss a story or two from a specific collection. New members are encouraged to join anytime! Click here to find out what short stories we are currently reading. See our upcoming Short Story Discussion Group dates here.


Learning with Yaya: Spanish for Kids

Monday November 3, 10:30 - 11:45 AM

Children's Programming Room

Kids, Ages 0 - 8

Discover the magic of Spanish! Yaya from Learning with Yaya - Spanish for kids will share a few of her wonderful books while leading a playful journey into the world of Spanish through games, books and music. Children will learn, dance, and leave with a newfound appreciation for the beauty of the Spanish language. Join us for an event that combines the joy of books and the thrill of learning! Learn more here.

Genealogy Help

Tuesdays, 9:30 - 10:30 AM

Breezeway

Adults

Your friendly neighborhood genealogy expert, Tim Lynch, is here at the Library (almost) every Tuesday morning for all your drop-in genealogy needs. Stop by to ask a question, talk about your genealogy research, learn about Ancestry.com and other tools accessible at the library to help you with your family research. See our upcoming genealogy help desk dates here.

Preschool Storytime

Tuesdays, 9:45 - 10:15 AM & Fridays, 10:30 - 11 AM

Children's Programming Room

Kids, Ages 3 - 5

Children develop early literacy skills through stories, songs, rhymes, and bubbles. Join us for Preschool Storytime twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays! This story time is suggested for children ages 3-5 and their parents and caregivers. No registration is necessary! See all our upcoming Preschool Storytime dates here.

Toddler Storytime

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30 - 11 AM

Children's Programming Room

Kids, Ages 0 - 3

Children develop early literacy skills through stories, songs, rhymes, and bubbles. Join us for Toddler Storytime twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays! This story time is suggested for children ages 0-3 and their parents and caregivers. No registration is necessary! See all upcoming Toddler Storytime dates here.

Y is for Yoga Storytime

Wednesday November 5, 10:30 - 11 AM

Children's Programming Room

Kids, Ages 3 - 5

Develop the mind/body connection and early literacy skills through mindful movements. This program is appropriate for ages 3-5 and their caregivers. No registration is necessary. Please bring your own yoga mat if you have one; the library can provide some. See our other upcoming Y is for Yoga events here.

A Common Yarn

Thursdays, 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Russell Room

Adults

A textile craftsmanship group that meets weekly to work on and share their own projects created by knitting, felting, tatting, weaving, embroidery, spinning, etc. Participants are encouraged to bring along their unfinished projects for a little inspiration and guidance. Drop in anytime 1:00 - 3:00 PM on Thursdays! See our upcoming A Common Yarn event dates here.

The Great State of Illustration in Maine

Saturday November 8 — Saturday January 31

Throughout the Library

All Ages

We proudly welcome Illustration Institute's The Great State of Illustration in Maine art exhibit at the library November 8 through January 31! This artwork presents the rich, diverse cultural heritage of Maine illustrators through narrative imagery. Showcasing more than 80 illustrators with deep Maine connections such as Dahlov Ipcar, Chris Van Dusen, NC Wyeth, and more. This exhibit will promote illustration as an art form in our library!

Dungeons & Dragons for Teens

Saturday November 8, 1:30 - 4:45 PM

Russell Room North

Kids, Ages 11 - 17

This a monthly group for players of D&D open to newbies and experienced players. Premade characters available or bring your own. We will provide the dice. This event is for ages 11-17 only. And there will be snacks...always so many snacks! Registration is encouraged, space is limited to 14 people. Learn more and register here.

Build a Story

Monday November 10, 10:30 - 11:30 AM

Children's Programming Room

Kids, Ages 3 - 8

Build a Story is a program where the little hands (3-8 years old) read a story while building an element of the story. Motivating read-alouds provide a framework for this introduction to manual woodworking tools. Kids 3-8 are invited to join us every 2nd Monday of the month for this program! Registration is required and space is limited to 10 participants each month. Learn more and register here.


2nd Wednesday Book Discussion Group

Wednesday November 12, 1 - 2 PM

Russell Room North

Adults

The Falmouth Memorial Library Book Group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. The group reads a mixture of fiction and non-fiction. New members are encouraged to join us! For more information on the book we are reading next, check our event calendar. If you have other questions, please email us at events@falmouthmemoriallibrary.org. See our December book selection here.



French Conversation Group

Wednesday November 12, 5:30 - 6:30 PM

The Gam

Adults

Interested in French conversation? Join other French speakers every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 5:30-6:30 PM for casual conversation. Beginners and experienced speakers are all welcome.À bientôt à la bibliothèque! In partnership with the Baxter Memorial Library and the Scarborough Public Library. See our upcoming French Conversation Group dates here.


Cookbook Club

Wednesday November 12, 5:30 - 6:45 PM

Russell Room

Adults

Don't let the word "club" intimidate you! Join us for this super fun cooking and eating group! Each month, you choose a recipe from the selected cookbook and bring it to the meeting. That's it! We'll eat together and chat about our cooking adventures. In November, we are making dishes from the cookbook Thanksgiving: How to Cook it Well by Sam Sifton. Registration is required. Space is limited. Learn more and register here.

Play and Learn: Stuffed Animal Sleepover!

Wednesday November 12, 6 - 6:30 PM

Children's Programming Room

Kids, Ages 2 - 5

Early childhood is a time of learning! Join us to boost early science, engineering, math, and art skills with fun and engaging activities. Bring a teddy bear or stuffed animal to the library, and enjoy a pajama storytime. The stuffies can stay overnight, and the librarians will have a party with them. You may pick them up in the morning to see all the fun they had. *Pro tip: Don't bring a favorite stuffed animal, just one that can be left overnight. Learn more here.

