Patten Free Library Weekly News and Updates


May 15, 2026

SUPPORT | VOLUNTEER | CONTACT | VISIT | CATALOG | FRIENDS


Greetings!


We are excited to announce that you can now check out a pass to Maine's First Ship as part of our Museum and Pass program! Maine's First Ship, located at the Bath Freight Shed at 27 Commercial Street, offers tours of their visitor's center and of the pinnace Virginia, their reconstruction of the ship built in 1607.


Maine's First Ship opens for the season on Saturday, and we will be lending a pass for up to four people for every day they are open through the end of September. Visit our circulation desk today for more information, and learn about other passes to borrow on our website. All you need is your library card!



Patten Free Library Staff

Woolwich Residents, Let Your Voice Be Heard!


Attention Woolwich residents! The town of Woolwich has decided to hold a special town meeting Wednesday, June 24 at 6pm at Woolwich Central School to revote on funding for the Patten Free Library. Woolwich voters must attend this meeting in person to vote.


We encourage all library supporters to attend this meeting, as your support is instrumental to ensure continued funding for our organization. Our library community is a better place with you here!


For questions about our funding you can visit our website or contact Library Director Lesley Dolinger directly by phone at 207-443-5141 x1015 or by email. We are always happy to answer your questions.

Special Events

Friends of PFL Spring into Summer Book Sale

Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 from 10am-4pm

All Ages

Celebrate the season with some new books! Discover treasures in every genre and enjoy great bargains on a wonderful selection of titles. All proceeds benefit the Patten Free Library.

A Very Fancy Tea Party

Saturday, May 16 at 10:30am

Ages 4-9

Miss Mary is inviting YOU to the fanciest tea party you ever did see! Come dressed in your finest, and enjoy tea and macarons, stories, and a few (very elegant) games for the fancy free in your life. 

Friends of Patten Free Library Meeting

Tuesday, May 19 at 4pm

Adults

Monthly meeting of the volunteer organization responsible for bringing the public into a closer relationship with the library and strengthening the library’s operating budget.

Podcast Listening Series: Becoming the People

Wednesday, May 20 at 5:15pm

Adults

Listen to the selected podcast together and follow with a guided group discussion.

Bath Garden Club at All Ages Storytime

Friday, May 22 at 10:15am

Kids and Families

A special Bath Garden Club Storytime where everyone will receive a marigold of their very own! 

Read to a Dog

Greta: 1st Wednesdays at 3pm

Abby: 3rd Thursdays at 3:30pm

Leila: 4th Thursdays at 3:30pm

Zorba: 4th Saturday at 12:30pm New!

All Ages

Registration Required

Dogs are non-judgmental 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!

Friends of Patten Free Library News and Events


Celebrate the season with the Friends of Patten Free Library at the Spring into Summer Book Sale in the Library Park Gazebo on May 15th and 16th from 10am to 4pm. Discover treasures in every genre and enjoy great bargains on a wonderful selection of books. All proceeds benefit the Patten Free Library.


About us: The Friends of Patten Free Library is a volunteer group dedicated to strengthening library services and support for the Arrowsic, Bath, Georgetown, West Bath and Woolwich communities.  Memberships help us contribute to the library's general operating fund and support programs for the communities it serves.

What to Read Next

Staff Picks


Primeval and Other Times by Olga Tokarczuk


A novel that tracks the lives of the people, animals and angels of a Polish village as they unfurl across the volatile twentieth century, snarled and wrenched askew at intervals by its upheavals and brutalities.


-Aurora, Reference

Children's Room Shout Out: Meredith


Ten Eggs in a Nest by Marilyn Sadler and illustrated by Michael Fleming


The story is happy and full of energy, as are the bold colorful illustrations.

Did you know?

As of May 1, our pass to the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine will no longer cover the entire entrance fee. This change comes directly from the museum, and applies to all libraries across the state. Luckily, we will still be able to offer four passes per day at 50% off. The remaining 50% is paid by patrons and goes to the museum.


While this is certainly not ideal, it's a good reminder of the importance of supporting cultural institutions, like museums and libraries, whenever and however you can. They are always worth our time, money and effort when we have the ability to give it.


We love being able to offer passes to our cardholders! Passes encourage equitable access in our community while supporting local institutions. Stop by the circulation desk today for more information.

Libraries We Love


It's no secret that our staff love the Patten Free Library- but there are other libraries that are important to us too! Get to know our staff a little better and learn about some of the best libraries from all over and what makes them so special.

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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