Patten Free Library Weekly News and Updates


May 1, 2026

SUPPORT | VOLUNTEER | CONTACT | VISIT | CATALOG | FRIENDS


Greetings!


At last Wednesday's Woolwich Town Hall meeting, the warrant to support the Patten Free Library failed to pass. We are saddened and dismayed and know this saddens many of you as well. While we are not yet certain what this means for our future, rest assured that we are still here and still providing the level of care and service that you have come to expect and rely on.


In the coming days and weeks we will have more information and more details about what this will look like next fiscal year, and ways you may be able to help. In the meantime, feel free to contact Library Director Lesley Dolinger at ldolinger@pattenfreelibrary or 207-443-5141 x 1015 directly with your concerns and questions.


Patten Free Library Staff

West Bath Residents: Your Voice Matters!


West Bath's Annual Town Meeting will be held on Monday, May 4 at 6pm at West Bath School. Now more than ever we encourage you to attend and vote at this meeting to support the library’s funding request. This vote has a direct impact on community services, including the library, and your participation makes a difference. Thank you!

Special Events

Repair Café at Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Saturday, May 2 from 10am-12:30pm

Adults

Off site at Habitat for Humanity ReStore at 1 Chandler Dr in Bath

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.

Abby's Book Club

Tuesday, May 5 at 3:30pm

Ages 6-10

Show-and-tell version of a book club by kids, for kids!

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


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


While We Wait by Bee Johnson


The rollicking rhymes move the book along in a fun way and the illustrations are rosy and warm watercolors with pops of bright colors. A great book for those who are looking to make an ordinary day have a bit of magic!

Did you know?

The Sharing Table will be moving to its summer home in Library Park beginning next week (May 5). Get free fresh vegetables gleaned from local farms provided by the Merrymeeting Gleaners and Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program! There are no restrictions on income or employment and no paperwork to fill out. Take what you need and leave the rest for your friends and neighbors. Produce will vary depending on what is available from the farms and gardens. Visit the Sharing Table every Tuesday from 12-2:30.

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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