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Hello Patten Free,

Looking to practice a foreign language? PFL can help! We now have two language conversation groups; French meets Tuesdays at 6pm and Spanish on Fridays at 10:30am. Both groups are open to speakers of all ages and abilities and led by experienced volunteers.

Form our Unusual Things collection check out a Dino Lingo Language kits for kids, which include flashcards, books, music cds and more.

While these current offers are limited to French and Spanish we are hoping to add more languages to our resources in the future. Looking for something specific? Let us know!

We do offer a limited selection of materials for check out including dictionaries and foreign language films. Now that ILL is back we are happy to help you find any resource might not carry on our shelves.

Patten Free Library Staff

Roof work has been ongoing and should wrap up early next week.

Currently, the old roof insulation and rubber roof membrane are being replaced in preparation for the installation of solar panels. 115 solar panels, producing the same power as 28 microwaves, will cut the library’s electricity costs by about half!

Check this spot for weekly updates and visit our website to learn more about the project.

Development

On Saturday September 14 we celebrated our most dedicated donors with an event at Maine’s First Ship where we learned about the building of the Virginia. The guest list included our John Patten Society donors who have made a pledge to the Library’s future by making a gift to our Endowment, through their planned giving, a bequest, or a gift. You can learn more about making a Legacy Gift to support our mission here.

Karl Albrecht, President of the Library Board and JPS member, talks with Ted Hoch, a JPS member, on the Virginia at Maine’s First Ship.

Special Events

Share and Share Alike

Friday, September 20 from 6:30-8pm

All Ages

An evening of mini-Ted talk like “lightning-round” presentations from a variety of speakers. Coffee, tea, and treats will be provided.

PFL Book Group

Wednesday, September 25 at 3pm

Adults

Discuss a paired reading of fiction and nonfiction books on topical themes.

Nonfiction: The Best and the Brightest by David Halberstam

Fiction: The Women by Kristin Hannah

Spanish Conversation

Fridays, September 27-October 8 at 10:30am

Adults

Strengthen your Spanish skills in this six week session! All abilities are welcome, but the group is geared towards practicing conversational Spanish with those who have studied Spanish or lived or traveled in a Spanish speaking country.

PFL Design Contest

Closes October 19

All Ages

Show your library love and have your design featured on a t-shirt, bag, or water bottle! All styles welcome.

History Room Highlight: September

September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month, so we thought we’d highlight some of the incredible resources at Patten Free Library card gives you access to. Did you know that you can access dozens of historic Maine newspapers from anywhere, including the comfort of your own home? NewspaperArchive is an online repository with digitized versions of old newspapers from all over the country. With a Patten Free Library card you’re able to log in and search through thousands of issues from more than 40 Maine papers published as far back as 1810 and all the way up into the 21st century.

To access this great resource simply go to the Patten Free Library website and find NewspaperArchive (Remote Access) in the dropdown under the “Digital Resources” tab. Just enter your library card number—without any spaces—and you’ll be all set to start searching. A printed guide on how to use NewspaperArchive is available at the Reference Desk. You can also access NewspaperArchive without having to login anywhere in the building as long as you’re on the Patten Free Library WiFi network—including from one of our public computers! A whole world of articles from days gone by, obituaries and marriage announcements, and all those funny old advertisements is right at your fingertips. 

Have you browsed our VOX book selection yet? VOX books are audiobooks that live within an actual printed picture book! On the inside cover is a permanently attached speaker that can read the book to you and your little one. We have over forty titles for our patrons to peruse, with a range of picture books and nonfiction books to appeal to a wide audience at Patten Free.

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