Weekly News and Updates

Patten Free Library Weekly News and Updates

July 24, 2026

Greetings!

Hungry? We can help! All resources listed below are completely free and open to anyone who needs them. Some age restrictions may apply.

The Bath Area Family YMCA's Veggie Van visits every Tuesday and Thursday at 11:45pm through August 20th. Children don't need to register to receive food but if parents want to pick up meals for kids they need to register at this link. The van only stays for about 15 minutes so be sure to get here before noon.
The Sharing Table visits every Tuesday from 12-2:30pm and is located outdoors in the Gazebo during the summer and indoors across from the Café Corner from September-May. Help yourself to fresh local vegetables gleaned from local farms provided by the Merrymeeting Gleaners and Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program.
The Little Free Pantry is located inside the library by the drinking fountain. Help yourself to food and toiletries donated by the community or make a contribution if you are able.
Ramen, bars, and other snacks are available any time for our Teen patrons. Check in at the Reference Desk to see the current selections.
Free Coffee Friday happens the first Friday of every month. Visit the Café Corner while supplies last and get a cup of coffee donated by Brackett's Market.

For more information, including a list of additional local resources, visit the link below.

Patten Free Library Staff

Local Food Resources

Special Events

Printable July Calendar

Death Café Summer Salon: Introduction to Green Burial

Tuesday, July 28 at 5:30pm

Adults

Learn about Green Burial and the work of Midcoast Maine Green Burial (MMGB). Cake provided.

PFL Book Group Summer Classics: Moby Dick by Herman Melville

Wednesday, July 29 at 3pm

Adults

Read Moby Dick and discuss! This month's meeting features Portraits of Ahab, a presentation on the Ahabs in film.

Looking Closely: Art Exhibit and Reception

Reception: Friday, July 17 at 5pm

Art on Display: July 6-August 28

Drawings by Robin A. S. Haynes on display in the Community Room during library open hours.

Read to a Dog

Greta: 1st Wednesdays at 3pm

Ruby: 2nd Fridays at 3pm **New**

Leila: 4th Thursdays at 3:30pm

Zorba: 4th Saturday at 12pm

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!

Summer Reading Events

Printable Summer Reading Calendar

Wild Animals with Sparks' Ark

Saturday, July 25 at 11am

All Ages

Live animal show full of fantastic creatures.

Family Game Night

Tuesday, July 28 at 5:30pm

Kids and Families

You bring the family, we provide the games, pizza, and snacks!

Bowdoin International Music Festival Community Concert

Wednesday, July 29 at 2pm

All Ages

Listen to featured student musicians from the acclaimed festival in our beautiful Reading Room.

Dungeons & Dragons

Wednesdays

Ages 8-11: July 1-August 5 at 3:30pm Waitlist Only

Ages 12-14: July 1-August 5 at 3:30pm

Ages 14-18: July 22-August 12 at 3pm

Registration Required

Create characters and work together to build a rich story as you explore a fantasy world and embark on an exciting quest where chaos and hijinks will inevitably ensue.

Nutrition and Cooking Class

Wednesdays at 2pm: July 1-August 5

Teens entering grades 6-12

Registration Recommended

Join UMaine Extension to talk about making healthy choices, added sugars, why whole grains are important, and learn cooking skills. We will prepare a dish and eat together each week!