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Greetings!

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the Patten Free Library's 2026 Annual Writing Contest! We can't wait to share the winning pieces with the public in our literary magazine, which will be published in April.

The 11th Annual Writing Contest was open to writers of Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Poetry in grades 6-12 and adults. Our judges had an especially difficult time choosing from all the excellent submissions, and would like to congratulate everyone who entered, as would the staff of the Patten Free Library!



It is no small thing to be brave enough to share your words with the world, and you are all winners in our book (and we know books!). Congratulations to everyone who entered!

Patten Free Library Staff

Development News and Updates

We are grateful to Bath Savings Institution for their generous and consistent support of Patten Free Library. They have been steadfast supporters of our work, and their commitment makes a meaningful difference. Their gift helps ensure that our library remains a welcoming place for learning, connection, and discovery for everyone in our community. With partners like Bath Savings, we can continue offering programs and resources that inspire curiosity and strengthen the fabric of our towns. We are deeply thankful for their investment in our shared future.

Special Events

Repair Café

Saturday, April 4 from 10am-12:30pm

Adults

Why replace when you can repair? Our expert volunteers will help repair your electronics, lamps, furniture, jewelry and small appliances; mend clothing, and sharpen tools. Presented in partnership with the Curtis Memorial Library, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and Merrymeeting Community and Adult Education. Repair Café will rotate between locations.

Bath Climate Conversations: Protecting Bath's Urban Forest From the Impacts of Emerald Ash Borer

Wednesday, April 8 in person and live on Zoom

Adults

Registration Required for Zoom only

Members of the Bath Community Forestry Committee will explain the biology of emerald ash borer and how they lead to tree mortality, treatment options, and resources the city is employing to protect ash trees. Bath Climate Conversations is a continuing series focused on learning, discussing, and connecting around ways to sustain and support our vibrant town as climate change occurs. Hosted by Bath Climate Action Commission in partnership with Kennebec Estuary Land Trust and the Patten Free Library.

Homeschool Social: Library Tours

Thursday, April 9 at 10:15am

Kids and Families

Homeschool families can get a behind-the-scenes look at different aspects of library work and how different parts of the library operate and function as a smaller part of the whole. Second Thursdays from November-April.

Driving Fitness, Health, & Aging: Considerations for Safe Mobility

Friday, April 10 at 10:30

Adults

Registration Recommended

Learn how aging-related changes in health and function may impact driving safety, how the Maine BMV addresses medical-fitness-to-drive concerns, and how older drivers may self-regulate to remain safely behind the wheel or make a smooth transition into driving retirement. Co-sponsored with Age Friendly Communities of the Lower Kennebec.

Poetry Walk

April 1-30

All Ages

Library Park

Celebrate National Poetry Month and read some poems while enjoying spring in the park.

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

It’s time for the Friends of Patten Free Library Membership Drive! From April 1 through April 30, every new or renewed membership will be entered into a raffle for a $50 Gift of Bath card. We’ll draw the winner May 1 at the Library.

Member perk: Enjoy a bookstore bonus—buy two books, get one free at the library bookstore, 194 Front Street in Bath. The bookstore is open daily 10am–4pm, with a great selection of gently used books for all ages, plus CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, and puzzles.

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. Your membership helps us contribute to the Library’s general operating fund and support programs and offerings for the communities it serves.

We are currently accepting donations for our 2026 seed library! Bring us your unused seeds from last summer, extra seeds you collected from your most recent harvest, and those few random seeds you haven't been able to figure out what to do with... we will take them all! We just ask that everything be clean, dry and labeled.

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.

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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