Patten Free Library Weekly News and Updates


October 2, 2026

 

SUPPORT | VOLUNTEER | CONTACT | VISIT | CATALOG | FRIENDS

 
 
 


Greetings!


Every year we take time to show our appreciation to the hundreds (yes, hundreds!) of library volunteers at Patten Free. From our esteemed Corporators and Board Trustees, to our daily shelvers, packers, cleaners, and Friends, we rely on your work and your effort to keep this library going!


Last Saturday we hosted a dim sum style tea with a slide show that highlighted many of our longtime volunteers, and a few new recruits. This gave our volunteers the chance to not only brag about their accomplishments and interests (and there were many!) but really get to know each other. Volunteers talked, laughed, and imbibed in some terrific food and tea.


If you are a volunteer who was not able to make it to our tea, please know that we appreciate everything you do! The library literally could not run without you.


Patten Free Library Staff

Fundraising News and Events

There's only one more day left to bid in our online auction - and every bid helps support Patten Free Library!


We’ve lowered the starting bids on several great auction items that haven’t received a bid yet, so now is a great time to take another look. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, getting a jump on holiday gifts, or just looking for something fun, every dollar spent raises funds for the Library. Don’t wait! The auction closes at midnight on October 3!


Visit our website and click the auction link on the homepage to see all the items and place your bids.

Special Events

American Girl Doll Festival

Saturday, October 3 from 10am-12pm

Kids and Families

Celebrate America's 250th birthday with a Felicity themed fall festival! We will have pony rides, face painting, snacks, and more!

This event is made possible by the Maine State Library's Revolutionary Maine Commemoration Grant.

Homeschool Social

Thursday, October 8 at 10:15am

Kids and Families

Gather together and chat all things homeschool! Snack, play, and socialize.

Read to a Dog

Greta: 1st Wednesdays at 3pm

Ruby: 2nd Fridays at 3pm

Leila: 4th Thursdays at 3:30pm

Zorba: 4th Saturday at 12pm

All Ages

Registration Required

Dogs are nonjudgmental listeners and help foster confidence in readers who may need a little extra encouragement. Four fifteen minute slots are available each month for signup. Reluctant readers of all ages are welcome!

 
 
 
What to Read Next

New Titles


It's a new month, and that means new books! Check out these new titles on the PFL shelves.

 

Children's Room Shout Out: Gia


Madeline Finn and the Library Dog by Lisa Papp


A special story for kids who struggle to read. It often makes me a bit emotional by the end!

 
 
 
Did you know?

It's no secret that we love American Girl Dolls at the Patten Free Library! Not only can you check out dolls from our Library of Things collection, but this weekend we are having an American Girl Doll Festival in Library Park!


From 10am-12pm come celebrate America's 250th birthday with a Felicity themed fall festival! We will have pony rides, face painting, snacks, and more. This event takes place during Main Street Bath's Bath Autumnfest and City of Bath's Community Involvement Day, and we encourage you to visit all three events!


Pictured here are PFL staff members with their favorite AGD characters from childhood: Stephanie with Kit, Mary with Felicity, Gia with Samantha, Hannah with Kirsten, and Aurora with Molly's dog Bennet.


This event is made possible by the Maine State Library's Revolutionary Maine Commemoration Grant.


Digital Resources

 
 
 

Patten Free Library | 33 Summer Street | 207-443-5141 | pattenfreelibrary.org


Patten Free Library is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We receive some municipal support and we rely heavily on the generosity of our communities to support our work.

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