Kids Club: LEGO Free Play

Thursday November 13, 3:30 - 4:30 PM

Children's Programming Room

Kids, Ages 5 - 11

Join us on the second Thursday of every month to develop engineering skills and have fun with LEGOs and friends. Can't make it this month? No problem, see all our upcoming Lego Free Play events here.


Coffee and Chromosomes

Saturday November 15, 10 AM - 12:30 PM

Russell Room
Adults & Kids Ages 0 - 12

Parents and kids, aged 0-12, are welcome to join us for this morning of socializing and community. There will be coffee for the grownups and some age-appropriate toys and activities for the kids. This group is designed for those within the Down Syndrome community but kids (and their parents!) of all abilities are welcome to join in the fun. To keep those with allergies safe, this is a no-food event! This program is presented in partnership with the Down Syndrome Advocacy Project of Maine.

Teen Crafternoon

Monday November 17, 3:30 - 4:30 PM

Teen Room

Teens

Get your craft on at the library! Are you an artist, illustrator, knitter or crocheter? Looking to meet new friends while getting creative? Join us on the third Monday of the month for Teen Crafternoon! We provide basic craft supplies, a really old sewing machine, and a supportive, laid back environment to work on your current project! Can't make it this time? See our upcoming Teen Crafternoon dates here.


Kickback Event at Rivalries!

Wednesday November 19, All Day!

Rivalries Restaurant, 2 Hat Trick Drive
All Ages

Support the Library by eating at Rivalries anytime on November 19th! Just let your server know you're there for the Kickback Event and 20% of the proceeds will go to the Library! How it works: Go to Rivalries at 2 Hat Trick Drive, Falmouth, or order takeout. Tell your server you're there for the Library's Kickback Event! (Use the notes section for takeout.) Enjoy your food and thank you for supporting your library and community at the same time!

Kid's Club: Picasso Art

Wednesday November 19, 3:30 - 3:30pm

Russell Room
Kids, Ages 5 - 11

Join us every month for activities that are so fun kids won't even know they're learning! Our Kid's Club programs are held on Falmouth schools early release days every month from 3:30 - 4:30 PM. These events are appropriate for ages 5 - 11. In November, we'll be creating art in the style of Picasso! Don't worry if you can't make it this month, you can see our other upcoming Kid's Club events here.


Stephen Costanza's King of Ragtime: The Story of Scott Joplin

Wednesday November 19, 5:15 - 6:15 PM

Russell Room
All Ages

The beautiful picture book King of Ragtime, the Story of Scott Joplin will be the focus for this first program in our Great Slate of Programming with the Illustration Institute! Engaging for all ages, this delightful event will explore Stephen's process of creating a picture book based on the beloved American composer/pianist Scott Joplin. Costanza will share his inspiration, research, and original paintings and sketchbooks. He will also play several Joplin ragtime tunes on piano to showcase Joplin's contribution to our musical heritage. Registration is required. All ages are welcome to join us! Learn more and register here.


Tech Talk: Windows 11 Basics

Tuesday November 25, 10 - 11 AM
Russell Room South

Adults

Come explore the Windows 11 operating system, including its settings and new features added since Windows 10. Please note this class does not offer technology repair. We can show you how to use your device, but we will not fix it if it's broken. Advance registration is encouraged, but not required. Register to receive an email reminder before the event. Walk-ins are welcome!  Register here.

Kids Club: Chess

Tuesday November 25, 3:30 - 4:30 PM

Children's Programming Room

Ages 5-11

Kids ages 5-11 can join us for a game of chess. Our awesome volunteers will assist those looking to learn, and those who already know how to play can find a friend for a match. Bring your own board if you would like; the library has 3 boards to share. No registration is necessary. Find our upcoming Kids Club: Chess events here.

Teen Hangout: Movie Singalong & KPop Crafts

Wednesday November 26, 1 - 3 PM*

Russell Room

Teens and Kids, Ages 8 and up

Join us for a celebration of all things KPop Demon Hunters. Sing along to the songs while making crafts. No registration is required. This event is for ages 8 and up. *This month's Teen Hangout will be held earlier than usual due to the library's early closing for the Thanksgiving holiday. Lots going on and can't make it this month? No worries! See all our upcoming Teen Hangout events here.

News and Announcements

Food for Fines

November 1 — November 30

Starting November 1st, the Falmouth Memorial Library will be accepting non-perishable food donations for the Falmouth Food Pantry. For every donation you make, we will waive a $1 fine from your library account. Please drop off all food donations at the front desk. No outstanding fines? We still gladly accept donations!

Most Needed Items:

Cereal (low sugar)

Granola bars

Crackers

Canned soups (not cream-based)

Canned fruits & veggies

Canned tuna/chicken

Nuts & Dried fruits

Pasta & Sauce

Toothpaste

Bars of soap

Dish/laundry detergent

Library Closings

The library will be closed in observation of Veterans Day on Tuesday November 11. The library will reopen on Wednesday November 12 at 9:30 AM. We thank our veterans for their service. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday.


On Wednesday, November 26, the library will close early at 5 PM. We are closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday November 27 and Friday November 28. The library will reopen on Saturday November 29 at 9:30 AM. We are grateful for all of our patrons and your support! Enjoy a safe and happy Thanksgiving!


WAIT! THERE'S MORE!

Check out our complete calendar of events, recurring programs, and exhibits here:

Read our FY 2025 Annual Report here.

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